According to Reuters, thousands were evacuated late last week as Crete endured gale force winds that exacerbated wildfires that burned forests and olive groves. At least 3,500 tourists were evacuated from Ierapetra last week, but have since been returned to their original lodgings. Temperatures reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit this past week.

Around 3,000 Crete residents have been evacuated and put up in temporary shelters, and people remaining in their homes have been told to close 'all the doors and windows'