Tens of thousands of people have had to be evacuated from fires across the Mediterranean, and the flames are particularly fierce on the popular holiday island of Rhodes. The Austrian honorary consul on Rhodes, Maria Firoglani-Moschi, describes the situation on the ground in the “Krone” interview.
“crown”:Ms. Honorary Consul first asks: How are you and your family?
Maria Firoglani-Moschi: Thank you for asking, we are fine given the circumstances.
How long have you been working here as an honorary consul for Austria? Can you remember a similar scenario?
I have been working as an Austrian honorary consul in Rhodes since 2018. We haven’t had a similar situation here since.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has its own crisis team in Rhodes. How do you divide the work?
I am in constant exchange and contact with affected Austrians who need support in this exceptional situation. Our on-site crisis team also works at the service point directly at the airport with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and colleagues from EU Member States to help even more effectively.
What are the biggest problems for holidaymakers here at the airport, how can the team help?
Some areas were evacuated by local authorities and affected holidaymakers had to leave their hotels. They were temporarily housed in emergency shelters such as schools, sports facilities, etc. Other tourists remained at the airport. Some want to leave earlier. The crisis team in Rhodes and the Austrian embassy in Athens are also on hand for help and advice.
For example, what case of a family has stuck with you in particular?
It is difficult to single out a single case here. I remember the gratitude of many Austrian families and especially the children. Many also expressed their gratitude for the hospitality of the local people.
What advice do you have for Austrians who have booked a trip to Rhodes for the next few days?
Of course it is and remains an individual decision. It should be taken into account in which area the holiday is planned and what the local situation is like. It is important that all travelers register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure, so that we can reach them more quickly in the event of an emergency.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
