Terrifying footage of people escaping from burning Greek island compared to a disaster movie

Terrifying footage of people being evacuated by ferry from the burning Lake Evia in Greece has gone viral with many people comparing it to a scene from a blockbuster disaster movie.

Parts of Greece and Turkey have been ravaged by wildfires this week. More than 150 fires have been reported in Greece alone with many breaking out on the northern outskirts of Athens. More fires have been predicted as the country battles against strong winds and scorching temperatures reaching 45 degrees celsius. One firefighter has died and 20 people have required medical treatment.

Authorities have now taken evacuating areas where fires have destroyed homes, businesses and farms. One particular area is Evia, an island popular with tourists with at least 1,153 being ferried away from the shores as fires have cut off all other routes of escape.

Footage from onboard one of the ferries shows hundreds of people huddled together as the backdrop of the scene is filled with fire and smoke.

Reaction to the footage has been that of shock and dismay as humanity once again bears witness to the devastating consequences of the climate crisis.

Greece’s civil protection chief Nikos Hardalias said in a Friday press briefing: “Over the past few days, we have been facing a situation without precedent in our country, in the intensity and wide distribution of the wildfires, and the new outbreaks all over (Greece). I want to assure you that all forces available are taking part in the fight.”

This comes amid a noticeable rise in climate-related incidents across the globe, with many parts of Europe struggling to deal with unprecedented rainfall leading to widespread flooding.