Greece Devastated by Heavy Storms and Widespread Floods

Greece is currently grappling with the devastating impact of severe storms and extensive flooding.

In recent days, the Mediterranean region has witnessed persistent heavy rainfall, causing widespread havoc.

Greece has been particularly hard hit, with floods submerging homes and leaving people stranded on their rooftops. Disturbing stories have emerged, including that of an Austrian couple on their honeymoon. Tragically, they went missing after their rented villa was swept away by torrential rains in Potistika, and the property eventually ended up in the sea. These newlyweds, who had just tied the knot, hail from Graz.

The storm, named Daniel by the Greek weather service, has mercilessly battered the central Magnesia region and Volos, located to the north of Athens. These areas have experienced the brunt of the torrential downpours, which come on the heels of weeks of intense wildfires that had ravaged Greece.

Rescue efforts have been hampered after several bridges in the region collapsed and roads were seriously damaged.

Footage shows fire brigade helicopters airlifting people stuck in the water and on rooftops – part of a huge operation by the emergency services and army to reach cut-off villages.

The extreme weather also hit Athens and the island of Skiathos, where thousands of tourists remain stranded, as well as coastal areas around Volos and Pelion.

The city of Volos has remained without power and running water for a third day. The local administration decided to transfer water from swimming pools to one of the city’s hospitals so that dialysis and chemotherapy treatments could continue, ERT reported.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cancelled a big government engagement planned for the weekend as the crisis escalated. He is now planning to visit the affected areas instead.

“Our country is facing for the third day a phenomenon unlike any other we have seen in the past,” he said.

The death toll has risen to over thirteen people as a result of this severe weather. Greece is not alone in its struggle; neighboring countries such as Turkey and Bulgaria have also been affected. The Black Sea coast in Bulgaria has witnessed heavy rainfall, leading to rivers overflowing and cutting off vital roadways in the region.

Turkey has also endured its share of destruction, as fierce thunderstorms, torrential rainfall, and flash flooding wreaked havoc in various parts of the country.

The situation remains critical as Greece and its neighboring countries continue to battle the devastating effects of these relentless storms and widespread floods.