The Bora weather system wreaked havoc in Halkidiki overnight, leaving one man dead and communities grappling with extensive damage.
Torrential rains and strong winds turned roads into rivers, flooded homes and businesses, and triggered landslides, leaving parts of the region devastated.
Fatal Accident Amid Landslides
The tragedy unfolded in Porto Koufo, where a 56-year-old man lost his life. According to reports from makthess.gr and ERT, the man tried to navigate a road obstructed by falling rocks caused by the heavy rain. His car veered off course and plunged into a ditch, where he remained trapped for over eight hours. A passerby discovered him early on Saturday morning, but despite emergency services’ efforts, he succumbed to hypothermia.
“This loss underscores the severity of the conditions we faced,” said Antonis Tsolnaras, head of Halkidiki’s Environmental Protection Department. He confirmed the car had been struck by falling rocks on the road between Sykia and Toroni.
Widespread Destruction Across Sithonia
Southern Sithonia bore the brunt of the storm, with villages such as Toroni and Porto Koufo suffering severe flooding. Streets were inundated with water, mud, and debris, while a bridge collapse and multiple landslides rendered the Sithonia provincial road impassable.
Many settlements, including Toroni, Sykia, Agios Nikolaos, and Nikiti, were left without electricity or running water. Emergency responders, including fire brigade crews, volunteers, and specialised teams from EMAK, worked through the night to assist residents. They rescued 16 people, including two individuals trapped in their homes near Marmaras as floodwaters surged around them.
Emergency Measures and Warnings
Residents were alerted by an emergency message from the Civil Protection service via 112, warning them to avoid travel between Porto Koufo and Neos Marmaras due to the dangerous road conditions.
“Travel between Porto Koufo and Neos Marmaras is prohibited due to severe weather conditions and damage to the road network. Follow the instructions of the authorities,” the message read.
A Familiar Battle for Local Communities
For many in the region, the storm’s impact is a grim reminder of previous weather disasters. Local residents expressed frustration, noting that extreme weather has repeatedly left their communities vulnerable to damage and disruption.
“This is not the first time we’ve faced such destruction,” a resident told halkidikinews. “We need long-term solutions, not just emergency responses.”
Relief Efforts Continue
Authorities have mobilized resources to address the aftermath of the storm. Clean-up operations are underway, and the army has been assisting in relief efforts. The region is bracing for further challenges as it works to recover from the destructive impact of the Bora weather system.
Read more: Bora weather
(Source: To Vima)