Greece Battles Severe Weather: Schools Closed, Damage Widespread

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Athens, Greece – A powerful winter storm, dubbed "Bora," has wreaked havoc across Greece, leading to widespread damage, school closures, and transportation disruptions.

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Cranes shift stacked cars on the road in Ialyssos, Rhodes ANA-MPA/ANA-MPA

Regional Impacts

  • Rhodes: The island has been particularly hard hit, with schools closed on Monday due to severe weather conditions. Authorities have warned residents to stay indoors and reported significant infrastructure damage.
  • Halkidiki and Thessaloniki: Schools in these regions have also been closed due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
  • Florina: Schools in the Florina municipality have been closed, with the exception of kindergartens.
  • Lemnos: Tragically, two fatalities were reported on the island, with one person slipping and falling and another being swept away by floodwaters.

Emergency Services Overwhelmed Emergency services have been working tirelessly to respond to numerous calls related to flooding, fallen trees, and power outages. The Greek Fire Brigade has received thousands of calls, and the Armed Forces have been deployed to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.

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A backhoe removes mud and branches on a road in Ialyssos, Rhodes

Transportation Disruptions The severe weather has also disrupted transportation, with rail and road networks affected by fallen trees and power outages. Hellenic Train has reported significant delays, and drivers are advised to exercise caution, especially in mountainous areas.

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A car is stuck in the mud in Ialyssos, Rhodes, after the first passage of the BORA weather storm, Sunday, December 1, 2024. ANA-MPA/ANA-MPA/DAMIANIDIS LEFTERIS

A Call for Caution: Monitoring weather updates and avoiding unnecessary travel is crucial. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and follow safety guidelines as the storm continues to impact the country.

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