A powerful storm has battered the Greek island of Paros, unleashing widespread flooding, sweeping away cars, and prompting authorities to close schools and ban all traffic except for emergency vehicles.
Paros Overwhelmed by Flash Floods
The storm, which struck on Monday afternoon, brought torrential rainfall to the island’s popular Parikia and Naousa tourist hubs. Floodwaters surged through the streets, carrying cars, debris, and mud past whitewashed buildings.
Dramatic video footage from the island showed torrents of fast-flowing water sweeping vehicles away, leaving them wrecked and overturned. Emergency workers struggled to clear roads and rescue stranded residents, using heavy machinery to remove vehicles from waterlogged areas.
Authorities Respond to Crisis
Authorities reported that 13 people who were left stranded in the storm were safely transported home by firefighters. Fortunately, no injuries or missing persons have been reported so far.
Paros Mayor Kostas Bizas described the severity of the situation:
“The rain started around 3 p.m. and hasn’t let up. We’ve had drivers trapped on roads near Lefkes and the Parikia-Naoussa axis.”
On the neighboring island of Mykonos, where flooding was less intense, authorities used excavators to clear pathways for the rushing floodwaters that swept past seaside restaurants and cafes.
Emergency Measures and Ongoing Warnings
In response to the disaster, authorities on Paros ordered schools to remain closed on Tuesday, while the Civil Protection Service issued mobile phone alerts advising residents to stay indoors.
Municipal teams and private contractors are working to clear blocked roads, while emergency services continue rescue operations for stranded motorists.
Meanwhile, other islands in the Cyclades and regions across mainland Greece remain under severe weather warnings. The National Meteorological Service has issued an updated Emergency Weather Bulletin, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms to continue until Wednesday morning, affecting the Ionian Islands, mainland regions, Macedonia, Thrace, the Aegean Sea, and Attica.
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidelines as the storm continues.
