A severe weather system has lashed Greece, resulting in at least two fatalities and widespread disruption across the country. High winds and torrential rain have grounded the nation’s ferry fleet and forced the closure of schools in major urban centers.
Fatalities Reported in Peloponnese and Athens
The storm turned deadly in the eastern Peloponnese town of Astros. A coastguard officer lost his life after being struck by a massive wave while attempting to clear fishermen from the local harbor.
Hours later, the storm claimed a second victim in the Athens suburb of Glyfada. A woman was killed when powerful floodwaters swept a vehicle into her. Consequently, emergency services have been placed on high alert as they navigate rising water levels in residential areas.
Widespread Travel and School Disruptions
The extreme conditions have effectively brought parts of the country to a standstill. Wind speeds surpassed 100 kilometers per hour in several regions, making maritime travel impossible.
Key impacts include:
- Grounded Ferries: All major ferry routes remain suspended due to dangerous sea conditions.
- School Closures: Educational institutions were ordered to close in Athens, as well as across western and southern Greece.
- Travel Bans: Authorities have urged citizens to avoid all non-essential travel until the system moves out of the region.
Unprecedented Rainfall Totals
Meteorologists have described the intensity of the downpour as historic. In some districts of the capital, parts of Athens received the equivalent of six weeks of rain in just 24 hours. This sudden deluge has overwhelmed drainage systems and turned suburban streets into fast-moving rivers.
Government Response
In light of the crisis, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has postponed a planned overseas trip to oversee the emergency response. Emergency crews are currently working around the clock to clear flooded roadways and repair infrastructure damaged by the high winds.
While the storm is expected to weaken by Friday, the government continues to urge caution. Residents in coastal and low-lying areas are advised to remain vigilant as the risk of secondary flooding persists.
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