Greece Hit by Severe Storms - Floods and Fallen Trees Reported

Greece has become a witness to the destructive consequences of the powerful cyclone 'Erminio,' which swept across the country on Thursday, April 1. According to the Ukrinform news agency, substantial flooding caused by heavy rainfall has led to numerous calls for assistance from the fire service and rescue teams. In particular, in the town of Nea Makri, located on the eastern coast of Attica, the body of a deceased man was discovered, swept away by the raging floodwaters.

The victim was identified as a Polish citizen in his 50s, who had attempted to escape from his flooded basement. Unfortunately, he was knocked off his feet and trapped under a vehicle, which proved fatal. This tragic incident underscores the severity of the situation faced by residents in the region.

In addition to Nea Makri, the town of Rafina, situated further south, also experienced significant flooding. Traffic on the main street of Rafina was halted due to elevated water levels, complicating movement for both residents and rescuers. In several regions of Greece, including the southern island of Poros, schools remained closed due to safety concerns, as a small bridge collapsed and turbulent water flows swept several vehicles off the streets.

The cyclone 'Erminio' brought not only heavy rains but also strong gusts of wind. In northern Greece, significant gusts were observed, while visibility in the southern part of the country was reduced due to dust carried from Africa. On Wednesday, April 1, the fire service in the Greater Athens region received nearly 500 calls for assistance, most of which were related to the clearing of fallen trees, pumping water from flooded buildings, and the evacuation of 33 individuals who found themselves trapped by floodwaters.

In Crete, rescue services received 90 calls, while other islands in the southern Aegean Sea reported 60 calls, the Peloponnese had 27, and the islands in the northern Aegean Sea received 14. These figures highlight the scale of the problem faced by residents of Greece due to the natural disaster.

On Thursday, April 2, forecasts indicate continued heavy rains, gusty winds, and the possibility of hail in eastern Macedonia and Thrace, as well as in some areas of central Macedonia, northern Evia, parts of Thessaly, the Sporades, Crete, and the southern and western parts of the Peloponnese. This raises concerns among the population, which has already suffered serious consequences from previous storms.

It is worth noting that recently, Afghanistan also experienced heavy rains that led to widespread flooding and building collapses, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals. These events emphasize the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for measures to protect the population.

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