Greece is currently grappling with severe weather conditions as heavy rains and flash floods wreak havoc across its islands, particularly in the Cyclades. On March 31, 2025, the picturesque island of Paros, a favorite among tourists, was transformed into a scene reminiscent of a disaster movie, with streets submerged under muddy waters and drifting cars.
The situation escalated rapidly as the rain began around 3 PM local time, according to Kostas Bizas, the mayor of Paros. "The rain started falling around 15:00 and did not weaken," he reported to Greek television ANT1. The sudden downpour caught many residents and visitors off guard, leading to chaos in the streets of the fishing village of Naoussa and the popular beach area of Kolymbithres.
Local authorities were inundated with calls for help, with firefighters responding to approximately 160 reports of flooding, including 100 on Mykonos alone. Firefighters worked tirelessly to pump out water and assist those trapped in their vehicles or homes. Thankfully, no injuries or missing persons have been reported, although the situation remains precarious.
By April 1, 2025, schools on both Paros and Mykonos were closed as a precautionary measure, and a ban on civilian vehicle traffic was enforced, allowing only emergency services to operate on the roads. The streets had become rivers, with reports indicating that in some areas, water levels exceeded one meter, particularly on Mykonos.
As the storms continued to wreak havoc, the Greek meteorological service warned that the worst might not be over. The Cyclades were under the influence of a rainy low-pressure system moving in from Italy and the Adriatic Sea, with forecasts predicting accumulated rainfall could reach 80-100 liters per square meter by April 4.
In Livadeia, central Greece, and on other islands such as Thasos and Skopelos, heavy rains and landslides were also reported, causing further infrastructure damage. The national highway Corinth-Tripoli experienced hailstorms, adding to the already challenging conditions. This was not an isolated incident; similar weather patterns have plagued Greece in recent years, often attributed to climate change and rising global temperatures.
In 2023, heavy rains had similarly devastated the central agricultural region of Thessaly, resulting in 17 fatalities. The recent floods in the Cyclades come just months after severe earthquakes had already strained the region, forcing the evacuation of over 10,000 people.
As the storms moved towards the Dodecanese and mainland Greece, authorities remained on high alert. The mayor of Rodos, Alexandros Koliadis, announced that schools on the island would also be closed on April 1 to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Despite the dire circumstances, local officials and emergency services are working diligently to manage the crisis. Videos circulating on social media depict torrents of muddy water flowing through streets, sweeping away parked cars and debris. The community's resilience is being tested, but so far, emergency services have managed to assist those in need, rescuing 13 individuals trapped by rising waters.
Residents are advised to remain indoors as further rain warnings are in effect, with meteorologists expecting additional storms to hit the region. The unpredictability of the weather has left many wondering when the chaos will end, especially as the tourism season approaches.
Tourism is vital to the economy of these islands, and the recent weather events pose a significant threat to this sector. The first tourists had only recently begun to return to Santorini after a series of seismic activities earlier in the year, and the current floods could deter future visitors.
As Greece braces for more rain and potential flooding, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and tourists alike. The community's spirit and the prompt actions of emergency services will be crucial in navigating this challenging period.
In summary, the Cyclades are currently facing unprecedented weather challenges, with heavy rains leading to flash floods and significant disruptions. Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation and keep the public safe as they prepare for the possibility of further storms.
