Authorities on the Greek island of Paros are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that has left streets submerged and led to landslides. The torrential rain, which Mayor Costas Bizas described as a "catastrophe" that unfolded in just two hours, has caused significant disruption, stranding nearly forty vehicles in muddy waters.
Images emerging from Paros depict a chaotic scene where cars have been swept away by the rising waters, while others remain marooned in the flooded streets. The local civil protection service has urged residents of Paros and nearby Mykonos to stay indoors as conditions deteriorate. The storm front, which has already wreaked havoc, is reported to be moving toward the islands of Chios, Samos, and Ikaria.
On Paros, two individuals found themselves trapped in their vehicle and required rescue, as several others were also stuck in their homes due to the flooding. The situation has prompted a call for additional machinery to help clear the roads, as the existing infrastructure has been severely compromised.
Meanwhile, the flooding was reported to be somewhat less severe on Mykonos, where excavators were deployed to create drainage passages to expedite the flow of water. However, the island was not spared from the storm's fury, as it also experienced a significant hailstorm. Videos circulating on social media show large hailstones floating down the flooded streets, adding to the island's woes.
Local media reported that on Chios, a ferry was unable to dock due to the rough conditions, forcing the vessel to turn back. The adverse weather is expected to persist, with forecasts indicating that the storm will continue for at least another day.
Scientists have been warning that Greece is increasingly facing extreme weather events, a trend attributed to climate change. In 2023, the country experienced its deadliest rainstorm in nearly a century, which resulted in seventeen fatalities and extensive damage in the agricultural region of Thessaly.
As the situation develops, residents and local authorities remain on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing crisis. The impact of climate change continues to loom large over Greece, raising concerns about the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events in the future.
