A powerful storm, known as Storm Bora, has wreaked havoc across Greece, leading to severe flooding, widespread destruction, and tragic loss of life. The storm, which began affecting the country on Saturday, has prompted emergency alerts and a state of emergency in several regions, particularly in Lemnos and Rhodes.
Key Takeaways
- Storm Bora has resulted in three fatalities and extensive damage across Greece.
- Emergency services have received over 290 calls for assistance, including rescues and water pumping.
- A state of emergency has been declared in the hardest-hit areas, including Lemnos and Rhodes.
- Schools have been closed in multiple regions due to the severe weather conditions.
Overview Of The Storm
Storm Bora is attributed to a low-pressure system over the Ionian Sea, which has brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds to various parts of Greece. The National Meteorological Service has issued warnings for continued severe weather, including snow in mountainous areas.
The storm has particularly impacted the following regions:
- Central and Eastern Macedonia: Heavy rain expected until Monday morning.
- Thessaly: Severe weather from Saturday afternoon through Monday.
- Ionian Sea and Epirus: Intermittent storms until Saturday evening.
- Rhodes and Lemnos: Significant flooding and damage reported.
Impact On Communities
The storm has led to tragic incidents, including the deaths of three individuals. In Lemnos, two men lost their lives due to flooding, while a third victim in Halkidiki succumbed to hypothermia after his vehicle fell into a ditch while avoiding storm debris.
Emergency services have been working tirelessly, responding to over 290 emergency calls, including:
- Rescues from flooded homes.
- Water pumping operations in inundated areas.
- Removal of fallen trees and debris blocking roads.
State Of Emergency Declared
In response to the devastation, the Greek government has declared a state of emergency in the most affected areas, including:
- Lemnos: Municipal units have been severely impacted, with reports of homes inundated and infrastructure damaged.
- Rhodes: The storm has caused significant flooding, with roads transformed into rivers and neighborhoods left in chaos.
Local authorities are assessing the damage and coordinating recovery efforts, including the establishment of a Business Damage Recording Committee to expedite assistance for affected businesses.
School Closures And Travel Restrictions
Due to the ongoing severe weather, schools across several regions have been closed, including:
- Lemnos
- Thessaloniki
- Florina
- Halkidiki
Travel restrictions have also been imposed in various areas, with authorities urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety directives. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has warned that the storm’s effects will continue into the coming days, with heavy rainfall and snowfall expected.
Conclusion
As Greece grapples with the aftermath of Storm Bora, emergency services, local governments, and the military remain on high alert. The storm has highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure to withstand such extreme weather events in the future. Residents are urged to stay safe and heed the warnings from local authorities as recovery efforts begin in earnest.
Sources
- Storm Bora inundates Greece as weather service issues alert for Tinos | eKathimerini.com, eKathimerini.com.
- Storm Bora brings flooding, disruptions across Greece | eKathimerini.com, eKathimerini.com.
- Deadly storm “Bora” leaves Greece reeling: Two dead in Lemnos, one in Halkidiki, and widespread destruction – The Press Project – Ειδήσεις, Αναλύσεις, Ραδιόφωνο, Τηλεόραση, The Press Project.
- Greece Battered by Storm Bora: Schools Shut, Limnos on High Alert – iefimerida.gr, iefimerida.gr.
- Third death as Storm Bora batters Greece, France 24.
