10-9-2023 (ATHENS) In the wake of torrential rain and flash floods, central Greece is grappling with a rising death toll that has reached 11, with several people still missing. Emergency responders, including firefighters and the army, are conducting rescue operations in villages affected by the floods.
Since the onset of the severe weather, more than 2,850 people have been rescued. However, many individuals remain trapped in villages surrounding Karditsa, Palamas, and Trikala, according to Yannis Artopios, a fire department spokesperson.
The situation remains particularly dire in the village of Palamas, where numerous houses are submerged, and rescue teams are working to reach stranded residents. Eleni Patouli, a 54-year-old Palamas resident, described the ordeal as “hellish,” noting that they received evacuation instructions from emergency services only after they were already facing flooding with no means of escape.
In Larissa, near the Pinios River, emergency responders are facing significant challenges as the river has overflowed, posing a threat to the city.
The devastating flooding has caused extensive damage to agricultural land, resulting in substantial losses for farmers, including livestock casualties. The port city of Volos is also grappling with water supply issues due to damage to pumping stations and the supply network, rendering the water unsafe for consumption. Gastroenteritis cases have already been reported, prompting concerns about public health.
Transportation in the region remains difficult, with sections of the highway connecting Thessaloniki and Athens severed by flooding.
The severe weather event, named “Daniel,” initially struck the central coastal region of Magnesia before impacting other towns further inland.
This flooding disaster follows a summer of devastating wildfires in Greece, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people. Experts have described the recent weather event as “extreme” in terms of the amount of rainfall within a 24-hour period.
Climate experts have noted that as the world warms, increased water vapor in the atmosphere raises the risk of heavy precipitation events in some regions. Combined with factors such as urbanization and land-use planning, these intense rainfall events contribute to severe flooding.
Neighboring countries, including Turkey and Bulgaria, have also experienced severe flooding this week, resulting in additional fatalities.
The data is now official: 3 years’ worth of rain fell within two days. Scientists on Greek TV discussing the possibility of the formation of new, permanent lakes in the area. It is a new planet. #ClimateAction #ClimateCrisis #climatecatastrophe
pic.twitter.com/SuSa52c1iI— George Tsakraklides (@99blackbaloons) September 9, 2023
