Storm Daniel Continues in Greece with Heavy Rainfalls

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Storm Daniel, a massive storm sweeping across the southeastern Mediterranean, has hit the region of Attica, causing several traffic problems in the Greek capital of Athens.

Sweeping across Greece since early Monday with heavy rainfalls resulting to severe floodings, winds and hail, the storm has caused devastation in many parts of the country. With the port city of Volos, Thessaly, as the central point of the destruction, Storm Daniel swept across the region with areas including Magnisia, Sporades, Karditsa and Trikala declared in a state of emergency by the civil protection ministry.

Storm Daniel to affect Greece until Thursday

Greek Civil Protection and Climate Crisis Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Wednesday called on citizens to show caution in the next 24 hours, as Storm Daniel is expected to continue to affect Greece until Thursday evening.

An emergency press conference was given by Greek Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Wednesday. Photo source: Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry

“An effort is being made to restore critical infrastructure that have been damaged. We had sent a timely warning and instructions to the municipalities. 552 pumps of flood waters have been carried out and 417 of our fellow citizens have been saved. The 112 emergency service has sent 14 messages,” he said during an emergency press conference.

Since Monday, Storm Daniel has triggered landslides, destroyed a bridge, caused the collapse of power poles, and carried away dozens of cars in muddy waters, Reuters has reported.

Moreover, the storm caused the temporary closing of the airport on Skiathos, while the port of Volos still remains closed for safety reasons.

In addition, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated travel guidance to Brits heading to Greece. “Adverse weather conditions, including floods, are affecting some regions. The situation can change quickly. Follow 112 Greece on Twitter for official updates,” the travel advice reads.

Photo source: Hellenic Fire Service

According to international media reports, at least eight people have died and several remain missing across Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria due to the storm. The number of fatalities caused by Storm Daniel in Greece has reached three.

According to Greek meteorologists, Storm Daniel has caused the heaviest rainfall ever in Greece.

The storm comes after Greece faced very hot temperatures which also sparked wildfires across the country severely affecting Rhodes and Evros among others.