Skiathos Recovering After Extreme Flood, Cleanup Underway

Old port of Skiathos. Photo source: Municipality of Skiathos

The Greek island of Skiathos is currently recovering from the severe flooding caused by Storm Daniel earlier this week.

Greece was hit by torrential rain from Storm Daniel since Monday. Skiathos and the Region of Thessaly are among the areas that experienced devastating floods that led to cancellation of flights, streets submerged by rainfall and cars swept away.

In an update on Thursday, Skiathos Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas commented that “things are looking much brighter” for the island.

Main street Papadiamanti on Skiathos. Photo source: Municipality of Skiathos

“My beloved island of Skiathos has been through a major disaster this week but I am proud of how our strength has shone through… enormous efforts have been put into the clean-up process so far with huge progress already having been made with water and power fully restored, public transport up and running and roads fully accessible,” the mayor said.

Skiathos on Tuesday had a curfew issued by the Greek police forbidding any unnecessary movement and travel to ensure the safety of everyone on the island.

Main road from town to Koukounaries-Megali Ammos, Skiathos. Photo source: Municipality of Skiathos

“How we’ve coped with the situation is a testament to our islanders and to the guests who we welcome to our island,” Tzoumas said, adding that the Greek government helped to support efforts to get the island back up and running and fully operational as soon as possible.

“Keeping everyone on the island safe has been our utmost priority… Yes, we have suffered, but we are operational and ready to welcome visitors to the island,” he added.

Hotels: Safety is a priority

A number of hotels across the island have had to deal with various issues from the flooding, according to Skiathos Hoteliers Association President Panos Andritsopoulos.

Agia Paraskevi beach, Princess Resort, Skiathos. Photo source: Santikos Collection

“Our priority is that everyone is safe and all guests are being treated with warm Greek hospitality,” he said, adding that although the island has suffered, it is operational and welcoming guests.

“All damage caused from the flooding across the island is being dealt with and with the weather conditions having improved, the airport is fully functional,” he said.

Greek hotelier Konstantinos Santikos, the managing director of family hotel group Santikos Collection, commented that the extreme weather that hit Skiathos on Tuesday tested the resilience and capabilities of the island’s hoteliers.

“Ensuring the safety of everyone on the island has been the utmost priority and work has started in earnest to ensure that flights can resume as quickly as possible with priority on repatriation flights and supporting those whose accommodation has been affected,” he said, adding that the group’s hotels Aegean Suites and Princess Resort are both up and running following the floods on the island.