Central Greece, Pelion Region – Rescue teams are tirelessly searching for bodies as another lifeless victim was discovered at sea in the Pelion region, bringing the total death toll to a tragic 15 in central Greece on Sunday. This disaster follows the relentless flooding that has gripped the area in the wake of the storm named “Daniel.”
Earlier today, authorities located three bodies near the town of Karditsa, intensifying ongoing rescue efforts in the region. Saturday had already witnessed 11 casualties attributed to the devastating floods, according to reports from AFP.
The Greek fire service released a statement, revealing that a staggering 4,250 individuals were successfully rescued and brought to safety on Saturday and into Sunday morning.
Experts have characterized this event as “extreme” due to the unprecedented volume of rainfall within a mere 24-hour period. The relentless storm initially struck the coastal region of Magnesia on Monday and Tuesday, severely affecting its capital, the port city of Volos, as well as the surrounding villages near Mount Pelion. Subsequently, it made its way inland, impacting localities around Karditsa and Trikala on Wednesday.
This disaster comes in the aftermath of devastating wildfires that ravaged Greece earlier this summer, claiming the lives of at least 26 people. The recent flooding has not only caused widespread devastation but has also led to the destruction of thousands of hectares of valuable agricultural land and significant livestock losses.
As of now, two individuals remain unaccounted for in the midst of the flooding crisis. In Volos, the critical issue of water supply has arisen as pumping stations and a substantial portion of the supply network have sustained damage. The health ministry has issued warnings against consuming the contaminated water, and there are reports of gastroenteritis cases emerging.
The entire Pelion peninsula region continues to grapple with power and water shortages, while main roads have been severely damaged by the relentless downpour. In the city of Larissa, the situation remains precarious as the Pinios River has breached its banks, posing a rising threat on the outskirts of the town.
Experts attribute the intensification of extreme weather events, such as this devastating flooding, to the increase in atmospheric water vapor due to global warming. Combined with factors like urbanization and land-use planning, these phenomena contribute to the growing risk of flooding in various parts of the world.
Tragically, neighboring countries have also been affected, with severe flooding claiming 12 lives in Turkey and Bulgaria this week, underscoring the urgent need for heightened disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts in the face of climate change-related challenges.
