More Casualties and New Flooding
Rescue Efforts Continue in Flood-Affected Regions as Death Toll Rises
The rescue operations in the flood-hit regions are ongoing. The number of fatalities has now risen to ten. The Pineios River, one of the largest rivers in central Greece, has overflowed its banks.
The number of fatalities in the areas flooded by the storm system “Daniel” in central Greece has increased to ten. According to Vassilis Kikilias, the Greek Minister for Civil Protection, four people are still missing, as reported on Greek television (ERT).
During the night into Saturday, the Pineios River, one of the largest rivers in central Greece, overflowed its banks. As a result, the main road between Athens and the northern Greek port city of Thessaloniki, spanning approximately 70 kilometers near the city of Larisa, was closed, according to the police.
On Saturday morning, the water from the Pineios River reached the suburbs of Larisa, the regional capital of the Thessaly province. However, there have been no reports of any danger to people, as stated by Greek radio reporters.
Rescue operations continue
The search and rescue operations in the flood-stricken regions of central Greece, around the cities of Larisa, Volos, and Karditsa, continued during the night using inflatable boats, tractors, and tracked vehicles.
Intensive work to restore water and power supply has already begun in the mostly mud-covered port city of Volos. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis inspected the flood-hit regions the day before, promising the affected people swift and uncomplicated financial aid.
Austrian couple reported missing
According to the Greek meteorological service Meteo, approximately 72,000 hectares of land have been flooded nationwide. The municipality of Karditsa in southwestern Thessaly is particularly affected – it currently resembles a large lake.
The situation is also challenging on the Pelion Peninsula. According to the Austrian news agency APA, citing the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two Austrians are missing. A vacation home owner in the village of Xinovrysi had already told Greek media on Tuesday that a young Austrian couple had been swept away by the flash flood, along with their vacation home, into the sea. Since then, there has been no sign of the couple, who are said to be from Graz.
Experts anticipate billions in damages
The extent of the damage caused by the floods is difficult to determine at present – the port city of Volos has suffered enormous infrastructure damage. The entire Thessaly region is considered the breadbasket of Greece, with many fields now partially submerged. The impact on farmers and the harvest is yet to be assessed. Experts in Greek media have stated that damages to infrastructure and agriculture could run into billions.
According to the Greek meteorological authority EMY, the storm system “Daniel” remained stationary over the Thessaly region in central Greece from Monday until Thursday. The precipitation from “Daniel” surpassed anything Greek meteorologists had previously measured, with some areas experiencing over