Widespread disruption after heaviest snowfall in 12 years hits Greece

Heavy snowfall has caused widespread disruption in many parts of Greece, including the capital — Athens, on Monday, February 15, 2021, resulting in delayed transport, power outages, and suspended services. According to the National Meteorological Service, this was the country's 'fiercest' snowfall in terms of intensity and volume in 12 years.

The snow, which is common in the north but rare in the capital, put many services across the country to a standstill. Most public transport services were delayed, while toppled trees caused power outages in several mountainside suburbs.

Parts of the nation's main highway were closed, most ferry services to the islands were canceled, and flights from regional airports disrupted.

The fire service said they received more than 600 calls for assistance in greater Athens alone.

"The calls mainly concerned downed trees and transporting people stuck in their vehicles to a safe place, but also to transport kidney dialysis patients to receive treatment," fire service spokesman Vassilis Vatharakoyiannis told the state TV.

"Vaccinations have been postponed but we have helped transport doctors and medical staff where they are needed and we helped power technicians get to damaged electricity pylons in areas where access was difficult," he added.

Theodoros Kolydas, head of the meteorological service, said this was the fiercest snowfall, in terms of intensity and volume, in 12 years.

Julie Celestial

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