Storm Bora hits Greece with powerful winds and heavy rain, leaving at least 3 people dead
Storm Bora continues to affect Greece bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to eastern regions, including Athens, Thessaly, and the Cyclades on Monday, December 2, 2024. The storm resulted in widespread destruction and at least 3 fatalities.
Image credit: Linda Grey
Storm Bora formed on November 29 and was named by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) as it approached the Ionian Sea.
The storm intensified on November 30, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and powerful winds to Central and Eastern Macedonia, northeastern parts of Greece, Thrace, the central region of Thessaly, and the southernmost Peloponnese.
Widespread infrastructural damage and flooded homes were reported in Lemnos, including the island’s capital, Myrina (population 6 200). Roads and electricity infrastructure were also impacted, as well as drinking water.
A 57-year-old livestock farmer from the village of Kontias (Lemnos) was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to free his car from mud near the overflowing Kontias dam. His body was recovered hours later by emergency services.
In a separate incident in Lemnos, a 70-year-old man suffered a fatal head injury after falling on slippery stairs outside his home during the severe weather.
A third fatality was reported on the Halkidiki Peninsula, where a man died of hypothermia after his car overturned in a ditch while avoiding rocks from a landslide.
Emergency teams are dealing with widespread damage in the area, including flooding, mudslides, and power outages.
The island of Rhodes experienced heavy rainfall with some areas receiving over 170 mm (6.7 inches) in just a few hours. The heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in the villages of Ialysos, Kremasti, Maritsa, Damatria, and Paradeisi.
Authorities imposed a traffic ban due to extensive damage to the road network and announced the closure of schools on Monday, December 2. An emergency alert warned residents to avoid traveling between Porto Koufo and Neos Marmaras due to bad weather and damaged roads.
The fire service handled over 3 000 weather-related calls, mostly from Central Macedonia and Rhodes.
Giorgos Hatzimarkos, South Aegean Regional Governor, described the situation as “devastating and deeply shocking,” noting that such rainfall had never before been recorded in the South Aegean.
“The situation on the island [Rhodes] is devastating and deeply shocking. The people of Rhodes are reeling from what occurred on Saturday,” Hatzimarkos said.
Mainland Greece also faced severe conditions. Central Macedonia reported heavy rainfall leading to roads being covered in stones and mud.
In Thessaloniki, strong winds caused trees to fall, damaging shops and cars and causing power outages. The city’s fire brigade received more than 380 calls overnight to deal with fallen trees.
While the electricity has been restored in most areas by Monday morning, some disruptions still remain.
The HNMS forecasted that the severe weather would continue until December 2 with heavy snowfall expected in Western Macedonia and mountainous areas of Central and Eastern Macedonia as well as Epirus. Gale-force northeasterly winds reaching up to 90 km/h (56 mph) were anticipated in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Authorities issued multiple emergency alerts asking residents in affected areas to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services were on maximum alert to respond to incidents caused by the storm.
Greece’s National Meteorological Service (EMY) warned that severe weather would last until December 3.
References:
1 Downpour prompts traffic ban on Rhodes – eKathimerini – December 1, 2024
2 Two men die in floodwaters on Lemnos island; Storm warning issued for Attica – eKathimerini – November 30, 2024
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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