Rescue work in the flood-affected regions continues. The death toll has now risen to ten. The Pineios, one of the largest rivers in Central Greece, has overflowed its banks.
The death toll in the areas of central Greece flooded by storm “Daniel” has risen to ten. Four people are still missing, Greek Civil Defense Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Greek television (ERT).
On Saturday night, the Pineios, one of the largest rivers in Central Greece, burst its banks. As a result, the main road between Athens and the northern Greek port city of Thessaloniki was closed along a 70-kilometer section near the city of Larisa, police said.
The waters of the Pineios River reached the suburbs of Larissa, the regional capital of the province of Thessaly, on Saturday morning. However, Greek radio reporters reported that people were not in danger.
Rescue operations continue
Search and rescue operations in the flood-hit regions of central Greece around the cities of Larisa, Volos and Karditsa continued overnight using inflatable boats, tractors and tracked vehicles.
Intensive work to restore water and power supplies has already begun in the port city of Volos, which is largely covered in mud. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had inspected the regions hit by the floods the day before. He promised people quick and unbureaucratic financial help.
Austrian couple goes missing
The Greek weather service Meteo said around 72,000 hectares of land were flooded across the country. The community of Karditsa in southwestern Thessaly is particularly affected – it currently resembles a large lake.
The situation on the Pelion Peninsula is also difficult. According to the Austrian news agency APA, which cites the Austrian Foreign Ministry, two Austrians are missing there. A landlord of holiday apartments in the town of Xinovrysi had already told Greek media on Tuesday that a young Austrian couple had been caught in the flash flood and washed into the sea along with their holiday home. Since then, there has been no trace of the couple, who are said to come from Graz.
Experts expect billions in damage
The extent of the damage caused by the floods is difficult to predict – the port city of Volos has suffered enormous infrastructure damage. The entire region of Thessaly is considered the granary of Greece; most of the fields here are under water, some of which are meters high. What this means for farmers and the harvest cannot yet be estimated. Experts spoke in the Greek media of damage to infrastructure and agriculture that could run into billions.
According to the Greek weather agency EMY, the storm “Daniel” had settled over the central Greek region of Thessaly since Monday and lasted until Thursday. The amount of rainfall from “Daniel” exceeded anything previously measured by Greek meteorologists. In some places, more than 700 liters of water per square meter fell in less than 24 hours.
Source : Tages Schau