The flood disaster in Greece is claiming more and more victims: at least 15 people have died so far. Greece’s Prime Minister Mitsotakis sees the EU as having a duty and wants to talk about help.
After the devastating floods in Greece, the death toll has risen to at least 15. According to authorities, the bodies of four previously missing people were found on Sunday.
The body of an 88-year-old woman and that of her 65-year-old son were recovered from their home in southwestern Thessaly near the town of Karditsa. The body of a 58-year-old man was also found in the region. The coast guard also announced that a 42-year-old man was found dead in the sea near Volos. He was last seen on Tuesday when his car was washed away by the water.
Almost 4,500 people rescued
From last Monday to Thursday, a severe storm settled over central Greece with unusually heavy rainfall – many villages and towns were flooded. Since then, the fire department says it has brought almost 4,500 people to safety.
Although the floodwaters are slowly receding in many places, the situation remains tense in some regions. In many towns there is no power supply and therefore no water. In the severely affected port city of Volos, the water supply network is still so badly damaged that the districts are only supplied alternately, the news channel ERTnews reported. The Ministry of Health there warned of drinking water contamination.
Basically, people in flood areas are strongly advised to only use safe drinking water, such as bottled water, and under no circumstances use flood water. Because of the stagnant water, the risk of epidemics also increases.
Meanwhile, criticism of the authorities’ reaction is becoming louder: As the daily newspaper Kathimerini reported, the rescue operations only really started early on Thursday morning – while people were already stuck on the roofs of their flooded houses. Among other things, the newspaper mentions a lack of equipment for rescue workers.
Mitsotakis calls for EU funds for reconstruction
The storm has been over since Friday and the damage visible so far is enormous. Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assured the people in the affected areas of quick and unbureaucratic help. A platform will be launched online today where relevant applications can be submitted.
Mitsotakis is also hoping for financial support: next Tuesday he wants to talk to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about EU aid for the flooded areas in his country. Mitsotakis announced this on Sunday evening at a press conference in the central Greek city of Larisa. He explained his request for help by saying that the flood disaster in Greece was also related to climate change. Overall, the situation in the EU requires the alliance to rise to this challenge, said Mitsotakis.
Last Thursday, EU Parliament Vice President Katarina Barley called for EU help for the flood areas. According to Barley, the EU solidarity fund should be used for reconstruction, as was the case with previous natural disasters in other member states.
Many places are still cut off
The fire brigade and army continue to work to rescue hundreds of people from remote villages. However, many places are isolated from the water – people are still missing. It is feared that more fatalities will be found in the ongoing rescue operations. Authorities estimate that more than 73,000 hectares remain under water.
Source : Tages Schau