Severe storms kept hitting islands in Greece on Tuesday, with Crete experiencing the heaviest rainfall. Authorities on Paros and Mykonos worked to clear debris and overturned cars after heavy hail and rain.
It began on Monday when storms on Paros caused severe destruction, with some vehicles being flown into the sea; homes and businesses submerged in mud and water. Local authorities have called for emergency government aid to repair roads and infrastructure damaged by the storms, reported AP. Mykonos also saw significant disruptions, with hailstorms and powerful winds causing damage across the island.
Crete’s rescue crews were kept busy helping seven people whose vehicles were trapped by rising floodwaters. With images seen on the internet, the storm, which moved southeastward overnight, also caused rockslides and road closures.
The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours was recorded near Chania, a port city on the island. In Rhodes, gale-force winds uprooted trees and damaged vehicles.
Due to the severe weather, schools were closed across multiple islands, and ferry services were either halted or severely disrupted.
The storms have primarily affected the islands in the Cyclades chain, located in the central Aegean. Known for their picturesque beaches and iconic whitewashed buildings, these islands are a popular tourist destination.
The extreme weather follows a recent rare earthquake swarm that forced thousands of people to evacuate Santorini and nearby islands, including Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi.
