The Greek island of Rhodes is reeling from the impact of Storm Bora, which brought torrential rains, leading to significant flooding and widespread destruction. As residents grapple with the aftermath, officials are mobilising resources for rescue and relief efforts.
Severe Flooding and Damage
On Sunday, 3 November 2024, Rhodes was placed under temporary vehicle bans due to the severe flooding that invaded homes, businesses, and roads. Ialysos was particularly badly hit, with the fire service fielding over 650 emergency calls to pump out water from buildings.
- Houses, shops, and streets are littered with mud and debris.
- Residents like Sofia Kanelli expressed their despair, noting some have lost homes and others are dealing with damaged vehicles.
Rescue Operations Underway
The Greek fire brigade is on high alert, dispatching aerial units, and has sent about 35 firefighters from Athens alongside additional units from Piraeus to assist in rescue operations. Local resident Flora Drapanou highlighted the precarious situation: “The bridge is broken in two… there is no other road to reach the main road and go anywhere.” The flooding has closed off key access routes, adding to the chaos.
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the devastation, the islands of Rhodes and Limnos have declared states of emergency. Tragically, over the weekend, one man lost his life on Limnos while attempting to free his vehicle from swift waters.
Climate Change as a Factor
The recent disasters underline Greece’s vulnerability to climate change, with the country emerging as a “hot spot” for extreme weather events. Fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis pointed out the shift in weather patterns: “The conditions in recent years are different; we have sudden rainfall and sudden floods.” In previous incidents in 2023, over 20,000 tourists and locals were forced to evacuate due to wildfires.
While authorities continue to assess the situation and assist those affected, the pattern of increasingly severe weather events raises concerns about the future safety of residents and visitors in Greece.