Rescue crews raced to free people trapped by fast-moving floodwaters, as towns across Attica and nearby islands faced widespread damage and transport disruption.
Strong storms that swept across almost all of Greece caused floods, downed trees, and tragic consequences: a Polish citizen died east of Athens.
According to the fire service, the body of the deceased was pulled from under a car that was carried away by turbulent floodwaters near Nea Makri on the eastern coast of Attica.
According to preliminary information from the fire service, a Polish man about 50 years old attempted to escape from his flooded basement, but he was knocked off his feet and trapped under a vehicle.
According to the service, the city of Rafina, located further south on the same coast, was also affected by significant floods: traffic on the main road was halted due to high water levels.
Regional situation and rescue efforts
The powerful cyclone Erminio swept over Greece on Thursday. In the north, strong wind gusts were observed, while in the south visibility was reduced due to dust carried from Africa.
Overall, on Wednesday the fire service of the Greater Athens region received almost 500 calls – primarily for clearing fallen trees, pumping water from flooded buildings, and evacuating 33 people who found themselves blocked by floodwaters.
Meanwhile, on Crete there were 90 calls, on other islands of the southern Aegean Sea – 60, on the Peloponnese – 27, and on the islands of the northern Aegean Sea – 14.
Forecast for the next few hours
On Thursday, heavy rain, strong winds, and possible hail are expected in eastern Macedonia and Thrace, as well as in some areas of central Macedonia, on Evia, in Thessaly, the Sporades, Crete, and in the southern and western parts of the Peloponnese.
The authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and provide assistance to residents to minimize the impact of the storm.
At present, the situation remains under control, but rescue services continue to work on clearing roads and delivering aid to those in emergency situations.