Massive Floods Devastate Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey
September 8, 2023
Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey are currently grappling with the aftermath of severe floods caused by relentless rainfall. The floods have resulted in the loss of human lives, submerged villages, destroyed buildings and bridges, and disrupted the lives of thousands of people.
In Greece, the worst-hit region is Thessaly, the country’s agricultural hub. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis described it as “the biggest flood phenomenon that our country has ever experienced.” The port city of Volos, as well as the surrounding mountainous Pelion area and the cities of Karditsa and Trikala, have been severely affected.
The floodwaters have prompted rescue operations, with more than 800 people rescued in the past two days. Tragically, six people have lost their lives in Greece alone, with an additional 10 deaths reported in Bulgaria and Turkey.
Videos shared on social media show the devastating impact of the floods, with residents forced to swim to safety and others seeking refuge on their rooftops. In Karditsa, five villages have been completely cut off by the flooding, leaving at least six people missing. Rescue teams, including hundreds of staff and helicopters, have been deployed to evacuate those stranded by the floods.
Greek Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias expressed the challenges faced by rescue teams due to the intensity of the downpour. “I want to assure you that there is no means, no action, and no effort that could or can be made to evacuate sooner and more safely the people who have been suffering for 48 hours that was not done,” he said.
The floods come just days after Greece experienced a deadly wildfire that claimed the lives of at least 18 people. The country’s resources are stretched thin as it deals with back-to-back natural disasters.
While it is difficult to attribute individual events to climate change without scientific analysis, experts agree that the climate crisis is exacerbating extreme weather events. The ongoing floods in Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey serve as a stark reminder of the need for urgent climate action to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.
As the rainfall is expected to weaken from Thursday afternoon, the affected countries are focusing on rescue and relief efforts to mitigate further devastation and provide help to those affected. The governments, along with international aid organizations, are working tirelessly to support the affected communities and assist in rebuilding their lives.
It is crucial for global leaders and societies to recognize the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing measures to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate patterns. Failure to do so will leave communities vulnerable to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like the floods currently plaguing Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey.