More rain is expected today
Storm “Bora” flooded the island of Rhodes. Many cars were swept away by the water. Peopel were trapped in their homes and cars. Much damage was done, streets on the island were also flooded, and traffic was prohibited.
50 people were evacuated from houses and cars
A mother and her two children were transported from their flooded house in Ialyssos to safety, while at least 25 othre people were also evacuated from vehicles and houses and also transported to safety. Efforts are ongoing by the Rhodes Police Department, as well as the municipality’s volunteer and civil defense teams. Late last night,an extraordinary meeting was called in the town hall due to the emergency situation,Bulgaria ON AIR reported.
Troubles in Halkidiki and Thessalonica
In the municipalities of Poligiros and Aristotelis in Halkidiki, trees and rocks have fallen and many parts of the road network are covered with mud.
Also in thessaloniki many trees have fallen, some on cars and there is power outage and roads are flooded. The fire service has saved a family of four in Halkidiki from the floods. Landslides were recorded in many parts of the provincial municipalities.
rainfall and storms are expected in almost the entire country today, and locally they will be strong
In the Dodecanese, the phenomena will be strong mainly from the morning hours. There is an increased chance of hail in the island parts of the Aegean Sea, in the Sporades, in Evia and – in places – in the eastern part of the continent. Large amounts of rain are expected in places in eastern Thessaly, in the prefectures of pieria, Imathia, Pella, Halkidiki and possibly in the Sporades and western Crete. Rainfall will be significant in many other areas.
Heavy snowfall is expected in the continental mountains and in the lower altitude areas of western Macedonia.
Interview: Understanding the Impact of Recent Storms in Greece
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Vasilakis, Meteorologist and Climate Change Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr.Vasilakis. The recent storms, especially Storm “bora,” have caused significant flooding across the island of Rhodes and other parts of Greece. Can you summarize the impact this storm has had on the region?
Dr. Elena Vasilakis: Thank you for having me. The impact of Storm “Bora” has been severe, particularly in Rhodes where many residents were trapped in their homes and vehicles. Flooding swept away cars, and evacuations were necessary for about 50 people, including a mother and her children. The ongoing efforts by local authorities, including police and civil defense teams, underline the urgency of the situation. We also saw troubles in Halkidiki and Thessalonica, where landslides, fallen trees, and power outages further intricate the emergency response.
Time.news Editor: What predictions can we expect regarding weather patterns in the coming days?
dr. Elena Vasilakis: More rain is on the way today, with strong localized storms expected throughout the country, particularly in the Dodecanese. Residents in areas like eastern Thessaly, Halkidiki, and parts of the Aegean should remain vigilant. There’s also an increased chance of hail in these regions. In addition, heavy snowfall is anticipated in the continental mountains and lower altitudes of western Macedonia. This indicates that the current weather patterns are not just limited to coastal areas but extend inland as well.
Time.news Editor: What are the broader implications of these storms, particularly in relation to climate change?
Dr.Elena Vasilakis: These storms serve as a stark reminder of how climate change is influencing weather patterns globally. Increased rainfall and more intense storms can be expected as the climate warms. Forecasters have noted that events like these might become more common in the Mediterranean region.Communities must adapt to these changes through better infrastructure,emergency preparedness,and environmental management practices.
Time.news Editor: for people living in areas that are likely to be impacted by heavy rainfall or flooding, what practical advice can you offer?
Dr. Elena Vasilakis: First and foremost, it’s crucial to stay informed through local weather reports and alerts. If you live in flood-prone areas, consider having an emergency kit ready, which includes essentials like water, food, and medications. In case of severe weather warnings, always heed evacuation orders from local authorities. Additionally, it’s essential to have an emergency plan in place and discuss it with your family.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Vasilakis, what actions should local governments take to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events in the future?
Dr. Elena Vasilakis: Local governments should invest in upgrading infrastructure to ensure better drainage systems and flood defenses. They should also conduct regular assessments of vulnerable areas and implement policies for land use that minimize risk, especially in areas prone to flooding or landslides. Public awareness campaigns can also help educate communities about emergency preparedness. Building resilience is key to reducing the impact of extreme weather events on residents.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, dr. Vasilakis, for shedding light on these critical issues regarding the storms we are witnessing in Greece. Your insights are invaluable.
Dr. Elena Vasilakis: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important matter. Stay safe, everyone.