Greece, Bulgaria: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across the region as of early Sept. 6. /update 1

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Greece and Bulgaria as of early Sept. 6. Heavy rainfall since Sept. 3 resulted in flooding across the region. Authorities in Greece have confirmed one fatality in Volos, Thessaly Region, due to a collapsed wall. At least five other people remain missing. Officials evacuated a retirement home in Volos as a precaution. Authorities in Skiathos Island have put in a request to declare a state of emergency.

Jet2 (LS) has canceled all flights at Skiathos Airport (JSI) Sept. 5-6. Officials have also canceled several other flights at the airport and ferries to and from Skiathos Island. Authorities have banned traffic in the central town of Volos, the nearby mountain region of Pilion, and Skiathos Island. Reports indicate that parts of the affected areas are without power, including Agria, Portaria, Tsangarada, and Stagiates villages and Corfu Island.

Authorities in Bulgaria declared a state of emergency in Tsarevo Municipality, Burgas Province. At least two fatalities occurred in the municipality due to floodwaters, with at least three others still missing. The death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations progress. Authorities have evacuated at least 130 people from flooded areas. The Dyavolska River near Primorsko, the Karaagach River near Kiten, and the Veleka River have overflowed, while water levels in the Ropotamo River have increased. The main road between Tsarevo and Sinemorets is closed due to floodwaters. Reports indicate a tornado in the Tyulenovo area. Authorities have advised residents to avoid drinking tap water due to possible contamination.

As of early Sept. 6, the Bulgaria National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology has rescinded all warnings, but the Hellenic National Meteorological Service is maintaining red (highest level on a three-tier scale) rain warnings across Central Greece, western Central Macedonia, eastern Peloponnese, and Thessaly regions and orange rain and thunderstorm warnings across the rest of western, central, and southern Greece. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Further rainfall is likely to exacerbate the current situation and hamper recovery efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Bulgaria National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology
Hellenic National Meteorological Service