28 Sep 2023 | 04:20 AM UTC
Greece: Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across the country as of early Sept. 28 /update 2
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Greece as of early Sept. 28. Further severe weather likely.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Greece as of early Sept. 28. A storm system named Elias has been impacting parts of the country since Sept. 26, and further adverse conditions are likely through Sept. 28. Central Greece is the worst hit. Portions of central Greece, including Volos, the nearby Mount Pilion area, and other locations, are still recovering from the floods resulting from Storm Daniel Sept. 5-12 that caused 17 fatalities and destroyed homes, infrastructure, and crops. Some areas still lack drinking water.
Due to Storm Elias, authorities have evacuated more than 3,500 people across central Greece. Landslides have isolated villages in the west of the island of Euboea. Floods have affected more than 40 homes in the village of Rovies on the island's northwest coast due to the nearby river overflowing; rescue operations are ongoing. A bridge collapse has cut off five villages near the town of Trikala. Rescue operations are continuing in Aspropotamos, where some residents are trapped in their homes. Authorities have evacuated several localities in the Larissa region due to the risk of streams overflowing. Landslides resulted in the closure of parts of a highway connecting Athens and the city of Patras Sept. 26.
Due to the severe weather, authorities prohibited traffic in the wider area of Volos Sept. 27. The basement of the Volos hospital flooded, but services were not affected. Power outages are ongoing in Volos and the island of Euboea. Authorities closed all schools throughout the wider Volos area Sept. 27-28. Portions of Chania City, Crete, were flooded the afternoon of Sept. 27.
Greece's Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an updated Emergency Bulletin warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Magnesia, Sporades, Evia, Fthiotida, Phocis, and Boeotia through noon Sept. 28. Authorities will probably issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
The severe weather will likely contribute to further transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render more bridges 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 will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
