Greece: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across the country as of early Sept. 11 /update 2

Event

Heavy rainfall and flooding are causing disruptions across Greece as of early Sept. 11. The coastal region of Magnesia, including Volos City and Mount Pelion, as well as Karditsa and Trikala cities, are the worst affected. Authorities have confirmed 15 fatalities nationwide, including in the Pelion Region and near Karditsa and Volos cities. Emergency crews rescued more than 4,000 people Sept. 5-10. Hundreds of others remain trapped in villages isolated by damaged transport networks.

Officials in Volos City have warned that the water is unsuitable for drinking due to damage to pumping stations and the supply network; reports indicate some cases of gastroenteritis. Authorities partially restored the power supply the afternoon of Sept. 9 but estimate it will take 15-20 days to fully reinstate the water supply. The power and water supply in the Pelion Region remains disrupted while the heavy rainfall and flooding have damaged main roads. Emergency crews have restored the road connection between Volos and South Pelion via the Bailey Bridge. However, many parts of southern and eastern Pelion Municipality remain cut off due to the damaged road network. The Pinios River has overflowed, and water levels are dangerously high near Larissa City; parts of the city have flooded, and officials issued evacuation orders for four areas Sept. 8. Authorities issued advisories across 35 settlements in parts of the Larissa and Magnesia regions Sept. 9, warnings residents to be on alert due to flooding.

Hazardous Conditions
Additional 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