Severe weather, including torrential rains and a massive influx of red Saharan dust, has caused flooding and one confirmed fatality in Greece.
Saharan Dust Reaches Critical Levels
On April 1st, data from the University of Crete showed that concentrations of African red dust on Crete reached extraordinarily high levels, exceeding health limits by a factor of 70. This phenomenon is linked to a low-pressure system impacting the country and generating strong southerly winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour.
These winds carried large amounts of dust from desert areas in eastern Libya to the island.
Widespread Disruption and Infrastructure Damage
Eastern Greece bore the brunt of the weather, but nearly all Greek islands remain in a critical situation. Rhodes and Poros are experiencing significant infrastructure problems and power outages, while Crete and the Cyclades are covered in a layer of suffocating Saharan dust.
Strong winds are disrupting coastal ferry connections, and schools remain closed in many areas.
Fatal Flood Victim Likely Polish National
The body of a 55-year-old man was found near Nea Makri after he fled his flooded basement. He was trapped under a car swept away by the floodwaters. According to the Greek newspaper \”Kathimerini,\” the man was likely a Polish citizen.
The homeowner where the man lived stated, “A man drowned. They pulled him from under the car, right in front of our house.” She also criticized the authorities’ response.
Emergency Services Respond to Hundreds of Calls
The Fire Service reported that weather conditions intensified on April 1st at 11 PM. After midnight, the number of calls to the Fire Service Operations Center increased significantly, reaching nearly 500 in Attica alone.
From Wednesday to Thursday morning, the Fire Service Operations Center received a total of 674 calls for assistance from the regions of Attica, the Peloponnese, North and South Aegean Coasts, and Crete.
These calls involved fallen trees, water pumping assistance, and rescuing people trapped in flooded buildings and homes.