Storm Bora Causes Devastation and Tragedy in Greece

The impact of Storm Bora has been severe in Greece, particularly on the islands of Rhodes and Lemnos, where torrential rains and strong winds have resulted in flooding, damage to infrastructure, and two tragic deaths. Local authorities are striving to manage the crisis as further adverse weather is expected.

As Storm Bora continues to pummel Greece, two men have tragically lost their lives due to the severe conditions that include torrential rainfall and gale-force winds. The mayor of Rhodes has urgently requested a state of emergency as the island grapples with the aftermath of this devastating storm. Reports indicate that over 30 centimeters of rain have battered the island since the onset of the storm on Saturday.

The unfortunate deaths occurred on the island of Lemnos, where flooding led to significant damage to roads and properties, prompting evacuation warnings for residents due to the risk of dam overflow. One victim, a 70-year-old man, was killed while attempting to clear debris from his home, and a 57-year-old farmer was found dead near a flooded dam. Preliminary investigations indicate that he drowned while trying to salvage his stuck car amid frantic efforts to escape rushing waters.

Residents in Kontias have been advised to evacuate due to increasing fears surrounding the dam’s stability. Meanwhile, conditions on Rhodes have been characterized as "dramatic" with many roads rendered impassable and bridges collapsing in the Kallithea-Faliraki region. A 24-hour vehicle ban has been enforced on the island to ensure safety as authorities assess ongoing dangers.

Nationally, the situation is dire as heavy rains and winds are anticipated to continue impacting several regions, including the mainland areas of Thessaloniki and central Macedonia. Residents are warned to stay indoors as gusts have reached over 80 km/h (50 mph), causing power outages and damaging the electricity grid. Additionally, a cargo ship in Thessaloniki was swept away by high winds, leading to a collision with another vessel.

Forecasts suggest that Storm Bora will persist and cause further disruption until early Tuesday, with adverse weather set to sweep across various parts of Greece. Local communities remain on high alert as recovery and clean-up efforts commence in impacted areas.