Severe storms have battered islands in Greece for a second day in a row with cars seen floating into the ocean and businesses flooded with mud.
With just weeks to go until the islands see an influx of Brits on holiday around Easter, locals are working to wash up the islands.
Overturned cars and debris are littered across the islands of Paros and Mykonos after hailstorms and downpours.
Yesterday, flooding pushed cars floating into the ocean in Paros and damaged homes.
Popular destination Mykonos also endured hailstorms and powerful winds, with heavy rain.
In Crete, rescue crews assisted seven people in vehicles trapped by floodwaters while rockslides and road closures were reported on the island.
Where are the floods in Greece?
The floods have struck Mykonos and Paros, together with parts of the larger Greek island, Crete.
Floodwaters will subside, however the extent of the damage left behind is currently unknown.
Is it secure to travel to Greece?
Yes. The federal government has issued advice to travellers heading over to the islands soon, though.
What travel advice has the federal government issued?
The FDCO issued advice online reading: ‘Hostile weather conditions, including floods, can occur quickly. Register for Emergency Alerts and follow ‘112 Greece’ on X for official updates.’
‘Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena corresponding to earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you’re situated in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service)
- for iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option at the underside
- for Android 11 and better go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
- for Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option
For further information, see Greece’s Civil Protection website (in Greek).
What should I do if my flight gets cancelled?
It depends.
Disruptions attributable to things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control worker strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ will not be eligible for compensation.
Hearken to announcements from the airline about rescheduling, but under UK law, airlines must enable you to in case your flight is cancelled, providing the next:
- Foods and drinks
- A method so that you can communicate
- Accommodation, in case you are re-routed the following day
- Transport to and from that accommodation
The airline must offer you these things until it may fly you to your destination, regardless of how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.
The severe weather primarily impacted islands within the Cyclades chain within the central Aegean, a well-liked holiday destination known for its beaches and whitewashed houses.
The storms struck just weeks after a rare earthquake swarm forced hundreds to flee Santorini and the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos and Anafi.
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