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Parts of Greece Left Without Power, Three Dead as Heavy Snow Storm Hits

snow storm greece
Athens blanketed in snow. Credit: Anna Wichmann/Greek Reporter

While heavy snowfall across the country has resulted in beautiful, wintry scenes, it has also caused major problems in Greece, especially in Attica, the home to Greece’s capital city of Athens.

Many of Attica’s residents, as well as those living on the island of Evia, have been without power for hours due to the snow storm, as strong winds and snow brought down large trees and damaged power grids.

According to Greece’s power grid operator, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator, many of Athens’ northern suburbs and are under a complete blackout.

A whole stretch of towns in central Evia have also been left in the dark on Tuesday.

Loss of power has been reported in Salamina, Markopoulo, and Skaramagkas as well.

Just as many ran to turn on their heaters to brace against the frigid temperatures on Tuesday, they found themselves without electricity due to the extreme weather conditions.

Officials have now asked residents to limit their use of electricity in order to avoid overloading Greece’s already overburdened power grids.

At least three dead after heavy snow impedes first responders; causes black outs

At least two people died in Greece on Tuesday after heavy snow from the cold front “Medea” blocked first responders from reaching them in time.

An 80-year-old man from the island of Evia was found in his home, where he lived alone, Tuesday morning. Before his death, the man had reported difficulty breathing.

Due to the snowstorm, first responders could not access his home in time, and he later passed away.

Another man on Evia, aged 73, passed away on Tuesday after his oxygen machine shut off due to loss of power at his home.

In Lasithi, Crete, a 56-year-old man reportedly suffered from a heart attack on his farm. A witness called for help, but the ambulance could not get to the man through the snow, which reached 1 meter (3.3 feet) high in the area. He later passed away.

Vaccinations on hold in Attica; PM urges caution

snow storm greece
Snowy roads in Athens. Credit: Anna Wichmann/Greek Reporter

Due to the dangerous driving conditions, including icy, slippery roads and reduced visibility, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged citizens to remain at home and avoid all unnecessary movement.

“We are facing a very severe weather phenomenon and it seems that it will last until tomorrow morning. It will impact Attica, Evia, and Crete, especially tomorrow.”

Health officials have put a hold on coronavirus vaccinations in Attica due to the heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions.

All appointments for Tuesday will be moved to another day, so those in line for the shot will still receive it.

National highway from Athens to Lamia to reopen Wednesday; Military joins efforts to open roads

Many roads in the capital, where this amount of snow is quite rare, have been closed. Public transportation in the bustling city has also ground to a halt.

Due to the extreme weather and dangerous conditions on the road, Greece’s major highway stretching from Athens to Lamia was closed Tuesday.

In a statement, officials announced that the road is projected to reopen for travelers at 7:00 AM Wednesday.

Citizen Protection Ministers Michalis Chrysohoidis and Nikos Chardalias have requested assistance from the military in order to cut and remove fallen trees, open up blocked roads, and repair damaged power grids.

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