Devastating Storm Hits Athens, Causing Floods and Chaos

Storm Daniel, which has been raging in Greece the last several days, has hit the capital city of Athens, causing flooding and chaos on streets. Over the past 24 hours, the storm has reached the country’s largest city, bringing with it heavy rainfall and destruction.

Storm Daniel, a powerful tempest, has struck central Athens and other areas in Attica, leading to transportation disruptions. Several Central Athens neighborhoods experienced brief power outages. The heavy rain started in the morning, but by 4:00 PM local time, the situation significantly worsened as the city and its suburbs were hit by heavy downpours and lightning.

Έξω από το μετρό του Ευαγγελισμού.
Σοβαρά τώρα;#κακοκαιρια pic.twitter.com/7qomd0lqID

— Stella ☘ (@stellaki70) September 6, 2023

Meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis warned that this destructive storm is expected to continue for the next few hours.

Due to heavy rainfall, the streets of Athens have turned into “rivers.” Photos and videos appeared in social media with cars in flooded areas. Citizens have been knocked down by stormy streams of water. Some have tried to fight the flood on their own, clinging to poles and trees. Passers-by have been helping each other to get on their feet amidst the downpour.

Σταθμός ηλεκτρικού στον Άγιο Νικόλαο

Το νερό έχει φτάσει το 1μ. στην υπόγεια διάβαση. Η μισή πόρτα του ασανσέρ έχει εξαφανιστεί κάτω από το νερό.

Ελλάδα 2.0#κακοκαιρια #ντανιελ #αθηνα pic.twitter.com/UFg9bs3yqK

— Vassilis Vassiliou (@billiouu) September 6, 2023

The storm has also affected public transportation, with metro trains no longer stopping at Evangelismos Station and subsequently being closed due to flooding. It has also caused traffic jams on major roads, creating additional difficulties for residents.

The activation of the civil protection mechanism for the Attica region accompanied the thunderstorm and inclement weather. Approximately fourteen pumps and nine project vehicles were deployed at various points to combat the aftermath of the floods.

Athens-Thessaloniki motorway closed due to flooding

The Athens-Thessaloniki highway was suspended due to flooding on the route, and several roads in various regions were closed for traffic.

Καταστράφηκε ο δρόμος από Βόλο προς Πορταριά, στο ύψος του Άνω Βόλου και ψηλότερα. #Βολος #κακοκαιρία pic.twitter.com/uGmqwupI0g

— meteo.gr – Ο καιρός (@meteogr) September 6, 2023

The Thessaly Regional Police Directorate ordered a road closure in both directions between the two points.

Storm Daniel continues to pose a threat to Athens and its suburbs, and authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution and follow shelter and road safety recommendations.

Situation in Central Greece

Floods and heavy rains in Central Greece have claimed two lives, with three people reported missing. The worst-affected areas include Thessaly, the city of Volos, Mt. Pelion, and Skiathos island. An 87-year-old woman was found dead in Magnesia’s Paltsi region, and a 51-year-old man died in Agios Georgios Volos when a wall collapsed under water pressure. Two men, aged 85 and 70, are missing in Paltsi, along with a 42-year-old man swept away by a stream in Volos.

Storm Daniel, which began hitting Greece on Monday, has caused landslides, bridge destruction, power pole collapses, and vehicle losses. Greece has experienced unprecedented rainfall, and the National Meteorological Service predicts continued severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms, until Thursday.