Relentless search and rescue amid devastation in Greece

In a courageous response to the catastrophic flooding unleashed by Storm Daniel, Greek rescue teams are prioritizing the worst-hit villages. The storm, described by meteorologists as the most devastating to hit Greece since records began in 1930, has left a terrible trail of destruction.

As reported by the Kathimerini, the storm lashed out for three grueling days following an unprecedented summer heat wave that resulted in extensive forest fires. As the waters rose, homes were lost to the torrents, bridges crumbled, roads were obliterated, power infrastructure suffered, and the bountiful crops of the Thessaly Plain were decimated.

The Greek media reported that the death toll had risen by Friday to ten, with four people still unaccounted for. The extent of the missing remains unclear as local authorities continue to collect data.

In a remarkable display of courage and resilience, rescue efforts continued as teams moved into villages near Larissa and the Pineios River region. In heartwarming acts of solidarity, residents of Thessaly were airlifted from the roofs of submerged homes. One notable resident, an 80-year-old fisherman, managed to evacuate 15 people in his small boat in Karditsa, describing this flood as the worst he'd ever experienced.

But the wrath of Daniel wasn't limited to flooding. The Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies (FedHATTA) reported disruptions to holiday destinations, resulting in numerous cancellations, especially after earlier fire disasters in places such as Rhodes. These disruptions heightened concerns about tourist safety management and underscored the need for a cohesive disaster response strategy for local businesses.

The storm's rampage also disrupted vital transportation routes, leading to the closure of the national highway between Athens and Thessaloniki, further burdening local communities and businesses.

Greece's weather anomalies, including the recent wildfires and record-breaking summer heat, reflect a global pattern of extreme events. Similar events have occurred worldwide, from flooding in Hong Kong to Scandinavia to a historically dry August in India.

* Photo's source: Kathimerini