The storm system “Bora” has unleashed havoc across Greece, leaving three people dead, entire regions in states of emergency, and widespread destruction in its wake. The islands of Rhodes and Lemnos, along with parts of Halkidiki, have borne the brunt of the disaster, with authorities scrambling to assess the damage and provide relief.

State of emergency declared for Rhodes and Lemnos

Following the catastrophic impact of the storm, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection declared a state of emergency for Rhodes and Lemnos. On Lemnos, municipal units of Myrina, Atsiki, and Nea Koutali were particularly hard-hit. A Business Damage Recording Committee has been established, with operations set to begin on December 3. Local authorities have urged affected businesses to report damages via email or telephone to expedite recovery efforts.

Lemnos: Torrential rains and tragic losses

In Lemnos, torrential rains caused streams to overflow, inundating homes in Tsimandreia, Kontias, Thanos, and Myrina. Two people lost their lives, while residents reported harrowing experiences as floodwaters rose rapidly. One resident in Myrina described the devastation:

“We were terrified; everything happened in just 10 minutes. The water reached two metres high, destroying boilers, generators, and even overturning a three-tonne oil tank.”

The Fire Department received over 115 calls for water pumping and 36 for rescues, working tirelessly to mitigate the crisis. Livestock farmers faced additional challenges as road damage left them unable to access their herds, and landslides blocked vital routes.

In Kontias, fears of a dam overflow prompted the evacuation of 59 residents, who are now being housed with relatives or in temporary accommodations.

Halkidiki: Fatal accident highlights storm’s toll

In Halkidiki, a 56-year-old man tragically succumbed to hypothermia after his car plunged into a 30-metre ditch while attempting to avoid storm debris. Despite efforts by relatives to locate him, he was discovered dead the following morning near Porto Koufo. Mayor Ioannis Mallinis has requested a state of emergency for the area, citing severe damage and ongoing challenges.

School closures and travel bans

The severity of the storm has led to widespread school closures across affected regions, including Rhodes, the Cyclades, Thessaloniki, and Florina. Authorities have also imposed travel restrictions in some areas, citing extensive damage to infrastructure and ongoing risks from landslides and flooding.

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