Southern Europe Battles Devastating Storms as Italy and Greece Suffer Severe Impacts
Southern Europe is reeling from a series of brutal storms that have unleashed chaos across the region, with Italy and Greece bearing the brunt of the extreme weather. The Mediterranean has been battered by powerful systems, including Storm Harry, leading to catastrophic landslides, deadly floods, and widespread disruption.
Cemetery Destruction and Coffin Scattering in Italian Town
In the town of San Mauro Marchesato, located in the Crotone province of Italy, a devastating landslide triggered by torrential rains has destroyed part of the old cemetery. Approximately twenty coffins were swept into a ravine, with harrowing footage from the scene showing wooden wreckage piled below the burial ground. Floral garlands and framed photographs of individuals were seen scattered amid the debris, painting a sombre picture of the destruction.
The landslide was caused by around eight inches of rain falling within just twenty-four hours, which compromised the stability of the hillside. This incident follows closely on the heels of a tsunami-style storm surge that recently flooded streets in Sicily, forcing residents to run for their lives as the Mediterranean was pummelled by the fierce Storm Harry.
Fatal Flooding Claims Lives in Greek Holiday Hotspots
Further south, Greece has been hammered by severe floods, particularly affecting the popular holiday area of Glyfada, often referred to as the unofficial capital of the Athens Riviera. Roads were transformed into raging rivers, with social media videos capturing muddy water sweeping through streets in Metsovou, dragging vehicles along with the current.
Tragically, the extreme weather has claimed lives. In the southern suburbs of Attica, a fifty-six-year-old woman lost her life after being swept away by floodwaters while returning from work. Witnesses described how she attempted to cross a street in Ano Glyfada as a torrent rushed down from mountainous regions, trapping her under a car. Despite frantic calls to emergency services, firefighters arrived to find her already deceased.
In a separate incident in Astros, Kynouria, a fifty-three-year-old coastguard officer died while on duty. According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, he was mooring boats in the port area when a powerful wave swept him away, causing a fatal head injury. He was pronounced dead after being rescued and taken to a medical facility.
Record Rainfall and Widespread Weather Alerts Across Greece
The National Observatory of Athens reported that the eight highest rainfalls in the country were recorded in Attica, the Eastern Peloponnese, and Evia. By 8:00 PM, Papagou had measured 5.7 inches, Taktikoupoli Trizinia 5.1 inches, and Vyronas nearly 5 inches. Other areas severely impacted include Nomismatokopio, Chalandri, Drosia, Ilioupoli, Maroussi, and Ampelokipoi.
Authorities remain on high alert as the storm's vortex is expected to shift eastward, threatening the Aegean islands with forecasted storm surges and hurricane-force winds reaching between 55 and 63 miles per hour. Meanwhile, northern Greece has experienced snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, with Western Macedonia under a red alert. Temperatures dropped to -5°C in Volakas, Nevrokopi, and Paranesti, leading to traffic bans for heavy goods vehicles and mandatory snow chains on roads. School schedules have been adjusted in affected regions.
Italian Coastal Communities Submerged by Ferocious Storm Surges
In Italy, powerful waves have submerged roads and pavements, with sea foam reaching the ground floors of buildings. Social media clips showed a towering storm surge smashing into the harbour on the island of Lipari, off Sicily, instantly flooding surrounding streets. In Catania, Sicily's second-largest city, huge waves caused serious damage to Andrew's Faro, a high-end seafood restaurant, shattering windows and destroying interiors.
Authorities issued red alerts across Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria as the storm unleashed gale-force winds, heavy rain, and vicious storm surges. Wind gusts in Sicily reached 74 miles per hour, with waves exceeding nine metres, prompting precautionary evacuations. Maritime conditions forced the suspension of all ferries to Sardinia and smaller islands, stranding scores of people. In Messina, a section of the seaside promenade collapsed entirely due to the severe conditions.
The island anticipated up to eleven inches of rain over two days, leading to the evacuation of 190 people from exposed areas. Several towns have closed schools, parks, and sports facilities, with firefighters assisting families in evacuating their homes. The relentless weather continues to pose significant risks across southern Europe as communities grapple with the aftermath and brace for further developments.
