Severe Storms Batter Greek Islands, Paros and Mykonos Hit Hard

The news in Greek

1. κακοκαιρία  (f.)
   Η κακή κατάσταση του καιρού, με όχι καλές συνθήκες. ↩︎
2. πλημμύρα  (f.)
   Όταν το νερό καλύπτει μια περιοχή ξηράς. ↩︎
3. ζημιά  (f.)
   Η κατάσταση όπου κάτι χαλάει ή καταστρέφεται. ↩︎
4. αρχή  (f.)
   Οι εξουσίες που διοικούν μια περιοχή. ↩︎
5. επιφυλακή  (f.)
   Κατάσταση ετοιμότητας και προσοχής για πιθανό κίνδυνο. ↩︎
6. ασφάλεια  (f.)
   Η κατάσταση στην οποία δεν υπάρχει κίνδυνος. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Which Greek islands experienced severe storms and flooding?

Question 2: What did the authorities advise residents to do during the storms?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
κακοκαιρία  (f.)	bad weather
πλημμύρα  (f.)	floods
ζημιά  (f.)	damages
αρχή  (f.)	authorities
επιφυλακή  (f.)	alert
ασφάλεια  (f.)	safety

Read the full story

The Greek islands experienced severe weather conditions, as intense storms and hail lashed areas like Paros, Mykonos, Samos, and the broader Aegean region, causing significant disruptions. In response, local authorities issued an emergency alert, advising residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel.

Roads turned into torrents on Paros and Mykonos, as the heavy rainfall quickly overwhelmed the local infrastructure. Naousa, a town on Paros, recorded over 80 millimetres of rain within a short period, according to weather reports. This resulted in vehicles being swept away and widespread property damage.

Emergency services were on high alert as the Fire Service received numerous calls for assistance, with efforts somewhat hampered by the ongoing extreme weather. Authorities attempted to dispatch a helicopter to aid in the rescue operations, but were forced to recall it due to the adverse conditions. Despite limitations, emergency services, including the military and fire brigade, mobilized to assist in recovery efforts where possible.

On Mykonos, the impact was similarly catastrophic. Iconic streets, typically bustling with tourists, were transformed into raging streams. Meteorological data showed Mykonos receiving over 70 millimetres of rain, creating hazardous conditions and damage largely due to the rapid accumulation of water.

Due to these severe conditions, schools on affected islands, including Rhodes, Syros, and others in the surrounding area, were closed as a precautionary measure. This decision was taken by the local governments to ensure the safety of students in light of the hazardous weather forecasts.

The Emergency Alert System (112) was activated multiple times to advise residents about the severe weather and promote safety protocols. The system emphasized the importance of minimizing travel and adhering to official guidance for public safety.

The impact of these weather events has prompted discussions about climate preparedness across the region. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as they continue to monitor the situation, expecting potentially hazardous weather to persist, albeit with diminishing intensity over the coming days.

As the weather gradually subsides, efforts to evaluate and repair the damage will likely intensify, with a focus on restoring normalcy and reinforcing infrastructure against future weather challenges. The situation in Greece highlights the need for robust emergency protocols and continued investment in resilient infrastructure to better withstand such severe weather events in the future.

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