Heavy Rains Cause Chaos in Kefalonia and Zakynthos

The news in Greek

1. πλημμύρα (f.)
   όταν μεγάλη ποσότητα νερού καλύπτει γη ή δρόμους ↩︎
2. κατολίσθηση (f.)
   η μετακίνηση μεγάλων μαζών εδάφους ή βράχων σε απότομες πλαγιές ↩︎
3. επηρεάζομαι
   δέχομαι επιρροή, αλλάζω λόγω κάποιας κατάστασης ↩︎
4. περιορισμός (m.)
   το να μη μπορείς να κάνεις κάτι ή να το κάνεις με κάποιον περιορισμό ↩︎
5. ασφάλεια (f.)
   η κατάσταση που δεν υπάρχει κίνδυνος ↩︎
6. κίνδυνος (m.)
   κατάσταση που μπορεί να προκαλέσει κακό ή απώλεια ↩︎

Translation

Text Comprehension

Question: What problems did the heavy rains cause on the island of Kefalonia?

Question: What have the authorities done to keep people safe on Zakynthos?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
πλημμύρα (f.)	flood
κατολίσθηση (f.)	landslide
επηρεάζομαι	be affected
περιορισμός (m.)	restriction
ασφάλεια (f.)	safety
κίνδυνος (m.)	danger

Read the full story

On Kefalonia, over 100 tonnes of rain per hectare transformed roads into turbulent rivers, leading to landslides that blocked key transport routes. The most precarious landslides occurred in Poros’ narrow passage, creating impassable conditions with mud and stones blocking the Poros-Skala road. The flooding also affected homes, prompting the fire brigade to perform water extractions, while local officials mobilised 12 machines to clear debris.

Furthermore, the mayor of Argostoli, Theofilos Michalatos, has called for the island to be declared in a state of emergency. He highlighted the ongoing nature of the adverse weather, which continues to cause significant transport disruptions, as two central routes remain closed due to the landslides and damage.

Across the straits on Zakynthos, authorities have imposed traffic restrictions as a precautionary measure. The heavy rainfall has led local police to temporarily prohibit vehicle movement on key roads to mitigate accident risks. Furthermore, residents have been urged to limit their movements to essential travel only.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) director, Theodoros Kolydas, noted that the actual rainfall significantly exceeded forecasts, with some areas recording rainfall up to 114mm compared to the predicted 70mm. Friday saw continued downpours, worsening conditions and prompting further caution. Looking ahead, the HNMS warns of possible renewed storm intensity from late Saturday to midday Sunday.

Emergency alerts were issued via the 112 service, warning inhabitants of both Kefalonia and Zakynthos to restrict movements while following official guidance. Weather experts predict ongoing rain with sporadic storms, while flight disruptions already affected Kefalonia as an Olympic Air flight had to return to Athens due to the adverse weather.

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