Severe flooding claims lives as Storm Bora assaults Greece
- Storm Bora struck Greece with torrential rain and winds reaching 80 mph, causing extensive damage and casualties.
- Authorities reported multiple infrastructure failures, including power outages and collapsed bridges, particularly affecting the islands of Rhodes and Lemnos.
- The incident raises concerns about the increasing severity of storms attributed to climate change in the region.
Greece was significantly impacted by Storm Bora, which originated on November 29, 2024, and intensified by the next day. The islands of Rhodes and Lemnos experienced severe weather conditions characterized by torrential rain, gale-force winds, and intense thunderstorms. Wind speeds reached up to 80 mph, and Rhodes alone experienced 300mm of rain, leading to flash floods and widespread disruption across the region. Reports confirmed that power outages, overturned vehicles, and collapsed bridges occurred, with authorities declaring a state of emergency in several areas. Tragically, the storm resulted in the deaths of two individuals on Lemnos as floodwaters wreaked havoc on infrastructure and residential areas. On Lemnos, many roads were destroyed, and residents were urged to evacuate due to fears of a dam overflow. The flooding and subsequent damage prompted a significant response from local officials, with a 24-hour ban on vehicle movement imposed in Rhodes and other affected areas. Beyond Greece, the storm's effects align with a worrying trend of severe weather across the globe, exacerbated by climate change, drawing attention to the growing risks posed by such extreme weather events as it becomes increasingly likely for them to occur more frequently.