Is it safe to visit Greece following flash floods that hit Rhodes? - The Independent
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The UK government has warned British tourists heading to Greece over the winter period about the country’s “severe weather” conditions.
On Tuesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Greece, days after the popular island of Rhodes faced the brunt of Storm Agneta that triggered severe flooding and stay-at-home warnings.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued an orange weather warning on Monday covering the Dodecanese islands – including parts of Rhodes – as well as the Ionian islands and Epirus. The alert has now been lifted.
”Greece can experience severe weather over the winter period, including storms which can lead to flash flooding,” the FCDO said.
Tourists are advised to set their mobile phone to allow emergency alerts. This will allow the Greek government’s Emergency Communications Service alerts to come through, which will provide detail on events such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods.
According to local media, residents were sent an emergency warning around 3.30am on Monday as Storm Agneta battered parts of the island with torrential rain.
It was reported that some residents were forced to take refuge on rooftops overnight as torrential rain transformed streets into fast-flowing rivers – with at least 60 vehicles being swept away in powerful currents.
Homes and shops were also flooded, while rescue operations had to be carried out for residents.
The Independent Civil Protection Office of the Municipality of Rhodes recommended that all residents stay in their home and avoid any “unnecessary movement”.
“Do not approach rivers, streams, crossings and coastal areas,” it added. “Do not attempt to cross roads where there is an accumulated amount of water or mud.”
School closures were also announced in several regions, including Lindos, South Rhodes, Archangelos and Afantou.
The flooding comes just weeks after flash floods triggered chaos in Greece and Turkey, causing at least three deaths.
A 62-year-old man died in Rhodes on 14 October after a torrent of water swept his car onto a beach during a heavy rainstorm on the tourist island, authorities said.
The man's body was found near a small seaside village about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the town of Rhodes, while four cars had been washed away due to the severe weather, the coast guard said in a statement.
