Flood-hit Central Greece Braces for New Storm

Athens, 26 Sep (ONA) --- Emergency services in central Greece were on alert today as storms headed toward areas hit by massive floods this month (September 2023).

Municipal and military crews using excavators reinforced flood defenses along rivers near the central cities of Larissa and Trikala. Flooding from Storm Daniel killed 16 people in the region and caused widespread damage to property, farms and infrastructure.

As it headed eastward, the latest storm — named “Elias” — caused landslides early today and prompted local authorities to close sections of a highway between Athens and the western port city of Patras.

The severe weather is expected to worsen through Thursday, affecting central Greece, the island of Evia, east of Athens, and islands in the central Aegean Sea.

Scientists say climate change is making storms like Daniel more frequent and more dangerous. Flooding in Greece was worsened by wildfires, loss of vegetation, and loose soils.

--- Ends/Khalid