Greece hit by torrential rain and floods – how will it impact your Easter holidays? | News World
Severe storms have battered islands in Greece for a second day in a row with cars seen floating into the sea and businesses flooded with mud.
With just weeks to go until the islands see an influx of Brits on holiday around Easter, locals are working to clean up the islands.
Overturned cars and debris are littered across the islands of Paros and Mykonos after hailstorms and downpours.
Yesterday, flooding pushed cars floating into the sea in Paros and damaged homes.
Popular destination Mykonos also endured hailstorms and powerful winds, with heavy rain.
In Crete, rescue crews assisted seven people in vehicles trapped by floodwaters while rockslides and road closures were reported on the island.
Where are the floods in Greece?
The floods have struck Mykonos and Paros, along with parts of the larger Greek island, Crete.
Floodwaters will subside, but the extent of the damage left behind is currently unknown.
Is it safe to travel to Greece?
Yes. The government has issued advice to travellers heading over to the islands soon, though.
What travel advice has the government issued?
The FDCO issued advice online reading: ‘Adverse weather conditions, including floods, can happen quickly. Register for Emergency Alerts and follow ‘112 Greece’ on X for official updates.’
‘Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service)
- for iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option at the bottom
- for Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
- for Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option
For further information, see Greece’s Civil Protection website (in Greek).
What should I do if my flight gets cancelled?
It depends.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Listen to announcements from the airline about rescheduling, but under UK law, airlines must help you if your flight is cancelled, providing the following:
- Food and drink
- A means for you to communicate
- Accommodation, if you are re-routed the next day
- Transport to and from that accommodation
The airline must provide you with these items until it can fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.
The severe weather primarily impacted islands in the Cyclades chain in the central Aegean, a popular holiday destination known for its beaches and whitewashed houses.
The storms struck just weeks after a rare earthquake swarm forced thousands to flee Santorini and the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos and Anafi.
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