Saharan dust storm turns Greek skies red as floods claim a life
Saharan dust storm turns Greek skies red as floods claim a life
A late-winter storm lashes southern Greece, turning skies red and flooding streets, while Saharan dust blankets Crete and travel is disrupted near Athens.
A late-winter rainstorm that lashed southern Greece over the last 24 hours turned the sky a surreal red, with winds driving floodwaters through streets and downing trees. The chaotic weather not only disrupted daily life but also claimed at least one life as floods near Athens overwhelmed roads and homes. The red-tinged heaven was the most striking sign of a storm system that brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the region, while a plume of dust from the Sahara mingled with the wet conditions, heightening visibility issues and air‑quality concerns.
Across the Aegean, Crete was enveloped by a choking dust cloud as the Saharan plume moved in. The combination of dust and rain created a hazy, gray‑red backdrop over the island and added to the sense of disruption felt by locals and visitors alike.
Travel was affected as well. Flights from the UK were among those disrupted as conditions worsened at Heraklion Airport on Crete, and a London-bound flight was diverted amid the deteriorating weather. In the capital and its surroundings, rain‑driven floods slowed traffic, closed some roads and forced commuters to seek shelter from the downpours.
Experts noted that Saharan dust storms regularly travel across continents and can linger when paired with other weather systems, amplifying health and visibility concerns. Residents were urged to follow official advisories, stay indoors if advised, and monitor ongoing weather updates as the dust and rain move through the region.
As daylight faded, the episode underscored how swiftly extreme conditions can alter a normal day from ordinary routine to urgent travel advisories and emergency responses, leaving communities to cope with the aftermath and the long cleanup ahead.
