Athens Storm Strikes as Man Dies; Saharan Dust Envelops Crete
Athens Storm Strikes as Man Dies; Saharan Dust Envelops Crete
A deadly flood near Athens and red Saharan dust over Crete disrupt travel as Greece endures a severe storm.
A man in his 50s was found trapped under a car after being swept away by floodwaters in Nea Makri, a seaside town northeast of Athens, as Storm Erminio hammered parts of Greece with heavy rain and gusty winds. The fire department said it received 674 calls for assistance from Wednesday through early Thursday, most in the Attica region, with reports of flooded streets and fallen trees. Bridges were knocked down on Poros and some vehicles were swept away, complicating rescue efforts. The basement of a local police station in Nea Makri was flooded, and several ferries remained moored in ports while crews worked to clear hazards and reopen routes where possible.
On Crete, Saharan dust turned the sky reddish-orange, and flights were disrupted at Heraklion Airport as travel across the island faced disruption ahead of the Easter holidays. Officials warned of a red weather advisory—signaling likely widespread damage and risk to life—as the air turned visible with the dust plume and winds continued to lash the region.
Authorities closed some schools and urged residents to stay indoors during the storms, with Attica authorities warning residents to avoid flooded roads and to follow updates. Meteorologists forecast more heavy showers and gusty winds as the system moved across the country, prompting continued search-and-rescue operations and situational updates from local agencies.
