Greece: Storm Daniel Causes Major Travel Disruptions

Extreme weather has caused life-threatening flooding in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, and has disrupted transport across the area.

Storm Daniel has pummelled western and central Greece, just days after a catastrophic, two-week-long wildfire in the country's north was finally contained. Hundreds of tourists are stuck on the Greek island of Skiathos after several flights to and from the island were cancelled.

Torrential rains turned the streets of Skiathos into rivers, washing away automobiles and forcing residents and visitors alike to seek shelter inside.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said that global warming is to blame for the recent spate of natural disasters. Even more, he expressed concern that future summers would become progressively more challenging.

Authorities in Volos, the surrounding mountain region of Pilion, and the island of Skiathos banned driving in those areas until the storm passed. Officials in Trikala and Kardista issued travel advisories in anticipation of the storm's continued strength into Thursday.

Warnings were also issued to mobile devices in central Greece, the Sporades island chain, and the island of Evia, advising residents to stay inside as much as possible.

Exceptional weather conditions may also cause delays or cancellations in flight schedules, the Skiathos airport website cautions.

After being forced to reroute an aircraft from London Stansted to Thessaloniki, UK travel operator Jet2 cancelled all flights to Skiathos for the moment. The airline is planning to send empty planes to Skiathos to rescue trapped holidaymakers, who will then be transported back to the United Kingdom. Jet2 said it will be contacting impacted clients to discuss refund and rebooking alternatives.

TUI has cancelled three flights on both Tuesday and Wednesday, citing "strict monitoring" of weather conditions as the reason. Customers who were originally booked on these flights are being offered the option to reschedule, get a full refund, or make any changes at no cost.

Neither Ryanair nor TUI Airways, two other airlines serving Skiathos Airport, have announced any cancellations as of the airport's most recent arrivals and departures board update.

Is it risky to visit Greece when the storm is going on?

The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel warning for Greece to read, in part, "adverse weather conditions, particularly floods, are impacting several districts." Tourists are encouraged to subscribe to 1112 Greece's Twitter feed for official news and information.

Extreme heat has been plaguing most of Greece, which has contributed to the recent floods. Beginning this weekend, the harsh weather and heavy rain should begin to lessen.

 

Source: euronews.com