One dead as storm front pummels Greece

The fire department said the victim, believed to be around 50 years old, was found trapped beneath a car in Nea Makri, a rural area northeast of Athens.

Emergency response and disruptions

Authorities reported receiving nearly 500 emergency calls across the greater Athens area, including more than 30 rescue operations.

Emergency warnings were issued, and schools were closed in several regions, including areas east of Athens, the Dodecanese islands, the Cycladic islands, and Crete. Flooding on the island of Poros also caused a bridge to collapse.

Transport and weather impact

Most ferry services, a vital transport link between Greece’s islands, were suspended on Wednesday due to the severe weather conditions.

The EMY state weather service forecast continued severe weather on Thursday, with prolonged heavy rain, thunderstorms, and the possibility of localised hailstorms.

Additional disruptions and outlook

On Wednesday, flights to Crete were diverted due to an African dust storm covering the island.

The storm front is expected to gradually ease by Friday.