Storm Erminio lashes Greece, causing deaths, widespread damage

The devastating passage of storm “ERMINIO” has left one dead and caused serious problems in Attica, Greece.

Heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds hit and intensified in the Attica basin, causing major issues and flooding, especially in Eastern Attica and areas such as Nea Makri, Stamata, Dionysos, Rafina, and Pikermi, as well as on Poros, Rhodes, and other parts of the country, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

A man was found dead under a vehicle at the intersection of Pythagora and Megalou Alexandrou streets in Nea Makri. According to preliminary police reports, the man, of Polish origin and approximately 50 years old, lived in a basement that flooded.

As he was leaving his home, he was swept away by the rushing waters caused by the severe weather, resulting in his death. Firefighters found the man under the vehicle and rescued him unconscious. He was later taken by the National Emergency Center (EKAV) to the hospital.

The most serious problems in Eastern Attica were recorded in areas around Penteli. According to the Fire Service, the weather events intensified after 11:00 p.m., and until that time, fire crews had mainly responded to fallen trees in the southern suburbs of Attica.

However, after midnight, calls to the Fire Service Operations Center increased significantly, reaching 483 in the Attica region by early morning. These included 191 calls for tree removals, 168 for water pumping, 91 for object removals, and 33 for rescuing trapped individuals.

Overall, the Fire Service Operations Center received 674 calls for assistance across the regions of Attica, the Peloponnese, Northern Aegean, Southern Aegean, and Crete.