ATHENS, Greece — The Greek islands of Paros and Mykonos experienced severe flooding on Monday as a powerful storm swept through the region. In response to the intense weather, local officials closed schools and restricted traffic to emergency vehicles only.
The main towns on Paros, Parikia and Naousa, both well-known vacation destinations, bore the brunt of the storm. Floodwaters surged through the streets, quickly turning roads into rivers that swept cars and debris alongside iconic whitewashed structures.
Emergency services were quick to respond. On Paros, firefighters safely escorted 13 people stranded by the rising waters back to their homes, with no reports of injuries or missing persons. On neighboring Mykonos, where the flooding was somewhat less severe, excavators were employed to clear obstructed pathways, allowing floodwaters to flow past seafront businesses.
Looking to prevent any further disruptions, authorities decided to keep schools closed on Paros, Mykonos, and two other nearby islands on Tuesday. Residents received alerts on their cell phones, advising them to remain indoors for their safety. Meanwhile, municipal teams and private contractors worked diligently to remove debris from blocked roads, while emergency services continued efforts to assist stranded drivers.
The Cyclades islands, including Paros, remain under severe weather warnings, with caution advised until at least Tuesday. These islands, located southeast of Greece’s mainland in the Aegean Sea, continue to brace for the storm’s impact.