- Schools closed and traffic banned on multiple islands
- 13 residents rescued by firefighters amid rising floodwaters
- Heavy machinery deployed to clear debris in tourist hotspots
- Ongoing storm alerts for Cyclades islands through Tuesday
A catastrophic weather system engulfed the Cyclades islands on Monday, submerging streets in Paros’ bustling towns of Parikia and Naousa. Vacationers watched in disbelief as floodwaters swept vehicles through whitewashed neighborhoods, forcing emergency crews into action. Municipal teams worked through the night to remove boulders blocking critical roads, prioritizing access for rescue operations.
Mykonos experienced slightly milder impacts, though excavators carved emergency channels to redirect torrents flowing past vulnerable waterfront businesses. Local authorities confirmed no casualties but reported extensive property damage across both islands. Over a dozen stranded individuals required assistance from fire department teams to reach safety.
The Greek Civil Protection Agency extended school closures through Tuesday while issuing mobile alerts urging residents to avoid nonessential travel. Private contractors joined cleanup efforts, focusing on restoring access to hospitals and ferry terminals. Tourism operators began assessing storm impacts during peak season, with many hotels offering refunds to displaced guests.
Meteorologists warn that neighboring islands including Naxos and Ios remain at risk through Wednesday. This event follows a 2020 storm that caused €15 million in damages across Santorini, highlighting the Aegean’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather. Climate researchers note a 40% rise in Mediterranean storm intensity since 2010, urging infrastructure upgrades for coastal communities.
