Heavy rains and floods in Athens and beyond as Storm Byron strikes

Greece was hit on December 4 by the powerful Storm “Byron,” which swept across much of the country, triggering severe flooding, landslides, and major disruptions in transportation. 

The regions most affected were Attica, the Peloponnese, and the Ionian Islands, with Zakynthos and Crete reporting landslides, as per Greek media.

Several major roads in Athens were completely submerged, forcing the closure of multiple routes. In western Attica, water levels in some areas reached the sidewalks, while in Keratsini, one of the central streets was transformed entirely into a lake.

In response, Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias ordered all schools in the region to remain closed on December 5. Similar precautionary measures were implemented in other municipalities across Greece. 

Authorities warned that the storm would peak overnight and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Schools in other parts of the country were also closed as a safety measure.

Rescue services reported receiving dozens of calls for water removal. In Laconia, emergency responders successfully rescued a family from a car before it was completely submerged. On Zakynthos, roads were converted into fast-flowing torrents, and on Crete, a building under construction partially collapsed due to the storm.

Today, December 5, Storm Byron is shifting northward, affecting the regions of Pieria, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, and Thessaly.

By Tamilla Hasanova