Stranded Brits Cry for Assistance as Greece Floods Take Toll

Brits Beg for Help After Being ‘Stranded’ During Greece Floods

British tourists on the small Greek island of Skiathos have found themselves stranded as severe storms and widespread flooding hit mainland Greece and its islands. The streets have turned into raging torrents, and traffic has been banned in several areas, including Skiathos, where many British tourists are stuck. Videos posted on social media show cars and boats being washed away, and there are reports of power cuts and hotel rooms flooding. With flights being disrupted, many tourists are concerned about whether they will be able to return home.

Request for State of Emergency

The mayor of Skiathos has reportedly made a request to declare a state of emergency on the island. Tourists have taken to social media to describe the situation, with one person stating, “I’m on holiday in Skiathos torrential rain got the last 24 plus hours and heavy flooding, unable to leave the hotel.” Another commented, “Never seen a storm like this in my life, 12 hours of constant thunder & lightning!!!” The intense rain and flooding have caused panic and uncertainty among those stranded on the island.

Flight Cancellations and Emergency Landing

Several flights to and from Skiathos have been canceled, including all Jet2 flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. One flight from London Stansted diverted to Thessaloniki on Monday, and passengers were accommodated in a hotel. The airline has assured affected customers that they will receive full refunds and that they are closely monitoring the situation to fly all customers home as soon as conditions allow. Tui, another travel company, has also stated that they will inform passengers if further flights are impacted.

Severe Weather Forecast and Government Response

Greece’s minister for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, has stated that the storms are expected to ease after midday on Wednesday. He has urged people in affected areas to stay indoors. The extreme rainfall in Greece has been described as the most significant event in terms of maximum rainfall in a day since record-keeping began. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed concern about the changing climate and the likelihood of more difficult summers in the future. The weather service has predicted heavy rainfall, storms, hail, thunder, and strong winds in the Aegean region.

Editorial and Advice

The recent floods in Greece have highlighted the vulnerability of popular tourist destinations to extreme weather events. Climate change is causing an increase in the intensity and frequency of such events, leaving travelers stranded and impacting the tourism industry. This serves as a reminder of the need for effective disaster management and emergency preparedness in these areas.

For travelers planning trips to areas prone to extreme weather, it is essential to stay informed about weather conditions and heed local authorities’ advice. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers unforeseen events like flight cancellations or stranded situations. Travelers should follow the guidance of their tour operators and local authorities during times of crisis and stay updated on any emergency measures or evacuation plans.

As global temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial for governments, travel companies, and tourists to prioritize sustainable and resilient tourism practices. This includes investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, promoting climate-friendly transportation options, and raising awareness about the impact of travel on the environment.

Lastly, individuals can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change by adopting sustainable lifestyles and supporting initiatives that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These collective efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of travel destinations around the world.