Devastating flash floods have struck Greece’s Aegean islands, transforming picturesque ports into ‘lakes of mud’ and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. With Easter tourism season just around the corner, authorities are racing to complete clean-up operations.
The picturesque islands of Greece‘s Aegean region have been left reeling from devastating flash floods, with authorities scrambling to complete clean-up operations before the arrival of tourists for the Easter break.
More rain fell on the island of Paros over two hours on Tuesday than would normally be expected in a month, according to meteorologists. The intense rainfall, coupled with typhoon-strength gales, has caused widespread destruction and flooding across several islands, including Mykonos and Crete.
Paros is a Greek island in the Cyclades group.
It has an area of approximately 196 square kilometers and a population of around 13,000 people.
The island's economy relies heavily on tourism, with visitors drawn to its picturesque villages, beaches, and archaeological sites.
Paros is also known for its marble quarries, which have been in operation since ancient times.
The island has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period.
A Decade of Unprecedented Rainfall
The Cycladic islands, which are typically dry and sunny during the spring months, were hit by torrential downpours that turned streets into debris-filled streams and flooded homes. The picturesque port of Naoussa on Paros was transformed into a ‘lake of mud,’ with the sea and land becoming one.
Schools on several islands were closed, and inhabitants were still picking their way through silt-strewn streets on Thursday. Despite the devastation, there were no reported casualties, which has raised concerns about the preparedness of Greece’s emergency services.
A Failure of Planning
Critics have singled out the absence of proper flood management systems and unregulated development on the Aegean islands as major contributors to the disaster. The Greek environmentalist and former MEP Kriton Arsenis said that decades of unsustainable construction had led to a ‘total catastrophe.’
Kriton Arsenis is a Greek politician who has served as the Minister of Education, Research and Innovation in Greece since September 2015.
He was born on October 10, 1962, in Athens, Greece.
Before entering politics, Arsenis worked as an engineer and held various academic positions.
As minister, he has focused on education reform, digitalization, and innovation policies.
His tenure has seen significant investments in education infrastructure and research initiatives.
‘The past five years alone have seen Paros top the Cyclades in new building permits, surpassing even Mykonos and Santorini,’ he wrote. ‘Villas, hotels, roads, and swimming pools have replaced the dry-stone terraces that once held water, slowed down runoff, and kept the soil alive.’
A Lack of Funding
The lack of state funding for civil protection on islands with dwindling populations has also been cited as a major issue. Mykonos’s former mayor Konstantinos Koukas said that funds should be allocated based on the permanent population of a place to ensure adequate infrastructure.
‘Unfortunately, the Cyclades have remained years behind when it comes to infrastructure and are completely ill-prepared to withstand any intense weather phenomenon, much less any that is extreme,’ said Nikos Syrigos, a prominent commentator from the Cycladic island of Syros.
Located in the Cyclades group, Syros is a charming Greek island with a rich history and culture.
The capital city, Ermoupoli, features neoclassical architecture and a vibrant waterfront.
Syros has a population of around 21,000 people and covers an area of approximately 84 square kilometers.
The island's economy relies heavily on tourism, with visitors drawn to its beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and traditional festivals.
