Athens, Greece – Storm Daniel on Wednesday wreaked havoc on the Greek capital, causing widespread traffic disruptions and transforming central streets into torrents. Additionally, numerous metro and train stations were temporarily shuttered due to water infiltration.
The intensity of the storms prompted authorities to issue a 112 message alert to residents in the Attica region, cautioning them about heavy rain and storms and advising them to restrict their movements.
Despite regional authorities’ assurances that road drains had been cleaned as per usual, eyebrows were raised as the city grappled with the consequences of the deluge.
Central Vasilissis Sofias Avenue witnessed perilous situations as individuals were swept away by fast-flowing waters. One video, circulated on social media, captured a man struggling in the current and receiving assistance from bystanders.
Several major city thoroughfares, including Petrou Ralli, Hamosternas, and Vasilissis Sofias, experienced significant flooding. Poseidonos Avenue, leading toward Glyfada from Syngrou Avenue in southern Athens, was also affected.
A portion of Konstantinou Karamanli Avenue, near the Asklepio Hospital in Voula, had to be closed to traffic due to flooding.
The impact of the storm extended to the Athens metro system, with Line 1 (Green) services disrupted due to flooding on the tracks. Trains were only operational between Piraeus and Tavros and Omonia and Kifissia. Petralona, Monastiraki, and Thiseio stations were temporarily closed as a result.
In addition, Evangelismos metro station on Line 3 was also temporarily shuttered due to water ingress from the entrances.
The sudden deluge of water in Athens serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by severe weather events, emphasizing the need for effective infrastructure and emergency response measures to mitigate their impact.
