HORROR floods have ravaged Paros in Greece causing cars to be swept away by water rushing through the streets.
The strong floods hit the holiday hotspot after 80mm of rain fell within a short period of time.
Mykonos was also hit by heavy rain that pounded the tourist hotspots overnight, but conditions are not as severe there as in Paros.
It is understood fishing village Naoussa was devastated by floods after a creek overflowed.
In a video shared to social media, debris can be seen floating on top of murky water as it gushes through the streets.
Water can be seen flowing through broken car windows and dragging cars along its path.
Homes and businesses have been flooded and some 40 vehicles were swept away by flood water.
No injuries have been reported but emergency crews have been on hand in the fishing village, with local police reporting 13 people were brought to safety by crews.
Schools on both the islands of Naoussa and Mykonos were closed and the public were urged to stay inside during the storm.
And the advice today for both locals and tourists is to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel as further downpours are expected.
Rhodes, Kos, and Symi are all bracing for impact as the bout of hellish weather heads their way.
Red alerts remain over much of Greece, with rainfall expected to last into tomorrow.
Paros’ mayor Costas Bizas told ERT: “Roads have been damaged and we need help with more machines so that we can clear the streets.
“All this catastrophe happened in two hours.”
In an alert posted to social media local firefighters warned vehicle access is extremely limited due to the floods.
They said: “Movement of vehicles on the road network is prohibited, due to the occurrence of severe weather phenomena, until the end of the phenomena.
“Emergency vehicles are excluded.”
‘BE AWARE’
Irish tourists visiting the holiday hotspot should play close attention to weather warnings and advice from local crews.
In an alert Weather Underground warned: “Locally intensive rain. Precipitation amount forecasted from 15 to 25 mm in 12 hours.
“BE AWARE of the potential for localised flooding of a small number of properties, with local disruption to outdoor activities. Difficult driving conditions due to reduced visibility and aquaplaning.”
And they added: “BE AWARE that thunderstorms may occur.
“Take extra care in exposed areas, like mountains, forest and open terrain. Disruption to outdoor activities is possible.”
EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY
The floods come after an earthquake alert was issued for Irish holidaymakers travelling to Greece.
A national emergency has been declared due to a high volume of earthquakes in some Greek islands.
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN AN EARTHQUAKE
If you suddenly find yourself caught in an earthquake there are a number of things you can do to stay safe.
If you are inside a building:
- Remain calm
- Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture (table, desk etc.), get on your knees and hold on to the leg of the table or the desk
- If a sturdy piece of furniture does not exist, get on your knees in the middle the room, stay as low as possible and cover your head with your hands. Keep away from large glass surfaces such as windows, or furniture and objects that might hurt you.
- Do not try to leave the building.
- Do not get out on a balcony, if one exists
- Keep away from glass windows and outer walls if you are in a tall building
If in a shopping mall or a big commercial store:
- Remain calm
- Stay exactly where you are until the tremble comes to a stop
- Do not get swept away by the running crowd rushing towards the exits because there is a high risk of being stepped over.
If you are outside:
- Get away from places situated exactly underneath buildings or from places where there are telephone or electricity cables.
- If carrying a bag or backpack, put it over your head in order to protect yourself.
If you are in a car:
- Go to an open space and stop the car somewhere where it does not impede the circulation of other vehicles
- Keep away from tunnels or bridges
This state of emergency will remain in place until April 3, 2025.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a safety alert to Irish holidaymakers planning on travelling to certain areas of Greece.
They warn: “The islands of Santorini (Thira), Amorgos, Anafi and los are currently experiencing a significant volume of earthquakes.
“The authorities have declared a State of Emergency on Santorini until 03 April, Amorgos until 11 March, Anafi until 13 March, and los until 14 March.”
