Coast Guard member killed as powerful storm hits Greece
A member of the Greek coast guard died on Wednesday in a tragic accident while on duty, amid a wave of severe weather and high winds that swept across large parts of the country. The Greek government confirmed the news, noting that the extreme weather conditions had paralyzed some public services and necessitated emergency measures.
Details of the tragic accident
In the details of the incident, the Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs, Vassilis Kikilias, mourned the deceased on his X account. The man died in the coastal city of Astros, located in the eastern Peloponnese peninsula. Official reports indicate that the victim sustained fatal injuries after being swept away by a powerful wave while attempting to warn local fishermen and urge them to leave the area to save their lives. This incident highlights the significant risks faced by emergency teams during such storms.
Government measures and suspension of studies
Greece is currently experiencing a powerful storm moving towards the eastern parts of the country, accompanied by winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour. These extreme weather conditions have prompted authorities to close schools in the capital, Athens, and several other regions to ensure the safety of students. The storm has also impacted the political agenda, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was forced to postpone his planned trip to Davos for the World Economic Forum, opting instead to remain to monitor the weather developments and manage the crisis.
Record of natural disasters
This incident brings to mind a series of natural disasters that have struck Greece in recent years, raising questions about the impact of climate change on the Mediterranean region. In September 2023, the central region of Thessaly was hit by a devastating storm and torrential floods that left 15 people dead and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and crops.
Greek memory also retains tragic scenes from November 2017, when sudden torrential rains in the Mandra area near Athens killed 16 people and injured dozens, in one of the worst flood-related disasters in the last decade.
Ongoing warnings
With the unstable weather conditions continuing, the Greek authorities renewed their warnings to residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid any unnecessary travel until the storm subsides, stressing that the civil defense services are on high alert to deal with any emergency that may result from these severe weather fluctuations.
