Heavy floods hit Greek island of Paros

Torrential rainfall on the Greek island of Paros has caused extensive damage to the capital, Naoussa, as confirmed by drone footage from March 31. Heavy machinery was deployed the following day to clear mud from affected areas, while authorities worked to remove vehicles stranded in floodwaters across the popular tourist destination.

The severe weather persisted, with nearby Mykonos experiencing hailstorms as white balls of ice blanketed grasslands. Civil protection authorities ordered school closures on multiple islands including Syros, Symi, Kalymnos and Kos due to safety concerns.

In Paros, the fishing village of Naoussa suffered significant damage from an overflowing creek, with emergency crews rescuing 13 individuals stranded by rising waters. Streets in the main towns of Parikia and Naoussa became submerged, with floodwaters sweeping away cars and debris. Authorities restricted traffic to emergency vehicles only and advised residents to remain indoors during cleanup operations.

Mayor Costas Bizas reported substantial damage occurring within a short period and requested additional resources to assist in clearing affected streets. While no injuries or missing persons were reported, the extensive infrastructure damage has disrupted daily life across the island.

Scientists attribute the increasing frequency of floods in Greece to warming waters amid rising global temperatures. This incident follows a devastating rainstorm in 2023 that resulted in 17 fatalities and widespread damage in Thessaly, highlighting the growing challenge of extreme weather events in the region.

Weather warnings remain in effect as meteorologists anticipate further downpours, prompting continued emergency response efforts across the affected Greek islands.