Man Dies as Storm and Saharan Dust Storm Batter Greece

A man has died near Athens as a powerful storm lashed parts of Greece with gale-force winds and flooding, while a Saharan dust storm turned the sky over Crete an eerie red-orange.

The man was found under a car in the Nea Makri rural area early Thursday, according to the fire department. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the man could not be revived. Authorities have not released his identity or additional details about the circumstances of his death.

Storm Erminio has flooded streets, prompted school closures, and kept ferries moored in ports across the country. On Crete, flights were disrupted Wednesday after dust from an African storm filled the air, creating a distinctive reddish haze that reduced visibility and left a thin layer of dust on cars, buildings, and streets.

The national meteorological service forecast bad weather across most of the country on Thursday, with long-lasting and intense rains and storms, and possibly local hail. A red warning is in effect for Crete, mainly in the west and south, from midday until late Thursday night. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay away from areas prone to flooding or landslides.

The fire department received 674 calls for assistance from Wednesday through the early hours of Thursday. The majority were in the Attica region, which encompasses Athens, with most calls related to fallen trees blocking roads or damaging property. Crews worked through the night to clear debris and restore access to affected areas.

High winds have kept ferries moored in ports, stranding passengers and disrupting travel to and from the Greek islands. Greek media reported that some departures may resume on Thursday, weather permitting, though officials urged travelers to check with their carriers before heading to ports.

Streets in Nea Makri were flooded, and the basement of the local police station was also inundated, according to local reports. A bridge was knocked down on the island of Poros, cutting off access to parts of the island, and vehicles have reportedly been swept away by floodwaters. Several schools have also been closed as a precautionary measure.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the storm system moves across the country. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and cleanup efforts are expected to continue in the coming days.

Written by Christiane Hofreiter