Tragic Loss of Austrian Honeymooners in Greek Flash Floods Amidst a Series of Natural Disasters

In a devastating turn of events, an Austrian couple on their honeymoon in Greece has tragically lost their lives as torrential rains unleashed flash floods, sweeping away their holiday home in the resort of Potistika, near Mount Pelion. The incident occurred on September 6th when Storm Daniel brought relentless rains to the region, resulting in widespread destruction.

While the couple’s identities have not been publicly disclosed, the Austrian foreign ministry has confirmed their deaths through DNA tests. The spokesperson conveyed their deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, emphasizing the profound sadness surrounding this tragedy. Austrian embassy staff in Athens are providing essential support to the couple’s grieving relatives.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the challenging situation facing Greece, stating that the nation was contending with “a war in a time of peace.” Over the past two weeks, Greece has grappled with both catastrophic wildfires and catastrophic floods, marking the worst such events in its history.

These devastating floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 15 people, have left thousands displaced, seeking refuge in temporary shelters or with relatives. Moreover, approximately 30 villages remain inaccessible due to the floodwaters, posing the threat of waterborne diseases.

The scale of the disaster is evident in the astonishing amount of rainfall received in some Greek regions, exceeding 800mm (31.5in), a quantity typically observed over the course of an entire year. The Karditsa plain in central Greece, for instance, was transformed into a vast expanse of water, submerging villages around Palamas.

Giorgos Sakellariou, the mayor of Palamas, described the situation as tragic, with residents trapped in their homes and unable to escape the floodwaters.

Thanasis Samaras, the owner of the ill-fated holiday home, revealed that the Austrian couple had taken refuge in the bungalow they had rented for their honeymoon as the torrential rains engulfed central Greece. He and other guests had evacuated to higher ground, urging the couple to do the same.

Mr. Samaras reflected on the challenging circumstances, acknowledging the difficulty of making decisions in such moments of crisis.

This tragic incident is set against the backdrop of increasing concern among climate scientists. Global warming has led to more water evaporating during the summer months, resulting in more intense and unpredictable storms.

Greece has been grappling with a series of natural disasters throughout the summer, including devastating wildfires. Among them was the EU’s largest recorded wildfire, which claimed the lives of at least 20 people last month.

As Greece faces the aftermath of these calamities, Prime Minister Mitsotakis has pledged increased funding for those affected and strengthened the country’s capacity to respond to natural disasters, including raising tourist taxes to support these initiatives. The nation and its people must now come together to recover and rebuild in the face of immense challenges posed by the forces of nature.