Corfu, November 28 – The island of Corfu is grappling with severe disruptions caused by heavy and prolonged rainfall that began in the early morning hours. The adverse weather conditions have led to extensive problems on the road network and critical infrastructure, prompting authorities to activate emergency response teams.
Potamos: River Road Closed Due to Massive Fallen Tree
The riverside road in Potamos remains impassable following the collapse of a massive tree from the riverbank. The tree has completely blocked the roadway, rendering it inaccessible. The area has been cordoned off with red warning tape, and municipal crews are awaiting improved weather conditions to begin clearance operations.
Airport Area Submerged, Sports Center Flooded
The area surrounding Corfu Airport is also experiencing significant issues, with the main road completely flooded. This has created access difficulties and caused delays for vehicles. Simultaneously, the Sports Center, a facility where children train daily, has also been submerged. This situation has created hazardous conditions, forcing officials and parents to promptly evacuate athletes from the premises.
Glyfada: Landslide Blocks Coastal Road with Boulders
In Glyfada, a major landslide has occurred, with a section of the mountain collapsing and large boulders rolling onto the central coastal road. The scene resembles a disaster zone, and the road is considered highly dangerous. Authorities are advising drivers to avoid the area.
Weather Continues, Authorities on High Alert
The rainfall continues unabated and with high intensity, increasing the risk of further incidents involving fallen trees, landslides, and flooding. The Fire Department and other relevant services are on high alert. Citizens are strongly urged to limit their movements to only essential travel.
The continuous downpour has challenged the island’s infrastructure, highlighting the need for immediate and long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of such extreme weather events. Local officials are coordinating efforts to assess the full extent of the damage and to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Emergency services have received numerous calls throughout the day, primarily related to water pumping from flooded basements and clearing minor obstructions on roads. However, the scale of the current events, particularly the landslides and major road blockages, requires more extensive interventions.
Residents in low-lying areas and those near unstable slopes are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities. The meteorological service has indicated that the heavy rainfall is expected to persist for several more hours, with some intermittent easing before potentially resuming with intensity.
This event underscores the vulnerability of island communities to severe weather patterns, particularly given the changing climate. Discussions are anticipated regarding infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness plans in the wake of this significant weather event.
Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves and as emergency crews make progress in addressing the various issues across the island.
Source: https://www.kerkyrasimera.gr/sovara-provlimata-apo-tin-kakokairia-stin-kerkyra-plimmyrise-eakk-dromoi-aerodromio-katolisthiseis-ptouseis-dentron/
