The severe weather system, dubbed Storm ADEL, continues to wreak havoc across Greece, with the most critical issues reported in Tzoumerka, Epirus, and the island of Corfu. Landslides have left house foundations exposed, slopes have collapsed onto roads, and agricultural lands have been submerged or destroyed. Residents express deep concern as the phenomenon of land instability persists.
Tzoumerka: Homes on the Brink as Landslides Continue
In Tzoumerka, specifically in Agnanta, a large retaining wall collapsed overnight, leaving homes perilously close to the edge of precipices. The dam on the local river also broke, intensifying fears among residents about their properties. A significant portion of the mountain slope gave way, carrying down massive quantities of rocks, mud, and debris. The bank receded by 30 meters, revealing a river that was previously hidden from view. Beekeepers have reported losses to their hives and are anxious about the ongoing soil erosion.
Emergency Response and Lingering Threats
Heavy machinery and emergency crews are working tirelessly to address immediate problems, clear roads, and restore essential networks. Despite these efforts, the instability in areas like Koukoulia, where a large section of a retaining wall has given way, remains a critical concern. The ground beneath two houses is continuously shifting towards a ravine due to incessant rainfall, a change that occurred dramatically within hours. Numerous other landslides, with soil and rocks obstructing roads, indicate the widespread instability of the entire region.
Residents live in constant apprehension, as each new downpour threatens further collapses. Municipal and regional crews are on high alert, but the situation in Koukoulia remains extremely fragile.
Swollen Rivers and Persistent Rain
The intense rainfall and extreme weather conditions over the past week in Epirus have led to dangerously swollen rivers, including the Kalamas near the Ioannina mountain range. The water level has risen significantly, carrying large tree trunks downstream. Hopes are high for an abatement of the weather phenomena, with forecasts predicting clearer skies by the weekend, offering a much-needed respite.
Corfu: Fifth Day of Storm ADEL’s Impact
Corfu is experiencing its fifth consecutive day of adverse weather. Several areas remain without electricity, and it is highly likely that power will not be restored overnight due to the extensive damage and insufficient DEDDIE (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator) crews. Significant efforts are also underway to repair damage to the provincial road network.
Road Closures and Ongoing Restoration
In Glyfada, a major landslide has covered the road leading to the beach. Civil Protection units, using heavy machinery, have managed to clear a portion of the road. Traffic on Thursday night is proceeding with extreme caution. A renewed and intensified effort is planned for Friday morning to address the damage in other affected areas of Corfu, particularly central and southern regions that bore the brunt of the storm.
A tornado also swept through Finikounda, causing extensive damage to tourist facilities and commercial businesses in just five minutes. DEDDIE crews have been working since early morning to repair the widespread network failures caused by the tornado.
The island of Corfu remains on red alert until Friday, with residents and business owners actively participating in cleanup efforts, removing mud from their properties alongside municipal and DEDDIE teams.
Source: https://www.ertnews.gr/roi-idiseon/kakokairia-adel-gymna-themelia-spition-apo-tis-kataigides-ypoxorisan-plagies-kai-dromoi-to-ertnews-stis-pligeises-perioxes/
