Severe Storms in Greece Leave Popular Island of Corfu Partially Cut Off

Extreme weather conditions have caused significant disruption in northwestern Greece, with intense rainfall resulting in widespread flooding and landslides. The impact has been particularly severe on the popular tourist destination of Corfu, where numerous communities are experiencing damage and isolation.

According to reports from the Greek weather service, the region near Ioannina has received approximately 280 millimeters of precipitation within just a few hours. This deluge has led to water inundating the basements and ground floors of many homes, while numerous vehicles have been swept away by the floodwaters. Local infrastructure has also suffered, with several roads blocked or destroyed by landslides and debris flows.

One of the hardest-hit areas is the village of Karousades on Corfu, home to around 2,000 residents. The community has become inaccessible due to the accumulation of mud and debris, which has also rendered local services inoperable. Emergency response teams are awaiting the arrival of heavy machinery from the mainland to clear the affected roads and restore access to the village.

Many rural roads across Corfu have been rendered impassable, and authorities have announced that schools on the island will remain closed at the start of the week as a precautionary measure. In addition to the challenges posed by flooding, there are concerns about the stability of the landscape, especially in areas that experienced significant wildfires in 2023. Meteorologists suggest that the absence of vegetation in these fire-affected regions has exacerbated the current crisis, as there are fewer natural barriers to prevent mud and rocks from sliding downhill during heavy rainfall.

Weather forecasts indicate that the region may continue to experience rainfall, but the intensity is expected to decrease over the coming days. Nonetheless, local officials are closely monitoring the situation, as further precipitation could complicate recovery efforts and increase the risk of additional landslides or flooding.

Residents of Corfu and the wider northwestern region are being urged to remain vigilant, follow safety guidance, and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize. Emergency services are prioritizing the restoration of vital road connections and the provision of assistance to those affected by the severe weather.

The latest events highlight the ongoing vulnerability of regions previously impacted by natural disasters, such as wildfires, to subsequent extreme weather. The combination of damaged vegetation and intense rainfall poses a significant risk to both infrastructure and communities, underlining the importance of coordinated disaster management and long-term recovery planning.

Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and are working to provide support to those in need. The situation remains dynamic, with updates expected as recovery efforts progress and conditions evolve.