Six storm-related fatalities reported; extensive flooding in Thessaly plain

Extensive flooding in the central Thessaly province, Greece’s largest plain, was the biggest problem on Thursday after two days of record-breaking rainfall in the wider region.

An intense storm front, dubbed “Daniel”, poured torrential rains, with the greater Volos urban area, in mountainous and coastal Magnesia prefecture, suffering the brunt of the inclement weather, along with the nearby island of Skiathos.

The number of storm-related fatalities reached six.

Emergency crews, including a half dozen helicopter units, have so far evacuated and rescued hundreds of people.

Television footage from the affected region showed floodwaters reaching as high as rooftops in the worst affected sites of the Thessaly plain, which includes the prefectures of Larissa, Karditsa and Trikala.

Highways and provincial roadways have been flooded as well, while power outages are numerous.