Two fatalities and hundreds of emergency calls
A deadly storm swept across Attica, claiming the lives of two residents and causing extensive damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Between Wednesday, 21 January at 7:30 AM and Thursday, 22 January at 6:30 AM, the Fire Service received 910 emergency calls. During this period, crews conducted 318 water extractions, 32 tree removals, 61 evacuations, and 10 object clearances.
Severe impact in southern suburbs
The storm hit all neighborhoods, but Glyfada, Vari, Voula, and Vouliagmeni suffered the worst effects. In Vari, roads transformed into fast-moving torrents, causing road collapses and damage to infrastructure.
One fire truck overturned at the intersection of Aegean and Tripoli streets due to mud and debris, while drivers became trapped in their vehicles. In one incident, a woman climbed a tree to escape floodwaters until firefighters safely rescued her.
Residents in Vari reported cars swept away by mudslides, some covered entirely in debris. Many households struggled to remove water manually, and local forums highlighted concerns about the long-term effectiveness of recovery efforts, pointing to chronic flooding problems in the Korbi stream.
Emergency declarations and aid procedures
The Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni opened applications for storm-related compensation for qualifying residents, according to existing government regulations. The Municipality of Glyfada and the VVV municipalities requested emergency status, with Glyfada awaiting official approval. Funding for VVV municipalities has already been approved.
Traffic chaos and overwhelmed towing services
The storm left Glyfada and nearby areas in a state of chaos. Flooded streets immobilized hundreds of vehicles, and tow services struggled to respond. Residents faced waits of up to five hours, with many cars remaining submerged overnight.
Authorities advise against attempting to start flooded vehicles, warning that engine or electrical damage could be severe; towing and technical inspections remain the safest approach.
Urban vulnerability highlighted
The events in Glyfada, Vari, Voula, and Vouliagmeni underscore the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather.
Experts warn that as such intense rainfall becomes more frequent, residents, emergency services, and towing operators will face increasing pressure and operational limits.
Source: Proto Thema
Also read: Two dead after storms batter Greece, causing floods
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