Recent severe storms in Greece have caused major flooding on several islands, including Paros, Mykonos, and Crete. On March 31, 2025, torrential rains overwhelmed these islands, with Paros and Mykonos particularly affected. In Paros, floodwaters inundated towns like Parikia and Naousa, carrying cars and debris through the streets. Emergency teams rescued people stranded by the floods, and local authorities advised residents to stay indoors. Crete also experienced significant damage, including flooded roads and rockslides, which led to the closure of many areas and the rescue of people trapped by the rising waters.
The storms disrupted daily life, leading to school closures and affecting ferry services. Residents and tourists are being urged to stay informed about weather updates and follow local authorities’ instructions to stay safe.
Extra Reference :
How to Protect Yourself from Floods: Essential Tips for Safety
Here are some important points on how to protect yourself from floods:
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts, flood warnings, and emergency alerts regularly. Use apps or websites dedicated to weather updates.
- Create an Emergency Kit: Pack essential items like food, water, first aid supplies, medications, flashlight, batteries, and important documents in a waterproof bag.
- Know Flood Zones: Understand whether you live in a flood-prone area. If so, make sure to have an evacuation plan in place.
- Elevate Valuables: Place important belongings, such as electronics and documents, on higher ground or shelves above expected flood levels.
- Secure Your Home: Install flood barriers, clear gutters and drains regularly, and ensure that windows and doors are sealed properly to prevent water entry.
- Evacuate Early: If you live in a flood-prone area or receive evacuation instructions, leave immediately. Don’t wait for the water levels to rise.
- Avoid Driving: Never drive through floodwaters, as even a small amount of water can sweep away a vehicle. Always wait for authorities to confirm roads are safe.
- Stay Away from Water: Floodwaters can be dangerous due to fast currents, debris, and contamination. Avoid walking, swimming, or wading through floodwaters.
- Know How to Turn Off Utilities: In case of flooding, it’s important to know how to turn off your gas, electricity, and water to avoid fires and electrical hazards.
- Stay in Higher Ground: If you are already in a flood-affected area and cannot evacuate, move to higher floors or roofs for safety.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk and protect yourself during a flood.
Record of Recent Floods in last 1 Year :
Over the past year, several significant floods have occurred worldwide, resulting in substantial human and economic losses. Below is a summary of major flood events from April 2024 to April 2025, including their causes, impacts, and estimated damages:
| Date | Location | Cause | Fatalities | Economic Losses | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Sumatra, Indonesia | Torrential monsoon rains leading to flash floods and landslides | 26 | $10.53 million | Heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides across Sumatra, affecting over 40,000 families, submerging 37,000 structures, and damaging infrastructure including bridges, roads, and schools. Relief efforts were hampered by persistent rainfall and blocked roads. |
| April 2024 | Guangdong, China | Torrential rain causing river overflows and landslides | 52 | Not specified | Intense rainfall led to severe flooding and landslides in Guangdong Province, resulting in mass evacuations of over 110,000 people and significant infrastructure damage. |
| April 2024 | Afghanistan and Pakistan | Heavy rainfall leading to river overflows and flash floods | Not specified | Not specified | Extensive floods affected various provinces, displacing thousands and destroying large areas of farmland. Continued rainfall raised concerns of further destruction in already weakened areas. |
| April–May 2024 | Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil | Heavy rains and storms causing river overflows and dam collapse | 181 | $3.7 billion | Severe floods and landslides impacted Rio Grande do Sul, leading to widespread destruction, including a dam collapse. It was considered Brazil’s worst flooding in over 80 years. |
| April–May 2024 | Papua New Guinea | Torrential rains and king tides leading to floods and landslides | 23 | Not specified | Floods and landslides caused by heavy rains and king tides resulted in fatalities and damage to roads, homes, and food gardens. The local economy was severely affected, with many surviving on limited resources. |
| April 29, 2024 | Mai Mahiu, Kenya | Culvert blockage beneath railway embankment leading to flash flood | 61 | Not specified | A blockage in a culvert caused a catastrophic flash flood after heavy rains, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread destruction in the town of Mai Mahiu. |
| June 2024 | Northeastern Bangladesh | Heavy rainfall causing river overflows and flash floods | 15 | Not specified | Prolonged heavy rains led to severe flooding in the Haor region, affecting over 2.1 million people and displacing nearly 30,000 to shelter centers. Infrastructure and farmland were extensively damaged. |
| September 2024 | Central and Eastern Europe (Hungary) | Storm Boris causing heavy rainfall and river overflows | 24 | Not specified | Storm Boris led to severe flooding, with the Danube River rising to dangerous levels, causing widespread destruction and fatalities across the region. |
| October 2024 | Valencia region, Spain | Rare atmospheric phenomenon (“cold drop”) causing intense rainfall | 224 | Not specified | Extraordinary rainfall resulted in devastating floods, with the Valencia region receiving over 12 inches (300 mm) of rain in just a few hours, leading to significant casualties and damage. |
| October 2024 | Sherpur, Mymensingh, and Netrokona, Bangladesh | Heavy rains in upstream areas causing downstream flooding | 11 | Not specified | Flooding displaced over 60,000 families and destroyed vast areas of farmland, with significant losses to agriculture and fisheries. |
These events highlight the devastating impact of floods globally, emphasizing the need for effective disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies.
Concluding The Article :
Best Practices for Safety in Flood-Prone and Mountainous Areas: Preparation and Response
| Factor | Mountainous Areas | Flood-Prone Areas | Best Practices for Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Risks | – Landslides & Rockfalls:Steep slopes and unstable soil increase the risk of landslides, especially during heavy rainfall or earthquakes. – Extreme Weather:Snowstorms, avalanches, and sudden temperature drops can be hazardous. | – Water Damage & Property Loss: Homes in low-lying areas are prone to floods, leading to structural damage and costly repairs. – Health Hazards:Floodwaters carry bacteria, sewage, and chemicals, leading to disease outbreaks. | – Research Land Stability: Choose land with solid ground stability reports before construction. – Avoid High-Risk Zones: Check historical data for past disasters in the area before purchasing property. |
| Weather Conditions | – Harsh Winters & Snowfall:Heavy snow accumulation can cause roof collapses and blocked roads. – Unpredictable Weather:Sudden temperature changes and strong winds can make the environment difficult to live in. | – Heavy Rainfall & Storms:Can cause rapid flooding, overwhelming drainage systems. – Rising Water Levels: Rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are susceptible to seasonal floods and hurricanes. | – Choose Stable, Well-Drained Land:Avoid valley bottoms and areas close to water bodies. – Ensure Proper Drainage: Invest in good water drainage systems to redirect excess water. |
| Accessibility | – Remote & Hard-to-Reach Areas: Mountain roads may be blocked due to landslides, making transportation difficult. – Emergency Services Delayed: Difficult terrain can delay rescue and medical assistance in case of emergencies. | – Flooded Roads & Infrastructure Damage:Roads and bridges can be submerged, making evacuation difficult. – Power & Communication Disruptions: Floods often lead to electricity outages and network failures. | – Ensure Easy Access to Emergency Services: Choose locations with nearby hospitals, fire stations, and police services. – Have an Evacuation Plan: Know alternative routes and prepare emergency kits in case of disasters. |
| Health Risks | – Altitude Sickness: Living at high altitudes may cause oxygen deprivation, leading to breathing issues. – Extreme Cold Exposure:Hypothermia and frostbite risks are high in colder regions. | – Waterborne Diseases & Contamination: Standing water increases the risk of infections like cholera, dengue, and mold exposure. – Poor Sanitation Issues:Floods can lead to sewage backup, increasing health hazards. | – Plan for Proper Ventilation & Sanitation: Ensure homes have good insulation, ventilation, and safe drinking water. – Stock Medical Supplies: Keep first-aid kits and water purification tablets in case of emergencies. |
| Financial Burden | – High Maintenance Costs:Frequent repairs are needed due to snow, landslides, and extreme weather. – Expensive Transportation:Fuel and supplies are costlier due to remote locations. | – Costly Insurance & Frequent Repairs: Living in flood zones often requires expensive flood insurance and frequent house restorations. – Property Value Decline:High-risk areas often have lower resale value. | – Invest in Reinforced Structures & Insurance: Build using disaster-resistant materials and get comprehensive insurance coverage. – Consider Long-Term Costs: Cheaper land in high-risk areas may result in higher future expenses. |
| Construction Tips | – Use Landslide-Resistant Designs: Retaining walls and deep foundations can prevent soil erosion. – Strong Foundations: Homes should be built with materials that can withstand earthquakes and heavy snow loads. | – Elevated Structures & Flood Barriers: Raising homes on stilts and using flood-resistant materials can reduce damage. – Waterproofing Measures:Install sump pumps, seal walls, and reinforce drainage systems to minimize flood impact. | – Follow Safety Codes & Disaster-Proof Materials: Build according to government regulations designed for disaster-prone areas. – Regular Maintenance Checks:Inspect homes periodically to ensure safety features are intact. |
| Long-Term Viability | – Requires Extra Precautions: Living in mountain regions demands continuous adaptation to weather changes and geological risks. – May Be Inconvenient for Daily Life: Limited job opportunities, education facilities, and social infrastructure make living difficult. | – Unstable Investment:Property in flood-prone areas has a higher risk of depreciation due to frequent disasters. – Higher Relocation Risks: If floods worsen over time, moving may become necessary, leading to financial and emotional stress. | – Best to Invest in Safer, Elevated Locations: Look for properties slightly above flood levels and in well-connected areas. – Disaster-Prepared Community Planning: Prefer areas where the government has implemented flood control measures like levees, reservoirs, and emergency response plans. |
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid high-risk areas where natural disasters are common.
- Invest in proper construction techniques to mitigate risks.
- Consider long-term viability and cost-effectiveness before choosing a location.
- Prioritize safety, accessibility, and emergency preparedness for a secure living environment.
I hope you like this article regarding safety in flooding.
Happy Living