The Greek island of Rhodes was pummeled by storm Bora over the weekend, which unleashed three months’ worth of rainfall on the ‘Island of the Sun’ in a mere twelve hours.

An estimated 324 tons of rain fell in a torrential downpour, causing side streets to turn into fast flowing rivers, floodings homes and businesses and even causing a bridge to collapse.

On Sunday the political leadership of the island met and said that a state of emergency would be declared, and noting that the region of Ialysos, which lies between the international airport of Rhodes the city of Rhodes, was hardest hit. Authorities have also said they will ask for financial support for those impacted by the floods.

Moreover, political leadership has asked islanders to stay at home so roads can be cleared. In the meantime schools will remain closed and authorities are distributing water to the areas where service has been disrupted.

Governor’s Statement on Climate Change and Recovery Efforts

Speaking on the matter, the island’s Governor Giorgos Chatzimarkos told press “Rhodes is working to heal the wounds left by Bora. A very significant phenomenon, the most intense in the island’s history, has caused considerable damage. Addressing climate change is no longer easy, and certainly not with solutions from the past. Some limit the solution to climate change to technical projects alone, but this is not sufficient. While new projects are absolutely necessary, they cannot tame nature on their own. We must change our perceptions and approaches to many issues that affect our daily lives.”

This is the second time in recent history that Rhodes is struck by notable extreme weather phenomena- last time it was a severe fire that led to 20,000 tourists fleeing their hotels in bathing suits as part of a last minute emergency evacuation.

More Bad Weather Ahead

Greece’s meteorological service has updated the previous emergency weather bulletin to warnings over ‘dangerous weather phenomena’ in the Cyclades and Dodecanese. As a result, all levels of schools across all of the islands in the area are closed.

Reinforcements for the island’s fire service are arriving from Athens to assist in quickly addressing the island’s many challenges.

Meanwhile, islanders brace for a new wave of bad weather, uncertain of what exactly that means and where it may hit hardest.