Skies over Crete, Greece, have taken on a striking red hue due to a dust cloud from the Sahara, causing significant disruptions at the island’s main airport in Heraklion. Three international flights were diverted to alternative airports, with a British Airways flight rerouted to Corfu and another from Brussels sent to Athens, as visibility dropped to unsafe levels. The Greek meteorological service issued a red warning for heavy rain and severe thunderstorms due to Storm Erminio, predicting life-threatening conditions from flooding and lightning. Along with the storm, gale-force winds have caused structural damages, uprooted trees, and led to the closure of some schools. The phenomenon, known as ‘calima’, is expected to persist for a day or two, with warnings extending across much of the Greek mainland.
Why It Matters
This event highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena, exacerbated by climate change, affecting regions like Crete. Dust storms, such as the current ‘calima’, can significantly deteriorate air quality and visibility, leading to travel disruptions and health risks. The simultaneous occurrence of severe storms and flooding poses additional threats to infrastructure and public safety. Historically, Greece has faced similar weather challenges, indicating a broader trend of intensified weather patterns across the Mediterranean region, which may continue to impact communities and economies.
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