UK-bound flights from Greek island cancelled after severe flooding – but hardy Brits refuse to bow down
HARDY Brits have refused to bow down despite severe rainstorms flooding a Greek holiday island which saw UK-bound flights cancelled.
Pictures have shown how visitors in Skiathos kept on dining in a flooded restaurant despite rising waters lapping around their feet.
Their endurance abroad came as torrential downpours drenched the popular resort of Skiathos and prompted action by travel firms.
UK-bound flights from Skiathos were axed as the region was battered by severe rainstorms and widespread flooding.
Police banned traffic on the resort as record rainfall caused at least one death, sent thigh-high torrents through streets and swept cars away.
Storm Daniel is causing severe flooding across the region, with streams overflowing their banks and water dashing cars into the sea.
Some British tourists have used social media to ask for help after being stranded on the island, which is east of the Greek mainland.
Jet2 said all five of its flights due to depart on Tuesday and Wednesday have been cancelled.
The airline said it was monitoring weather forecasts and would confirm new departure times as soon as possible.
Four flights scheduled from Britain to Skiathos on Wednesday have also been called off.
A flight from London Stansted to Skiathos was diverted on Monday to the mainland city of Thessaloniki due to the weather.
Customers were given hotel accommodation until they could be returned to Britain.
One tourist stranded by the weather, Emma Taylor said: “This is a serious storm – flooding in our hotel corridors, ceilings, power cuts, and we’re lucky as we’re up high at the Skiathos Palace, Koukounaries.
“Some guests have been asked to check out of their rooms.”
Another holiday-maker said: “Food supplies are running out at the hotel – no more can be supplied because the road by our hotel has collapsed.
“The rain has been heavy for around 36 hours. Our hotel is now homing local families who have lost theirs on the beach.”
In a statement on its website to customers, Jet2 said: “We are sorry to inform you that due to the current and forecasted weather affecting the Island of Skiathos, we have delayed your flight.
“The heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are continuing to affect Skiathos – this is part of an adverse weather phenomenon named Storm Daniel.
“We are monitoring the forecast and will confirm your new departure time as soon as the forecast allows.
“We understand how frustrating this situation is, but please be assured that our dedicated UK-based Operations Team are working tirelessly to ensure we get you back to the UK when it is safe to do so.
“We know that this is not the news you would like to hear – however, the safety and wellbeing of all our customers and crew is paramount.
“Whilst in destination, please continue to follow the advice of the Local Authority.”
Elsewhere in Greece, police banned traffic in the central town of Volos and the nearby mountain region of Pilion.
The fire service said a man was killed near Volos when a wall buckled and fell on him – while five people were reported missing, possibly swept away by floodwater.
Authorities sent mobile phone alerts in several other parts of central Greece.
These included the Sporades island chain and the island of Evia, where people were urged to limit their movements outdoors.
Streams overflowed banks and swept cars into the sea in the Pilion area.
Rockfalls blocked roads and a small bridge was carried away, while many districts were hit by power cuts.
Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s minister for civil protection, said storms were expected to ease on Wednesday after 12noon but insisted people in afflicted areas should stay inside.
Earlier this summer major wildfires hit Greece, with some burning for more than two weeks – killing more than 20 people and destroying vast swathes of forest and farmland.
Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis admitted on Tuesday his centre-right government “clearly didn’t manage things as well as we would have liked”.
Brits heading to other popular Mediterranean holiday hotspots, in Spain, have also been braced for storms.