In brief
A man was found dead in Nea Makri, near Athens, amidst a storm that unleashed gale-force winds and flooding across parts of Greece. The storm, named Erminio, is accompanied by a Saharan dust event that has turned the skies over Crete a striking red-orange. Local authorities reported numerous incidents of flooding and damage, with many residents and tourists being urged to take precautions against the dust.
A man has died near Athens as a storm hits parts of Greece with gale-force winds and flooding, while a Saharan dust storm enveloped the Mediterranean island of Crete.
The man was found under a car in the seaside town of Nea Makri early on Thursday, according to the fire department.
Storm Erminio has flooded streets, closed some schools and moored ferries. There were also reports in local media of people trapped in their vehicles.
On Crete, some flights were disrupted on Wednesday after dust from an African storm filled the air, turning the sky reddy-orange.
Greece's national meteorological service warned of long-lasting and intense rains and storms in most parts of the country on Thursday.
Local media reports indicate that the man who died in Nea Makri, northeast of the Greek capital, Athens, is believed to have been swept away by a torrent as he tried to cross a flooded street. The man, in his 50s, was later found trapped under a car.
The basement of the local police station in Nea Makri was also flooded, and a bridge was knocked down on the island of Poros with vehicles reportedly swept away. Some schools have also been closed.
The Greek fire department received 674 calls for assistance from Wednesday through to the early hours of Thursday morning, with most calls concerning fallen trees.
High winds have kept ferries moored in ports, with Greek media reporting that some departures may resume on Thursday, weather permitting.
A red weather warning is now in place in Crete, mainly in the west and south, from midday until late on Thursday night, indicating widespread damage and risk to life are likely.
Local residents and tourists on the island have been seen wearing face masks to prevent inhaling the dust.
