Greece Scorched by Fires, Drowned by Floods in Dangerous Weather Cycle

Greece is caught in a devastating cycle of extreme weather, with deadly wildfires followed by destructive flash floods. The country is grappling with the escalating consequences of climate change, as both fires and floods leave a trail of death and destruction.

Fires, often caused by arson, negligence, or electrical issues, spread rapidly, scorching vast areas. Satellite analysis in early August showed over 11,100 hectares burned in Attica alone. This loss of vegetation is critical, as plants normally absorb rainfall and their roots stabilize the soil. After a fire, the ground is left bare and less able to absorb water. The heat from fires can even make the soil water-repellent.

When heavy rains do come, the denuded land cannot cope. Instead of soaking in, water runs off the surface, quickly gathering in streams and low-lying areas. These sudden downpours, sometimes lasting only tens of minutes, can overwhelm drainage systems and natural channels. The resulting floods are not just water; they become dangerous flows of ash, soil, rocks, and debris from the burned areas.

A stark example occurred in Mani on August 15, where the weather station recorded 141 millimeters of rain in about four hours, with 68 millimeters falling in just one hour. This intense rainfall quickly turned into torrents, destroying homes, roads, and cars, and washing away entire tracts of land. While Mani's flood was primarily caused by extreme rainfall, it highlights the other half of the problem: how quickly intense rain can become a flash flood, especially in areas already weakened by fires.