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.
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Local media reports the man who died in Nea Makri, north-east 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.
A bridge was knocked down on the island of Poros and vehicles have reportedly been 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. The majority were in the Attica region that encompasses Athens, with most calls concerning fallen trees.
High winds have kept ferries moored in ports, with Greek media reporting some departures may resume on Thursday, weather permitting.
Meanwhile, a red weather warning – meaning widespread damage and risk to life are likely – is now in place in Crete, mainly in the west and south, from midday until late on Thursday night.
Local residents and tourists on the island have been seen wearing face masks to prevent inhaling the dust.
