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Travel Alert: Britons Heading to Greece Urged to Prepare for Natural Hazards
Popular holiday destination Greece, famed for its sunny climate and picturesque beaches, is anticipated to welcome numerous British tourists this summer. However, travelers are being strongly advised to exercise caution due to potential natural disasters. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent advisory highlighting risks associated with earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat, and flash floods in Greece. This travel warning for Greece aims to ensure British holidaymakers are well-prepared for possible emergencies during their trips.
Potential Natural Disasters in Greece
The FCDO has explicitly warned about several natural phenomena that could affect visitors:
- Earthquakes: Greece is located in a seismically active region and is susceptible to earthquakes.
- Wildfires: During the summer months from April to October, there is a heightened risk of wildfires, particularly in dry and vegetated areas.
- Extreme Heat: Greece can experience periods of intense heat, especially during peak summer, which can pose health risks.
- Flash Floods: Heavy rainfall can lead to sudden and dangerous flash floods in certain areas.
Recent Weather Events
Recent weather patterns in Greece have been volatile, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the climate. Mid-March saw record-breaking high temperatures, reaching 33.7 degrees Celsius in Crete and 31.4 degrees Celsius in Livadia. This unseasonal warmth was quickly followed by a spell of snow and frost, demonstrating the rapid shifts in weather conditions that can occur.
Current forecasts predict heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across northern and northeastern Greece, accompanied by a significant decrease in temperatures, indicating continued weather instability.
Staying Informed and Safe
Emergency Alert Registration
The FCDO strongly recommends that visitors register for alerts from the Greek Government’s Emergency Communication Service to stay informed about events occurring near their location.
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Travelers are advised to:
- Register to receive Emergency alerts.
- Follow ‘112 Greece’ on X (formerly Twitter) for official updates and real-time information.
Wildfire Awareness
Given the elevated risk of wildfires during the summer, the FCDO emphasizes the importance of vigilance. It is crucial to understand that wildfires are exceptionally dangerous and can spread rapidly and erratically. Situations can change with very little notice.
Mobile Emergency Alerts Setup
To ensure you receive critical alerts directly to your mobile device, follow these steps to activate emergency alerts:
For iPhone Users:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Notifications.
- Scroll down and enable Emergency Alerts.
For Android Users (Models 11 and Above):
- Go to Settings.
- Select Notifications.
- Tap on Advanced Settings.
- Choose Wireless Emergency Alerts and ensure they are switched on.
Air Travel Disruption Warning
This travel advisory comes in the wake of warnings from air traffic control authorities about potential widespread flight disruptions across Europe. Staffing shortages and capacity issues could result in air travel challenges potentially mirroring levels not seen since 2001. Holidaymakers traveling to Greece are advised to stay informed about their flight status and allow for potential delays.