Greece’s Aegean islands reel from ‘lake of mud’ flash floods before Easter rush

Authorities race to complete clean-up operation after devastation from gales and heaviest rainfall in 20 years

A general view, after heavy rainstorms flood roads, on the Island of Paros. Picture: Costas Baltas/Getty Images

People on the Aegean islands, more used in April to the sight and scent of spring’s blossoms, have been left reeling from flash floods spurred by typhoon-strength gales, with authorities calling a state of emergency in some of Greece’s most popular destinations less than three weeks before Easter.

“It’s a total catastrophe and it happened in just two hours,” said Costas Bizas, the mayor of Paros, the island worst hit by weather not seen in decades. “We need all the help we can get.”