What happened?

During the summer of 2023, Greece experienced one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in its history. Fueled by extreme heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) and strong winds, fires broke out across various regions, particularly in Evros and the island of Rhodes.

Thousands of residents and tourists were evacuated, with over 20,000 people fleeing in Rhodes alone.

General information:

• The wildfires burned over 150,000 hectares of forest and farmland.

• Multiple villages and homes were destroyed.

• The disaster highlighted the increasing threat of climate change and the need for better prevention strategies.

Date: August 2002

What happened?

In August 2002, a series of heavy rainstorms caused catastrophic flooding along major rivers, particularly the Elbe and Danube. These floods, known as the "Flood of the Century," devastated cities, towns, and rural areas, leaving thousands homeless and causing significant economic and environmental damage.

General information:

• Impact: Over 110 people died, and tens of thousands were evacuated.

• Economic Losses: Damages were estimated at over €15

billion across the affected countries.

• Affected Cities: Prague (Czech Republic) suffered severe damage as the Vitava River overflowed, flooding historical areas. Dresden (Germany) also faced extensive destruction.

• Cause: Persistent rain from a stationary weather system led to rivers reaching record levels.

https://youtu.be/pSwOq-9xELk?si=aPIwQPLJyW1-wTFe