Devastating Rainstorms Claim 14 Lives in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria: Tragedy, Destruction, and Rescue Missions Unfold

Severe rainstorms have caused devastation and loss of life in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, with the death toll reaching 14. Additional bodies were recovered by rescue teams in all three countries, bringing the tragic total to eight. Flash floods in a campsite near the Turkey-Bulgaria border resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with one person still missing. In Istanbul, torrential rain inundated hundreds of homes and workplaces, claiming the lives of two individuals.

The victims in Istanbul included a 32-year-old Guinean citizen trapped inside his basement apartment and a 57-year-old woman swept away by the floods. More than 1,750 homes and businesses were affected by the floodwaters in Istanbul, causing extensive damage. In Greece, record levels of rainfall led to three deaths near the city of Volos and the reported disappearance of three individuals. Traffic bans were put in place in various affected regions, including Volos, Pilion, and the island of Skiathos.

The storm in Bulgaria caused floods along the country's southern Black Sea coast, resulting in two deaths and the reported disappearance of three other individuals. Videos showed cars and camper vans being swept away in the town of Tsarevo. Authorities declared a state of emergency and urged people to move to higher levels as water flooded the ground floors of some hotels. The damage and loss of life from these rainstorms have left thousands of people affected and have caused serious transportation and safety concerns in the region.