Heatwaves, fires and snow: Greece’s extreme weather of last six months in pictures

27 01 2022 | 08:44Zoe Tidman

Country has recently created ministry dedicated to tackling impact of climate crisis

Greece has been hit by a rocky six months in terms of weather, experiencing both intense snow and heatwaves, as well as flooding and fires.

During this time, the government created a new department to tackle the impact of the climate crisis, which is making many types of extreme weather events more likely to occur and more severe when they do.

“The consequences of climate change have overtaken us, and we must accelerate major change without delay,” Christos Stylianides, the minister in charge, said as he took over the role.

Last summer, Greece experienced a 40C heatwave which is called its most intense in decades.

Consequently, blazes ripped through many parts of the country - including a major wildfire north of Athens. Homes and businesses were destroyed, residents injured and at least three killed.

Bouts of flooding hit Greece in autumn months, including on the island of Evia in October and the mainland in December.

Extreme weather events did not seem to be easing off with the new year, with severe snowfall - which hit on Monday - causing chaos in the country. Schools have been sent online and thousands of motorists left stranded on a motorway.

Ancient monuments in Athens have also been covered in snow in the rare cold snap.

Here are some images showing the extremes of the past six months:

2021 Summer wildfires

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Remains of a 18th century Orthodox church after the fire in Kokino Milia village on Evia island in August (Getty Images)
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A volunteer holds a water hose during efforts to try to extinguish a fire in the village of Villa, north of Athens(AFP via Getty Images)

2021 Autumn floods

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Streets were flooded in the town of Messolonghi, western Greece, in December
(Eurokinissi/AFP via Getty Images)
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Greece Floods (AP)

2022 January snow

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Cars are abandoned after being immobilised at Attiki Odos on the Athens main ring road
(Eurokinissi/AFP via Getty Images)
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A swimmer walks on a snow covered beach after a heavy snowfall in Athens
(AFP via Getty Images)

Zoe Tidman

COVER PHOTO:

The snow covered Ancient Temple of Parthenon atop the Acropolis hill

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