A perilous thunderstorm has wrought havoc in Croatia, unleashing hail the size of “tennis balls” that pummeled the capital city of Zagreb and other regions of the country. Red alerts were issued for Zagreb and Osijek, situated near the border with Serbia, posing a significant threat to the safety of individuals.
Dramatic footage has surfaced, depicting the aftermath of the storm with buildings left with demolished roofs, and emergency services responding to 30 calls for assistance due to the damage inflicted upon homes. The adverse weather conditions also resulted in travel disruptions, with tram services suspended and flights cancelled at Zagreb airport.
The consequences of this storm extended beyond Croatia, as a landslide in the Fontana area of the Maggia valley in the southern Swiss Alps led to three fatalities. Northern Italy also confronted thunderstorms, flooding, and landslides, prompting numerous rescue operations in the Piedmont region.
Meanwhile, Greece has been contending with wildfires due to soaring temperatures and fierce winds. The eastern Aegean islands of Chios and Kos bore the brunt of the impact, causing injuries to five individuals. The Prime Minister of Greece has cautioned about the arduous summer ahead and underscored the importance of public cooperation in preventing the spread of wildfires.
In Turkey, a severe heatwave has sparked wildfires in the southeast region, resulting in holidaymakers in the popular beach resort town of Kusadasi being instructed to prepare for potential evacuations. The situation has prompted government intervention, with helicopters and planes deployed in an effort to contain the fires.
Esteemed organisations such as Greenpeace have underscored that the escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather events are a direct consequence of the climate crisis and escalating carbon emissions. These events serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need for action to address these environmental issues.
As weather conditions in Croatia are anticipated to revert to normal summer temperatures, it is imperative to acknowledge the impact of these natural calamities and the need to implement measures to reduce their occurrence and alleviate their effects.