Austrian newlyweds tragically lose their lives in Greece floods, as their holiday home gets washed away

An Austrian couple who were on their honeymoon in Greece tragically lost their lives when heavy rains caused flash floods that swept away the house they were staying in. The incident occurred in the resort of Potistika near Mount Pelion on September 6th, as a result of Storm Daniel. The owner of the holiday home, Thanasis Samaras, revealed that the couple was from Graz, Austria. Although their names have not been disclosed, the Austrian foreign ministry confirmed their identities through DNA tests. A spokesperson for the Austrian foreign ministry expressed their deep sadness and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. The Austrian embassy in Athens is providing support to the couple's relatives during this difficult time. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece is currently facing a crisis, describing it as a "war in a time of peace." The country has witnessed devastating wildfires and the worst floods in its history within a two-week period. Since Storm Daniel hit Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, more than a dozen individuals have lost their lives. The floods have forced thousands into temporary shelters or to seek refuge with their relatives. Additionally, 30 villages have become inaccessible, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Certain regions in Greece have seen up to 800mm (31.5in) of rainfall, surpassing the average annual precipitation. The Karditsa plain in central Greece has been submerged, and the mayor of Palamas described the situation as tragic, with people stranded in their homes. On September 8th, the owner of the holiday home shared that the Austrian couple had taken refuge inside the bungalow they had rented for their honeymoon when the heavy rainfall began. Mr. Samaras and other guests had sought higher ground and advised the couple to do the same; however, the weather conditions worsened rapidly. Climate scientists have warned that global warming contributes to more intense storms due to increased water evaporation during the summer. This unfortunate incident, along with the country's ongoing battle against wildfires, highlights the pressing need to address climate change. Note: Formatting for a rich text editor is not available here, but you can easily copy and paste the text into your desired editor.