VD.148-Medicanes–super storm Daniel unleased havoc across several Mediterranean countries in Sept '23 - ( UNDRR ).

The equivalent of 18 months’ rainfall fell on one Greek village over 24 hours.

Storm Daniel delivered 750 mm of rain to Zagora, Greece, on 5-6 September 2023.

Mediterranean super-storms have been called ‘medicanes’ combining the words ‘Mediterranean’ with ‘hurricane’.

Storm Daniel unleashed devastation across Bulgaria, Türkiye, Greece and Libya.

Howling winds reached 85km/h, and torrential rain destroyed infrastructure, displacing thousands.

Libya suffered 20,000+ deaths when dams burst, flooding residential areas.

Medicanes’ infrequency means climate models have little data to draw on, making them difficult to study and predict.

Countries must prepare for a future with more extreme weather, and infrastructure must be built to last.