On the morning of Saturday the 30th of November, at about 11 storm Bora arrived over Rhodes. The heavy rain started to fall for only about the third time since March. We watched and messaged in our group chat about the intensity and how long it would go on. Keeping an eye on the forecast, it repeatedly said the rain would stop in 2 hours, but this kept getting pushed back. By the time darkness fell I was checking outside more often, my apartment was what the estate agents would class as 'lower ground floor', but again the water was clearing away.
At 11:20 water started creeping under the door. 11:30 the power went off and at 11:39 the fire service were banging on the doors ordering ‘everyone out. The officer who knocked my door didn’t even allow me to pick up my shoes from beside me, never mind the bag, which was in arms reach. A mini tsunami of muddy water, leaves and detritus washed in. I was escorted, bear foot to the safety of the upper levels. Water in the street was speeding past with bins, cars and rubbish rushing towards the sea. The next morning the water had receded, thanks to the fire service working throughout the night, but nothing had prepared me for when I opened the door to my apartment. A line around the wall told my the water had been 75cm to a metre high. Furniture had fallen, swollen and crumbled, the fridge was full of water and the muddy that covered everything felt so oily.
With the help of local friends I was able to clear out as much as was salvageable. The next week was spent cleaning everything. Even after it dried the mud seemed to reappear. I have been able to stay in an empty home, due to the very generous offer of a friend.
The flooded apartment will take time to repair, at the moment the plumbing systems are being replaced because they are full of muddy sediment, and with the current continued wet weather will take time to dry out to be safe to live in again. As a result of this, and the future flood risk I have decided not to return, so technically I am homeless. I am safe, dry and lucky to have time to make the decision of what to do next. Whether I decide to stay in Greece, or return to the UK I will need to rebuild my life, and replace many things. Unfortunately the photos, wedding invitations and many of the sentimental items are lost, and only live in my heart and mind now.
I have set up the appeal at the request of several students around the world who want to help in some way. I know this is time of the year is expensive, and times are hard, so thank you so much for anything you maybe able to spare.
I have included some of my pictures, a news report and a video.
