A powerful storm that swept across the Mediterranean and North Africa has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake, with thousands of people feared dead and millions more affected by flooding, landslides and power outages.
Storm Daniel, which originated as a tropical depression in the Atlantic Ocean, intensified into a rare Mediterranean cyclone as it moved eastward, bringing torrential rains and strong winds to Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and Libya.
In Greece, the storm was described as the worst in 75 years, causing widespread damage to homes, farms, roads and bridges in the central region of Thessaly. At least 14 people were killed and six others were reported missing, according to the latest official figures. Rescue crews used helicopters, boats and divers to reach hundreds of people trapped in flooded villages and towns. The government declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid to cope with the humanitarian crisis.
In Turkey, the storm triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least four people and injured dozens more. The provinces of Antalya, Mugla and Izmir were among the hardest hit, with many houses and vehicles submerged or swept away by the raging waters. Authorities warned of more flooding as rivers continued to rise.
In Bulgaria, the storm caused severe flooding in the eastern regions of Burgas and Yambol, killing at least three people and displacing hundreds more. The Bulgarian Red Cross said it had deployed teams to provide food, water and shelter to the affected people.
In Libya, the storm brought unprecedented rainfall to the eastern coast, causing massive flooding that killed hundreds of people and left thousands missing. The cities of Benghazi and Derna were among the worst affected, with many buildings collapsed or damaged by the floodwaters. The Libyan Red Crescent said it had rescued more than 1,000 people from the flooded areas and distributed relief items to the survivors.
Storm Daniel has weakened into a tropical depression as it moved toward Egypt, but meteorologists warned that it could still bring heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the country. The storm has also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on the Mediterranean region, which is expected to face more frequent and intense weather events in the future.