Severe Flooding and Storms Strike Greece, Leaving One Dead on Rhodes
Heavy rains and severe storms have caused widespread flooding and travel disruptions across Greece, resulting in one fatality on the island of Rhodes and emergency alerts.
Severe Weather Disrupts Greece as Heavy Rains and Flooding Strike
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds caused severe flooding and travel disruptions across Greece, particularly affecting the islands of Skiathos and Evia, as well as the Attica region. According to Greek authorities, emergency alerts were issued in advance, and ferry services were suspended on several routes as the Hellenic National Meteorological Service warned of hazardous weather across most of the country.
In central and northern Evia, residents received emergency 112 alerts urging evacuations toward Psachna after the Kireas River reached dangerous water levels. Authorities also issued travel warnings in Politika due to hazardous road conditions, while residents and visitors on Skiathos were advised to limit travel strictly to emergencies. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection declared a red-code state of readiness for Evia, the Sporades, Attica, the South Aegean, Crete, Samos, Ikaria, and the Peloponnese.
Fatal Incident Reported on the Island of Rhodes
Amid the severe storms, a 62-year-old man died on the Greek island of Rhodes after floodwaters swept his car into the sea. According to Reuters, his body was discovered near a small coastal village approximately 30 kilometers from Rhodes City. The Coast Guard reported that four vehicles were swept away by the severe weather.
"Authorities urged residents and visitors in Rhodes and other Aegean islands to restrict travel as heavy rains flooded streets and caused rivers to overflow," emergency officials stated.
Overall, the Fire Service received 58 distress calls across Attica and Evia. In Attica, firefighters handled 38 calls, carrying out nine water-pumping operations and 15 fallen-tree removals. In Evia, crews responded to 20 calls, performing 19 tree-clearing operations and clearing flooded roadways.
