Published 19 hours ago • loading... • Updated 3 hours ago
Greek holiday island battered by deadly flash flooding
Emergency crews handled more than 100 calls as schools closed and officials warned residents to limit travel after severe flooding and wind damage.
A 62-year-old man died in Rhodes after flash floods swept his vehicle onto a beach in Stegna, a village 20 miles south of Rhodes Town, officials confirmed.
Torrential rainfall and fierce winds triggered code red weather warnings across seven regions, including Crete, Attica, Evia, and the South Aegean, causing widespread electricity failures.
Emergency responders fielded more than 100 requests for help, conducting 13 evacuation operations and 64 water-pumping efforts while four vehicles were washed away by extreme conditions.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas confirmed extensive damage, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency on Rhodes and close schools on October 15 for inspections.
Authorities are advising residents to restrict travel to necessary trips only as submerged roads and cancelled bus services disrupt transit across Ialysos, Rhodes town, Afandou, Faliraki, and Archangelos.
Severe storms and torrential rains hit Greece on Wednesday. Flash floods inundated roads, homes and shops, and cars were swept away by the water on Rhodes and Skiathos. The situation was also complicated by strong winds, with gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour. The highest level of warning is in effect in several areas.