Μake us preferred on Google Severe flooding struck the Greek island of Rhodes overnight as Storm Agneta brought intense rainfall, turning roads into torrents, inundating homes and businesses and prompting emergency services to move residents to safer ground.
At least one car was reportedly swept away by floodwaters in the Archangelos area, where overflowing streams sent water rushing through the settlement. Some residents climbed onto rooftops as the situation worsened. Similar conditions were reported in Afantou, while powerful currents also swept away vehicles in Masouri, on the nearby island of Kalymnos.
Authorities sent repeated emergency alerts through Greece’s 112 system during the early hours of Monday, warning residents and visitors to restrict nonessential travel.
The first warning was issued at 3:30 a.m. and urged people on Rhodes to limit their movements because of the heavy rainfall and follow instructions from authorities.
Firefighters respond to flooding and stranded residents
The Fire Service received at least 15 calls for assistance, including requests to pump water from flooded properties and remove fallen trees. Emergency crews also helped move residents to higher ground.
The overflowing river that runs through Archangelos has renewed calls from residents for long-standing flood prevention works and interventions to regulate its course.
As authorities and residents dealt with the effects of the first wave of severe weather, concerns remained over a second round of storms expected to affect the area.
Schools closed in two Rhodes districts
Schools in the municipal districts of Archangelos and Afantou remained closed Monday, November 2, as a precaution because of the adverse weather conditions.
The Rhodes municipality announced the decision at 4:30 a.m., citing the need to protect students and teachers and prevent unnecessary travel while conditions remained dangerous.
The closure applies to schools in both districts for Monday only.
The National Meteorological Service has updated its emergency weather bulletin, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms across parts of Greece from Monday through Tuesday, November 3.
