Severe weather has caused extensive damage in the Kastoria region of northwestern Greece, where hours of heavy rainfall led the Aliakmonas River to overflow. The rising waters transformed the area around a well-known local festival site into a sprawling expanse of mud and fast-moving water, according to local reports.

The nearby village of Grammos has been placed under a state of emergency. Floodwaters were strong enough to destroy a bridge that served as a crucial access point for farmers who rely on the crossing to reach and move their livestock. With the bridge gone, five farmers were left stranded and unable to relocate their animals to safety or provide necessary food and care.

Early information indicates that at least five cattle belonging to the trapped farmers have already been swept away by the rushing waters. Local authorities and the Fire Service are on high alert, focusing their efforts on safely rescuing those cut off by the floods.

The severe weather warning issued by Greece’s national meteorological service remains in effect. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to intensify overnight, particularly across western and northwestern parts of the country. Conditions are forecast to gradually ease late Friday night into Saturday.