Heavy rain sparks flooding and landslides across Northwest Greece

Torrential rain battered western and northern Greece on Wednesday, causing extensive flooding, road disruptions and multiple landslides, particularly in the region of Igoumenitsa. No injuries were reported.

According to meteo.gr, Paramythia in Thesprotia recorded the day’s highest rainfall by 5 p.m., reaching 139 millimeters. The severe weather created serious problems across the regional road network, while streets in Igoumenitsa turned into fast-moving streams as fallen leaves clogged drainage systems.

Municipal crews worked throughout the day to clear blocked grates and restore water flow. Authorities urged both drivers and pedestrians to remain cautious due to dangerous conditions, including open manholes hidden beneath floodwaters. The Fire Department reported dozens of calls to pump water from inundated basements.

Two landslides along the provincial road between Igoumenitsa and Plataria caused significant traffic disruptions. Municipal and Civil Protection crews deployed heavy machinery to stabilize the area, while drivers were advised to use alternative routes and approach the region with heightened caution.

In mountainous areas of Konitsa and northern Tzoumerka, Civil Protection teams from the Epirus Region mobilized early Wednesday with 17 machines responding to landslides and debris flows triggered by the continuous rainfall.

The prolonged downpour also struck the island of Corfu, flooding sections of the road leading to Agios Prokopios.

Aliakmonas River Overflows After Continuous Rainfall in Kastoria

Persistent rainfall in the Kastoria area since Tuesday caused the Aliakmonas River to overflow in the town of Nestorio, flooding the site of the annual River Party festival and damaging nearby infrastructure.

The surging waters inundated outdoor spaces, eroded stone embankments, and inflicted damage on the town’s iconic stone bridge as well as several surrounding buildings.

“The water coming down from Grammos has such force that it carries everything in its path,” Nestorio Mayor Christos Gosliopoulos told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

The overflow also damaged two pumping stations supplying the town’s water, prompting authorities to halt water service as a precaution. Gosliopoulos noted that flow from local wells to Nestorio’s reservoirs has been temporarily suspended until it is confirmed whether river water has seeped into the groundwater system.

Only minor incidents were reported in the rest of Western Macedonia.