Storm “Kristin” hits Northern Greece: 125 mm of rain recorded in Rhodope Mountains, flooding and road closures reported
The most intense rainfall was recorded in the mountainous areas of Rhodope, where 125 millimeters of rain fell within hours—an amount equivalent to 125 tons of water per hectare. The massive water volume flowed rapidly toward the lowlands, overwhelming rivers and drainage systems already strained by saturated soil conditions.
Emergency Alert 112 Issued for Two Villages
As river levels rose sharply, Greece’s emergency alert system 112 was activated late in the afternoon for the villages of Ifaistos and Meleti, warning residents of a potential evacuation due to overflowing rivers.
While evacuations were ultimately avoided, emergency crews were forced overnight to breach embankments near the village of Lofario to prevent flooding from the swollen Lissos River.
Authorities Credit Summer Interventions for Damage Control
Speaking to Radio Paratiritis 94fm, Manolis Tapatzas, Deputy Regional Governor of Rhodope, stressed that preventive works carried out during the summer months played a decisive role in limiting damage.
“We are touring the entire plain with technical services and can confirm that, to a large extent, the interventions delivered results,” Tapatzas said, referring to historically flood-prone areas.
He highlighted the cleaning of the Travos River, while noting ongoing issues at the Kallisti bridge, where accumulated debris and reeds continue to obstruct water flow and divert it into nearby agricultural land. Contractors have already been notified to remove the obstacles.
Flooding, Rescues, and Road Closures
Flooding was reported in several settlements, including Paradeimi, Isalos, Aratos, and the plain near Vathyryakkos Monastery. The Fire Service, supported by volunteers from the Hellenic Red Cross (Rhodope Branch), responded to multiple calls for water pumping operations and rescues, including the extraction of individuals and pets from flooded areas such as the Pontikorema Irish crossing.
Throughout the day, police ordered traffic bans at multiple Irish crossings, including Mosaiko, Imeros, Mesochori, Pontikorema (Arriana), Kosmio, Ifaistos, Gratini, and routes toward Anthochori, Fylira, and Dokos River. Additional closures were enforced on the Fylira–Dokos provincial road and roads connecting Paradeimi to Megalo Kranovounio, as well as Kosmio–Isalos.
Long-Term Flood Protection Measures Announced
Addressing concerns in Ifaistos, Tapatzas confirmed that municipal and civil protection machinery reinforced the Vosvozis River embankments to prevent collapse. He also announced plans for a long-delayed river cleaning project, stalled for years due to administrative and forestry-related procedures.
“I believe we will overcome this, and by summer a major project will move forward so we can finally resolve the issue,” he stated.
Tapatzas also acknowledged the chronic problem of stolen pumping stations in lowland areas such as Salpi and Ambrosia, promising that new installations will begin this year to strengthen flood protection across the Iasmos plain, including Kallisti.
Flooded Farmland and Compensation Process
Finally, the Deputy Governor confirmed communication with ELGA, Greece’s agricultural insurance organization, to initiate damage assessments and compensation for flooded farmland. Since most losses concern winter cereal crops already planted, compensation is expected to reach 100%.
