Storm leaves Rhodes and Evia counting the cost
A powerful storm has caused widespread damage on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Evia, claiming the life of a 62-year-old hotel worker, flooding roads and properties, and disrupting transport and education.
Rhodes Mayor has called for the island to be declared in a state of emergency following extensive damage to the road network and private property. Evia has already been placed under an emergency status after exceptionally heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow and roads to collapse.
Hotel worker killed as floodwaters sweep cars into sea
The storm’s deadly impact was felt in the Stegna area of Rhodes, where a swollen torrent swept four cars into the sea. Three vehicles were unoccupied, while a 62-year-old hotel employee trapped inside the fourth car was unable to escape in time and died.
The man, who was originally from northern Greece, worked at a hotel in the area.
The rainfall was exceptionally intense. According to measurements from the Rhodes meteorological station, 202 millimeters of rain fell in approximately six and a half hours, between 6:30 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. Total rainfall recorded by 12:50 p.m. reached 264 millimeters.
The downpour caused extensive flooding across the island, affecting areas from Archangelos to Ialysos, Faliraki, Afantou and Kallithea. Roads were inundated, vehicles became stranded, and firefighters and civil protection teams rescued motorists trapped by rising water.
In the Asgourou area, a woman was rescued from a car immobilized by floodwaters. A waterspout was also reported near Lindos, while power and telecommunications outages affected parts of the island.
Evia roads damaged as rivers overflow
Evia has also suffered severe damage, with approximately 300 millimeters of rain recorded in Psachna.
Rivers rose rapidly, causing flooding and disrupting transport. The road connecting the area toward Chalkida was damaged at two locations between Mantoudi and Prokopi, where the road surface was eroded by the force of the water.
The water level of the Kireas River is now receding, although its overflow caused significant problems in surrounding areas.
Municipal and regional crews are working to restore traffic between Prokopi and Mantoudi, with efforts focused on creating a temporary diversion around the damaged sections.
The route remains the only road reported closed in the affected area, following the removal of fallen trees and debris from other locations by fire and police services.
Schools remain closed in both regions
Schools and other educational facilities remain closed in parts of Rhodes and Evia as authorities assess the damage and monitor conditions.
In Rhodes, the mayor’s decision covers all schools, regardless of educational level, as well as nurseries, special education facilities, creative activity centers and municipal sports facilities.
In Evia, secondary schools remain closed in the Municipality of Mantoudi–Limni–Agia Anna. Schools in the Municipality of Dirfys–Messapia have also suspended operations.
Where possible, lessons are expected to continue through remote learning to minimize disruption while protecting students and teachers.
Authorities said decisions on reopening schools would depend on weather conditions and assessments of damage to buildings and surrounding infrastructure.
Emergency crews continue restoration efforts
Emergency services and local authorities remain engaged in rescue operations, damage assessments and efforts to restore transport links and essential services.
The priority is to ensure public safety, repair damaged infrastructure and allow residents to return to normal activities as conditions improve.
The deaths and widespread destruction in Rhodes and the flooding crisis in Evia highlight the severe consequences of the storm, which brought exceptionally high rainfall to both regions in a short period.
Source:ERT
