Storm hits Rhodes: schools closed, homes flooded, 112 alert issued

A storm system brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and possible hail to Greece at the start of November, with unsettled weather expected to last at least until Tuesday, November 3. The western and northern parts of the country and the eastern island region were most affected, with the Dodecanese islands facing intermittent thunderstorms until Monday evening.

In Rhodes, the Civil Protection service activated the 112 emergency alert at 03:30 on Monday morning, urging residents and visitors to limit their movements and follow official instructions to avoid danger from severe weather.

“The situation in Archangelos, Rhodes, is out of control.”

The Municipality of Rhodes decided to suspend classes in all schools in the Archangelos and Afantou municipal units. The announcement was made at 04:30 on Monday, and schools remained closed for the day, November 2, as a precaution to protect students and teachers.

The fire service received 18 emergency calls. Three concerned water pumping from flooded homes and shops, one involved cutting down a tree, and firefighters helped two people trapped on a sidewalk reach safety.

Floodwaters swept away cars and motorcycles, forcing some residents to take refuge on the terraces of ground-floor homes. The river running through Archangelos overflowed, flooding basements and ground floors and causing extensive damage to houses and businesses.

Residents have long demanded flood-protection projects and riverbed works, and the latest flooding has reopened the debate. A second wave of bad weather is expected to strike the island, keeping concern high across the region.