Flash floods on Greek island of Evia kill seven including baby

·

Heavy rains and thunderstorms have caused flash flooding on the central Greek island of Evia, killing at least seven people including an 8-month-old baby and elderly couple.

Fire brigade officials said on Sunday three of the victims, including the baby, were found in the village of Politika. The other four were in the village of Amfithea and the village of Bourtzi in central Evia, northeast of the capital, Athens.

Rescuers are still searching for one missing person. A woman previously reported as missing was found alive and well, the civilian protection agency said.

Greece’s meteorological service said parts of Evia saw rainfall that reached 300 millimeters, some 80 percent of the annual rainfall for the area, which is only about 375 millimeters, usually with negligible rain during the summer.

In Bourtzi, restaurant terraces, a children’s playground, some parking lots and parts of the narrow coastal road were swept away by the torrential rains and mudslides.

The fire department received hundreds of calls to pump water from homes and vehicles submerged in mud.

Dozens were evacuated and 43 people were rescued by helicopter as roads flooded an area where a river had burst its banks. Transport was widely disrupted.

Deputy Minister for Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, arrived on the scene of the disaster on Sunday morning to assess the situation.

ΚΑΤΑΣΤΡΟΦΉ. ΑΓ ΝΙΚΌΛΑΟΣ ΜΠΟΥΡΤΖΙ

Posted by Elisavet Serbanescu on Saturday, 8 August 2020

“It is a difficult day today. The state mechanism put in a great struggle. The forecast for this phenomenon was 63 mm of rain in 24 hours. The last count is over 300 mm. Many lives have been saved today. Our thoughts are with the people who did not make it,” Mr Hardalias said.

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is set to visit Evia on Monday to assess the situation.

“I express my deep sorrow for our fellow human beings who lost their lives in Evia and my heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,” Mitsotakis wrote on Twitter on Sunday afternoon.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Alpha restaurant to host centenary celebration honouring Mikis Theodorakis

On Sunday, August 24 at 12pm, Alpha restaurant will host 'Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis' featuring the Australian Hellenic Choir.

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

You May Also Like

Drug dealer Peter Kezkiropoulos to spend more time behind bars over prison distribution network plan

Drug dealer Peter Kezikoropoulos will serve time for his role in a cross-border syndicate that tried to supply Perth with $21 million worth of...

‘I was always different’: Konstantinos Dosis on taking part in Sydney WorldPride 2023

Sydney stylist and hairdresser, Konstantinos Dosis, shares what it's like to be taking part in Sydney WorldPride 2023.

Thanos Petrelis concert to return to Australia due to popular demand

Thanos Petrelis will return to Australia to perform at the Hellenic Club of Canberra at Woden due to popular demand.