At least ten killed in flash floods near Athens

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Europe

At least ten people were killed on Wednesday after flash floods hit towns west of Athens, the capital of Greece, Reuters reported, citing a Greek health ministry official.

The flooding came after a night of heavy rains, turning roads in the industrial towns of Nea Peramos and Mandra, about 27 km (17 miles) west of Athens, into muddy torrents, trapping people in their homes and cars.

Reuters Photo

The torrent of red mud carried away vehicles, tossing them into piles on roadsides and against fences and buildings, smashed through walls, causing some low buildings to collapse.

Among the victims, five were found in Mandra: two in their flooded homes, two in the yards of local businesses, and one near a road, and two other individuals were found floating in the sea.

Reuters Photo‍

The country’s fire brigade said at least three people were missing, and several have been injured.

While Greece has faced heavy rains for about a week, this type of torrential rain is uncommon in this country.

“Practically the entire town of Nea Peramos has flooded,” said Mayor Grigoris Stamoulis, “I don’t think we’ve ever seen such flooding before.”

Schools in the areas of Mandra, Nea Peramos and Megara have been shut down by local authorities, and a state of emergency has been declared.

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