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08:32, 16-Nov-2017
Greece declares national mourning as flash flood death toll rises
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Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras declared a day of national mourning after the death toll from floods on the outskirts of Athens reached 15 on Wednesday.
"It is a very difficult time
for all of Greece. We are experiencing a great disaster...I want to express my
deep sorrow, sincere condolences to the families of the victims. And I promise
that we will stand by them with all the means in our disposal," he said in a
televised message.
In an e-mailed statement, the Greek leader also pledged
that nobody will be left homeless and measures will be taken immediately to
support households and businesses affected, while authorities will look into the
causes of the disaster.
Locals walk next to destroyed cars following heavy rainfall in the town of
Mandra, Greece, November 15, 2017. /Reuters Photo
Locals walk next to destroyed cars following heavy rainfall in the town of Mandra, Greece, November 15, 2017. /Reuters Photo
The strong torrential downpour which turned roads into muddy rivers in the municipalities of Mandra, Nea Peramos and Megara, about 20 kilometers west of the Greek capital, carrying away cars and knocking down walls, has claimed 15 lives, including five females and ten males, most elderly, according to the latest official count by the Health Ministry.
Another 17 people were injured and many others have been reported missing.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency