Torrential rain flooded eastern Mani in Greece, causing severe damage to homes, destroying local road networks, and sweeping cars into the sea.
The heavy downpours struck multiple coastal and inland communities across the region, turning streets into torrents and trapping drivers inside their vehicles. In one incident during the storm, lightning struck a woman while she was inside her car.
The municipal areas hit by the storm include Nymfi, Exo Nymfio, Kokkala, Lagia, Oitylo, Karavostasi, and Alypa. Local emergency teams worked throughout the affected zones as floodwaters invaded houses and washed out infrastructure.
Damage to Infrastructure and Homes
Giorgos Exarchakos, the deputy mayor of Civil Protection, described the weather phenomenon hitting eastern Mani as unprecedented. Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, he said the situation was unlike anything the region had experienced before.
Exarchakos stated that the communities of Nymfi, Exo Nymfio, Kokkala, and Lagia suffered major impacts. He reported significant damage to residential buildings and noted that the road network sustained complete destruction in specific areas. He added that fortunately no human lives were put in danger during the flooding.
Evacuations and Shelters
Deputy Mayor Georgia Lyrofoni reported that the severe weather also damaged Oitylo, Karavostasi, and Alypa, where officials identified the concentration of the worst destruction. Torrential runoff tore up asphalt surfaces and washed out structural bridges, while strong currents carried parked vehicles into the sea.
Lyrofoni noted that several residents asked authorities to evacuate them from damaged areas. Municipal officials organized temporary shelter and accommodation for displaced individuals at the indoor gymnasium in Areopoli.
Health System Response
Following the severe flooding across East Mani, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis stated that the National Health System was placed on full alert. He confirmed that medical and emergency operations across the affected region were progressing smoothly.
