Torrential rain triggered flash flooding across parts of eastern Mani in Greece’s southern Peloponnese on Saturday, inundating homes and roads, sweeping away vehicles and forcing emergency crews to rescue people trapped in cars.
The sudden downpour struck several communities on August 15, including Oitylo, Neo Oitylo, Alypa, Kokkala and Exo Nymfio, according to Greece’s public broadcaster ERT. The Fire Service had received around 50 calls for assistance from the area beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. and helped 10 people get out of vehicles and reach safety.
A woman was also seriously injured in Oitylo in a lightning incident while she was inside her car, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said. She was taken to the hospital in Sparta for treatment. Her latest condition has not been officially detailed.
Floods damage roads and sweep cars toward the sea
The intense rainfall turned roads into fast-moving torrents in parts of eastern Mani, with water entering homes and other buildings.
Local authorities reported significant damage to the road network and bridges. Georgia Lyrofoni, deputy mayor of Eastern Mani, said vehicles had been swept into the sea and that some residents had asked to be moved away from affected areas. Temporary accommodation was arranged at the indoor sports hall in Areopoli.
Traffic was interrupted at several points as floodwater carried debris onto roads, while crews prepared to begin clearing and restoration work.
The National Observatory of Athens’ Meteo network was recording rain at its Kokkala Mani station during the afternoon as the severe weather developed.
Severe weather strikes Mani during August 15 holiday
The flooding came on August 15, one of Greece’s biggest religious and summer holidays, when Mani and other vacation areas of the Peloponnese typically see increased numbers of visitors.
Local civil protection officials described the scale of the event as highly unusual for the area and reported damage in communities including Nymfi, Exo Nymfi, Kokkala and Lagia.
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