Fire crews rescued five people whose lives were at risk due to severe rainfall in the Agrinio region of western Greece on Saturday. The heavy downpour caused widespread flooding and torrent overflows, endangering residents and disrupting daily life in the area.
In addition to rescues, fire brigade teams carried out eight water-pumping operations to clear flooded basements and ground floors. The excessive rainwater overwhelmed drainage systems, further complicating efforts to manage the situation. Despite the challenges, authorities assured the public that the overall situation remained under control.
Deputy Regional Governor of Etoloakarnania, Thanasis Mavrommatis, stated that continuous efforts were being made to clear debris from overflowing torrents and landslides. Heavy machinery was deployed along road sections to address soil deposits and debris left behind by the downpour, ensuring safer passage for vehicles and emergency responders.
The region faced significant road infrastructure damage, with landslides and water buildup reported along key routes, including Agrinio to Prousos, Aggelokastro to Klisorevmata, and Kallithea to Labiri. Nearby areas such as Megali Hora, Neapoli, and Agios Konstantinos experienced major flooding. Similarly, parts of the Achaia region in northwestern Peloponnese were impacted by debris, rain damage, and frost, according to local authorities.
This incident follows a recent deadly storm that struck Lemnos in the north Aegean, claiming two lives before causing severe damage on Rhodes. The recurring extreme weather highlights the vulnerability of Greece’s infrastructure and the increasing challenges posed by changing climate conditions.