The storm Elias has caused severe damage in many regions, with Evia being the most affected. Mantoudi has been hit with landslides and flooded houses, leading the mayor, George Tsapourniotis, to describe the situation as a deluge from the mountains to the sea.
Elias led to landslides on Tuesday and resulted in the closure of parts of a highway connecting Athens and the city of Patras in the west. The storm was moving eastward.
Videos from local media show that central roads in the municipal unit of Kireas settlements have turned into torrents due to the heavy rainfall. As a result, the road connecting Mantoudi and Prokopi has been closed.
Residents in Mantoudi have received a warning message from emergency services about the dangerous weather conditions, including intense storms and hail, and the risk of rivers overflowing.
In Rovies, reports indicate that the torrents have caused road closures and flooded houses. Local authorities, along with fire services, are working to rescue residents. Several schools in Mantoudi, Eretria, Chalkidea, and Dirfys-Messapia have closed due to the storm.
The mayor of Mantoudi – Limni – Agia Anna, George Tsapourniotis, expressed concern about the situation, stating that the municipality has experienced a terrible day, comparable to Storm Daniel, also known as Cyclone Daniel. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary movement, as all the rivers have overflowed and the roads are completely flooded.
Rovia and Metochi face the most significant problems. The situation is considered dangerous, with the water carrying various materials and posing a threat to the residents.
Meanwhile, the Prefecture of Fthiotida, specifically the Lamia area, is also experiencing intense rainfall. Although no severe issues have been reported so far, some basements have been flooded, and the fire brigade is working to pump out the water.
In the village of Komma, residents spent the night in the community office due to concerns about the overflowing Spercheios River. The authorities have implemented preventive measures, including evacuating some families and relocating domestic animals to safe areas.
The bad weather has also affected Atalanti and Lamia, where heavy rain continues to fall. Schools in Lamia, Domokos, Makrakomi, and Stylida have closed for the day. Additionally, according to meteorological stations, certain areas of Chalkida, Boeotia, and Fokida have also experienced rapid and excessive rainfall.
According to the most recent forecast data from ΕΑΑ/ΜΕΤΕΟ, the regions that will experience the most impact on Wednesday, 27/09, will primarily be located in the prefectures of Ilia, Achaia, Corinthia, Argolis, Arcadia, Evrytania, Phocis, Fthiotida, Boeotia, Attica, Evia, and Magnesia. The secondary affected areas will be the prefectures of Messinia, Laconia, and Chania.
The weather conditions in the initial phase will extend to Kythira, the Sporades, and Western Crete, and in the subsequent phase to various islands in the Aegean. Based on the classification of the precipitation event (RPI) utilized by METEO, the precipitation event on Wednesday, 27/09, is classified as Category 4 (Major – Catastrophic damage will occur).
On Thursday, 28/09, Storm Elias will persist in the eastern and southern parts of the mainland, including Attica, while simultaneously impacting the Cyclades, Crete, and the islands of the Eastern Aegean. There is also a possibility of affecting areas in the northeastern part of the country.