25-year-old dies as floods sweep three vehicles into sea on Rhodes

According to initial reports, three vehicles were swept into the sea. The 25-year-old was unable to escape his car and was later found dead by Coast Guard officers. Local newspaper Dimokratiki reported that the mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, was expected to visit the area.

Flooding and widespread road damage

Severe weather has battered the island since the early hours of Wednesday, causing extensive disruption across several areas. Civil Protection teams from the Municipality of Rhodes and the South Aegean Region have been deployed to multiple locations, while residents have received emergency alerts through the 112 system urging them to restrict their movements and follow official instructions.

Torrential rain has turned roads into rivers, affecting areas from Ialyssos to Rhodes town, as well as Afantou, Faliraki and Archangelos. Dozens of vehicles have been stranded, while in Archangelos an unoccupied car was swept away by floodwaters.

Traffic on the Archangelos–Malonas road was suspended near Aithonas after a large rock fell onto the road, damaging the road surface and safety barriers. The bridge connecting the main road to the settlement of Archangelos was also temporarily closed as a precaution.

In Ialyssos, a lightning strike sparked a fire at a residential property. Another strike damaged the electrical system at ERT South Aegean, interrupting the broadcaster’s transmissions.

Two waterspouts were also observed in the Archangelos area, although no damage or disruption was reported as a result.

Transport disruption and school closures

The severe weather has also disrupted public transport. Municipal bus services within Rhodes town were temporarily suspended, along with services to and from the port of Akantia. The Rhodes–Faliraki route was also suspended.

Schools on Rhodes and the neighbouring island of Symi remain closed. Municipal sports facilities, the municipal conservatory and municipal workshops on Rhodes have also been closed as part of the precautionary measures introduced in response to the severe weather.

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