A fire-fighter died while carrying out flood rescues in north eastern Greece. The tragedy occurred in a village on the outskirts of Alexandroupolis in the Evros Region of Greece on 01 February 2021. Severe flooding was also reported further south in Izmir Province of neighbouring Turkey.
Update: 2 people died in flash floods in Menderes district of Izmir Province, western Turkey, on 02 February 2021.
Greece
Flash flooding was reported in other areas of the region, including in the city of Alexandroupolis and the town of Soufli, situated close to the border with Turkey and the Evros river (also known as the Maritsa or Meriç).
Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) said “Roads turned into rivers in settlements around the city of Alexandroupolis on Monday due to continued heavy rains that started on Sunday night, causing several problems throughout the municipality.” Many roads are impassable due to the high level of the water.
The Greek Fire Service said it responded to 55 calls for assistance in Alexandroupolis, of which 39 for water pumps and 16 for evacuation of people to safe places, including students and teachers from a secondary school.
The Fire Service responded to 11 calls for assistance in Soufli, where damage to homes and businesses was reported.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou both expressed their condolences on the death of firefighter.
Last week Greek Fire Service responded to over 50 calls for assistance after heavy rain in Agrinio, Etoloakarnania, including pumping flooded buildings and the rescue of students from a school. Over 93 mm of rain fell in 24 hours on 26 January, 2021.
Turkey
Further south, heavy rain early on 02 February caused flooding in the city of Izmir and some surrounding districts, blocking roads and causing traffic disruption. Balçova district was among the worst hit areas according to local media.
Turkey’s meteorological agency, Meteoroloji Genel Müdürlüğ (MGM), reports that over 100mm of rain fell in 24 hours to 02 February in the locations of Karabağlar, Bayraklı and Konak in Izmir Province.
Heavy rain in Bergama district of Izmir Province, Turkey, caused a river to break its banks on 25 January, 2021. Emergency services rescued 3 people trapped in flood waters.
