Chaos in Mani after sudden downpour – “An unprecedented situation for the area”
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The sudden and rapid deterioration in weather that hit eastern Mani on Saturday afternoon left serious problems, people trapped and extensive material damage in its wake.
- 16 Αυγούστου 2026 13:53
A powerful downpour caused serious problems and flooding in eastern Mani on Saturday afternoon (August 15), prompting Fire Service rescue teams to intervene to assist people who had become trapped.
According to reports, the Fire Service Operations Centre received 50 calls for assistance from around 4:30 p.m., while crews carried out operations to move people from vehicles to safety.
The areas affected by the heavy rainfall were mainly Oitylo, Neo Oitylo, Alypa, Kokkala and Exo Nymfio, based on the calls received by the Fire Service.
Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), Deputy Mayor Georgia Lyrofoni said that the settlements of Oitylo, Karavostasi, Alypa, Limeni and Porto Kagio were affected, with severe flooding reported.
She noted that, as a result of the flooding, several drivers travelling on the area’s road network were forced to seek assistance and were eventually evacuated to safety.
In several parts of the road network, traffic has been disrupted by debris, while cars have been swept into the sea and significant damage has been reported, both to roads and bridges.
According to Ms Lyrofoni, heavy machinery is expected to begin restoration work, while a full assessment of the damage in the area will follow.
“An unprecedented situation for our area”
The phenomenon that hit eastern Mani was described as unprecedented by George Exarchakos, Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection, speaking to ANA-MPA.
“It is an unprecedented situation for our area,” he said, adding: “The communities of Nymfi, Exonymfi, Kokkala and Lagia have been affected. There are reports of significant damage to homes and, above all, to the road network, which has been destroyed in certain areas. Fortunately, no lives were put at risk.”
Woman injured by lightning
A serious incident was also reported involving a woman who was injured by lightning while inside her car.
Access to the scene was particularly difficult because of the problems caused by the severe weather. A doctor and ambulance from Areopoli Health Centre, with assistance from police, rushed to the scene and managed to reach the woman.
She was subsequently safely transferred to Sparta General Hospital, where she remained for further examinations.
According to the latest information, the woman is not in danger and her condition is good. She remained in hospital as a precaution and for further tests, and if everything goes smoothly, she is expected to be discharged today.
It is noted that the entire emergency response mechanism was placed on alert from the outset, with the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB), Sparta General Hospital and local government services working to address the problems caused by the severe weather.
