ATHENS, 16 November (BelTA - Xinhua) - A rescue operation to locate and save people stranded in flooded areas near Greek capital city was still underway on Wednesday, as the death toll from the flash floods reached thirteen, according to the latest official count, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.
The victims were mainly elderly local residents. The bodies of a hunter, truck driver, and two unidentified persons were found near the sea area, according to sources from local authorities, who expressed concern that the final tally may climb further after rescue teams reach areas where persons have been reported missing.
The heavy rain that fell in the municipalities of Mandra, Nea Peramos, and Megara, about 20 km southwest of Athens, in the early hours of Wednesday, created charging torrents of muddy water and debris that swept away cars, flooded homes and stores, and cut off roads, including parts of the national highway.
A state of emergency has been declared in the area, as the fire brigade has received more than 400 telephone calls to assist motorists trapped inside their cars or homes by rising waters reaching up to two meters.
