Torrential rainfall sweeping across Albania and Greece has left a trail of destruction, killing one person, forcing mass evacuations, and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, farmland, and essential services.

Authorities in both countries warn that the worst may not be over as meteorologists forecast more severe weather in the coming days.

Albania: One Dead, Hundreds Evacuated                                      

Albania has been severely impacted by relentless downpours, particularly in the eastern Korça region, where a 75-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters. His body was recovered only after several hours, once water levels receded enough to allow rescue teams access.

Over the past 24 hours, hundreds of residents in southern and southeastern Albania have been evacuated as flooding inundated homes and agricultural land. Roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure have sustained major damage, while vast stretches of farmland—measured in hundreds of acres—remain submerged.

Local authorities have voiced deep concern as forecasts indicate additional rain and storms approaching, raising fears of further flooding and structural failures.

Greece: Villages Stranded, Roads Destroyed

Severe weather has also battered neighboring Greece, with the regions of Corfu and Epirus experiencing widespread destruction. Villagers remain stranded, roads have collapsed, and power and water supply systems have been heavily damaged.

Meteorologists warn of a new wave of storms within the next 24 hours, prompting several municipalities to declare states of emergency. Landslide risks remain high, especially in mountainous areas.

Epirus: Flooded Roads, Emerging Lakes, and Early Snow         

In Ioannina, continuous rainfall has heightened fears that the destructive phenomena of recent days may repeat. The Pedini area has seen the formation of temporary lakes—familiar occurrences during periods of heavy rain. Although conditions have slightly improved, waterlogged fields still resemble large ponds.

The Egnatia parallel road, which flooded on Saturday, has since been cleared. Temperatures in Ioannina have dropped sharply, and the season’s first snow has appeared on nearby mountains, adding to residents’ difficulties.

Emergency Operations Across the Region

Rescue teams have been deployed across Epirus, where emergency operations continue amid persistent severe weather. In Filippiada, a specialized rescue unit freed a horse trapped in mud and floodwaters, while in Tzoumerka and Agnada, fire crews assisted residents, including delivering critical medical equipment such as an oxygen tank to a patient in urgent need. Four villages remain without electricity as teams struggle to reach damaged networks.

 Meanwhile, the Paleochori–Syrrako–Kalarrytes road has been closed due to ground subsidence, forcing traffic to be redirected through Pramantos. In the Kleissoura area of Ziros municipality, crews are still working to remove debris carried by a heavy torrent that swept through the village.

Arta: Homes Blocked, Residents Await Evacuation

In Arta, serious problems persist as severe weather continues to disrupt daily life. About 15 homes in the Skupa and Dafnoti areas remain blocked by floodwaters and mud. Evacuation efforts are ongoing, according to Arta mayor Christos Siafakas.

Deputy Governor Vasilis Psathas has formally requested state assistance to repair extensive damage to the region’s roads, electricity lines, and water systems.

More Storms Expected

Both Albania and Greece remain on high alert as meteorologists predict additional rounds of severe weather. Emergency services continue working around the clock, but with already-saturated ground and damaged infrastructure, authorities warn that the coming days may bring further challenges.

The situation remains fluid, and residents in affected regions have been urged to follow official instructions and remain cautious as conditions evolve. (ILKHA)