Deadly flash floods cause serious damage' in Athens

ATHENS, 17 Nov. - (ANA) - Flash floods on the outskirts of Athens have killed at least 15 people, injured dozens more and caused “biblical damage”, with authorities ordering flags to fly at half-mast after downpours turned roads into torrents of mud and debris.

The flooding followed heavy rain overnight. As roads turned into rivers of mud, cars were carried away and tossed into piles,and walls from yards and small buildings collapsed. Deluged with debris and rubble, some streets became impassable.

Twelve of the people killed – four women and eight men – were found in or near Mandra, a small town on the western outskirts of Athens that was hardest hit by the flood. The bodies of two more men were recovered from the sea. It was thought likely both had been swept into the bay at Eleusina, 11 miles from Athens’ city centre.

The state-run TV channel ERT reported that all the victims were between 45 and 70 years old. Among the dead were a hunter and a truck driver found in the cabin of his vehicle.

The prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life. - (ANA) -

AB/ANA/ 17 November 2017 - - -