![On 15 October, flash floods hit the north coast of Crete.[4] Extensive damage was reported in many seaside areas.[5] Settlements affected included Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Chania and Lasithi.[6] By Ontheway Advice - Agia Pelagia, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58372044](/sites/default/files/styles/cover_image_slider_teaser/public/2026-01/1280px-Agia_Pelagia_%2833523263423%29.jpg?itok=l0rYzSCv)
Flooding brings deadly chaos to Attica as storms overwhelm Greece’s capital region
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Torrential rain, hurricane‑force winds, and overflowing streams brought the Attica region of Greece to a standstill this week, leaving at least two people dead, triggering widespread flooding, and forcing schools, ferries, and major roads to shut down.
A powerful winter storm system swept across Greece on January 21–22, 2026, with Attica—home to Athens and its suburbs—hit hardest. Meteorologists recorded more than a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems and turning streets into rivers.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons License.
On 15 October 2022, flash floods hit the north coast of Crete. Extensive damage was reported in many seaside areas. Settlements affected included Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Chania and Lasithi. By Ontheway Advice - Agia Pelagia, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58372044
Fatalities and Emergency Response
Two deaths were confirmed:
- A 56‑year‑old woman swept away in Glyfada after being caught in a sudden torrent while walking along a flooded street. She was found trapped under a vehicle and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
- A 53‑year‑old Coast Guard officer killed in Astros Kynouria when a massive wave struck him during harbor operations.
Fire crews across Attica responded to hundreds of emergency calls, including rescues from submerged vehicles and flooded homes.
Record Rainfall and Infrastructure Disruption
Meteorological stations across Attica recorded exceptionally high rainfall totals, including:
- Papagou: 146.4 mm
- Taktikoupoli Trizinia: 130.4 mm
- Vyronas: 126.4 mm
The flooding caused:
- Major power outages across Athens and suburbs
- Road closures due to subsidence and debris
- Overflowing rivers and streams such as Valanari and Pikrodafni
- Traffic diversions in Piraeus and Nea Makri
In Glyfada, dramatic footage showed cars trapped in debris and streets transformed into fast‑moving rivers.
Authorities issued 112 emergency alerts urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel. All public and private schools in Attica were closed and shifted to remote learning for safety.
Ferry departures from Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio were suspended as winds reached 9–10 Beaufort, while rail services were halted due to fallen trees and damaged tracks.
Meteorologists forecast that the storm system would move eastward by January 22, with conditions gradually easing across Attica. However, authorities remain on high alert for after‑effects such as landslides, infrastructure strain, and renewed flooding.
Further Reading:
https://greekreporter.com/2026/01/22/severe-weather-claims-two-lives-storms-batter-greece/?
https://www.tovima.com/society/torrential-rain-leads-to-flooding-power-outages-across-attica/?
https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/01/21/greece-severe-weather-schools-closed-attica-january-2026/?