Severe weather caused widespread disruption across Rhodes after heavy rain began battering the island on Sunday night, turning roads into torrents, sweeping away vehicles and flooding homes and businesses.
The most severe conditions were reported in the Archangelos area, where at least one vehicle was reportedly carried away by fast-moving floodwaters. Some residents were forced to seek refuge on the roofs of their homes as water levels rose.
⚠️🚨⛔️ Αρχάγγελος #Ρόδου τώρα 04:15 Βίντεο : Nicole Livi #weatheralert https://t.co/r6rMF2lxZT
— Forecast Weather Greece (@ForecastGreece) November 2, 2026
Emergency alerts issued
The Civil Protection Authority sent two emergency alerts through Greece's 112 warning system in the early hours of Monday, urging residents to limit travel and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The warning read:
"Warning for heavy rainfall in the regional unit of Rhodes. Limit your movements. Follow the instructions of the authorities."
Fire service responds
The Fire Service received at least 15 calls related to the severe weather, mainly involving the pumping of water from flooded properties and the removal of fallen trees.
Τραγική η κατάσταση στη #Ρόδο #Ιαλυσός . Τα πάντα έχουν πλημμυρίσει, μήνυμα από το 112 για να ανέβουν οι κάτοικοι σε ψηλά σημεία. #Εποχικοι #Πυροσβεστες στο νησί δεν υπάρχουν καθώς έληξε η σύμβαση τους. Ο Θεός να βοηθήσει τους ανθρώπους στο νησί της #Ροδου https://t.co/UnSMZYkIPo
— Εποχικοί Πυροσβέστες (@epoxpyrosvestes) November 30, 2024
Firefighters also assisted in moving residents to higher and safer locations after large accumulations of water made remaining in certain areas dangerous.
Schools closed
Due to the extreme weather conditions, the Municipality of Rhodes ordered the closure of schools in the municipal districts of Archangelos and Afantou on Monday, 2 November.
The announcement was issued at 4.30am, with local authorities stressing that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect students and teachers.
Officials said the aim was to avoid unnecessary travel to and from schools while hazardous weather conditions continue to pose risks.
