The storm Bora has caused widespread flooding in Rhodes, submerging homes and fields, trapping dozens of people who had to be rescued, and wreaking havoc on the road network and infrastructure.

The intense weather continues unabated on the island, where it has been raining non-stop for over 12 hours. The heavy rainfall is expected to persist throughout Sunday.

Έχει αποκλειστεί ΙΧ με μια κοπέλα έγκυο ένα παιδί και 2 άντρες στη Ρ.Λίνδου

Πριν τα φανάρια για Τσαΐρι 🆘 pic.twitter.com/mU8i1JDqGL

— Forecast Weather Greece (@ForecastGreece) November 30, 2024

There are reports of individuals trapped in various locations by the rushing waters.

Meanwhile, 35 EMAK personnel are being flown to the island on a special flight. They are equipped with boats and other resources to assist local authorities.

⚠️Απίστευτες εικόνες στη #Ρόδο όχημα παρασύρεται με τον #οδηγό να βρίσκεται εντός του οχήματος

❗️Ευχόμαστε οδηγός να είναι σώος και αβλαβής

Βίντεο : DIMITRIS Iwanna pic.twitter.com/5MIZSt4Kkh

— Forecast Weather Greece (@ForecastGreece) November 30, 2024

As of early Sunday, Fire Department spokesperson Vasileios Vathrakogiannis reported that the Fire Service had received 600 calls for assistance in Rhodes alone. Of these, approximately 60 were for evacuating people to safer areas, and 200 were for water pumping operations.

Απίστευτα πράγματα. Τι θα φανερωθει με το πρώτο φως της ημέρας.#Ρόδος #Κακοκαιρία_BORA #πλημμύρες #κακοκαιρία pic.twitter.com/PpxmCnAKca

— Εποχικοί Πυροσβέστες (@epoxpyrosvestes) December 1, 2024

Νύχτα κόλαση στη #Ροδο

Μεταβαίνουν με έκτακτη πτήση στο νησί δυνάμεις της #ΕΜΑΚ και της #ΕΜΟΔΕ

Εκατοντάδες κλήσεις για εγκλωβισμένους ομως το προσωπικό δεν επαρκεί. Την ίδια στιγμή οι Εποχικοί Πυροσβέστες του νησιού άνεργοι.#πλημμύρες #κακοκαιρια_Bora #Ροδος pic.twitter.com/0FcTDxcqeq

— Εποχικοί Πυροσβέστες (@epoxpyrosvestes) December 1, 2024

Early Sunday morning, an emergency alert was issued via 112, imposing a traffic ban across the island’s road network due to landslides and hazardous conditions, particularly in the northern part.

The Governor of the South Aegean, Giorgos Hatzimarkos, stated that in many areas, the road network is “impassable.”

The traffic ban, which will remain in effect for 24 hours until early Monday, excludes emergency vehicles.

Late Saturday night, an emergency meeting was held with regional and municipal officials of Rhodes to address the situation.

The meeting was attended by Regional Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos, as well as deputy mayors and other officials. Rhodes Mayor Alexandros Koliadis, who was stranded in Ialyssos, participated via phone.

By late evening, the Rhodes Fire Service had received over 200 calls for assistance and had carried out approximately 50 rescues.

On Saturday afternoon, a message was sent via 112 urging those in Ialyssos to move from basements and ground floors to higher ground.

Specifically, the message stated: “If you are in Ialyssos, Rhodes, move away from basements and ground floors to higher ground due to flooding in the area. Follow the instructions of the Authorities.”