Significant problems have been caused by the severe weather that hit the wider region of Macedonia, as five livestock farmers have been trapped along with their herds due to the overflowing Aliakmonas River following yesterday’s heavy rainfall in the village of Grammos.

According to information from ERTnews, the five trapped farmers are in good health. Despite being isolated, they appear to have been prepared, as they have sufficient food and supplies for at least two days. Therefore, an immediate rescue operation is not deemed necessary, as the risk is limited and the area remains difficult to access due to the rushing waters.

The trapped farmers are maintaining communication with both the Municipality and the local community, providing continuous updates on the situation. They have been assured that, should any need arise, local authorities are ready to intervene.

Finally, the report states that the farmers are expected to return to the village with their herds in about two days, when the weather conditions subside. However, concerns remain about whether the available animal feed is sufficient to keep the herds in good condition.

Mayor of Nestorio: “The water sweeps everything in its path”

According to the mayor of Nestorio, Christos Gosliopoulos, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), “Even now that the rainfall has stopped, the water is coming down from Grammos with such force that it sweeps everything in its path.” He added, “We have damages to the installations at the site where the River Party events take place, while the extent of the damage in the village of Grammos remains unclear.”

Mr. Gosliopoulos also said that “this particular village does not have a stormwater drainage system, resulting in the waters passing through the village and destroying the few roads that exist.”

Municipal crews, once the situation calms, will visit Grammos to check whether the torrents of water that flowed through the village have undermined the foundations of the stone-built houses that the few locals have rebuilt over the past 25 years. “The Municipality’s water service is making every possible effort to address the issues, following the guidelines of the current legislation,” emphasized the Mayor of Nestorio.