Rhodes is assessing the damage left by Wednesday’s severe storm, which claimed the life of a 62-year-old man whose car was swept into the sea. On Thursday, 15 October, municipal services were continuing to document the damage and carry out the necessary inspections of public infrastructure and school buildings.

Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Rhodes Municipality’s Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection, Michalis Thomatos, said particular emphasis was being placed on the safety of school facilities, as the severity of the weather conditions made thorough inspections necessary before pupils and teachers could return.

By decision of Rhodes Mayor Alexandros Koliadis, schools at all levels remain closed today so that the municipality’s technical services, working alongside the relevant crews and specialist experts, can inspect school premises across the island.

“The aim is to establish whether the heavy rainfall and other extreme weather conditions have caused any deterioration or damage, ensuring that school premises are completely safe for the return of children and teaching staff,” the deputy mayor said.

Meanwhile, municipal crews are continuing work to address the problems caused by the storm. A comprehensive assessment is expected to establish the extent of the destruction in the parts of the island that received the heaviest rainfall.

The situation was particularly difficult in Archangelos and Stegna, where the storm resulted in the tragic loss of life. Serious problems were also reported on the road network and in other parts of Rhodes.