Deadly floods hit Greece

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS

At least 15 people have been reported dead in floods which happened after torrential rains Wednesday struck the Attica region, which encompasses the capital Athens, the general secretariat for civil protection has said on its website.

Greek media have also reported that two people have gone missing missing but the information has not been confirmed.

An elderly woman and two unidentified males are reported to be among the dead. There is no confirmation on the identity of the other 13 people who lost their lives.

Floods and mudslides have turned roads in Nea Peramos and Megara into fast-flowing rivers, trappings passengers in cars and others in their homes.

Several residents have been seen clambering onto the roofs of their properties to avoid the flood water.

The fire service has received more than 340 callouts.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has ordered that a government team coordinate with local authorities in relief and rescue operations.

A state of emergency has been declared in all three areas. An emergency meeting has also been called by Tsipras.

The head of the First-Instance Court Prosecutor's Office Ilias Zagoreos has ordered an investigation into the flooding and to determine the cause of the disaster.

The investigation will focus on whether there has been a breach of the law, especially in urban planning.