Rhodes on alert for rain and storms, authorities focus on lightning risk

The Civil Protection Mechanism of the Municipality of Rhodes, the Region and the Fire Department have been placed on full alert, as the Dodecanese is under an orange warning due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and storms.

The first rainfall of the morning, particularly heavy in the city of Rhodes and other parts of the island, caused no problems, said Michalis Thomatos, the deputy mayor of Rhodes for Civil Protection.

Despite the situation, municipal services remain on alert, while Civil Protection posts have been activated. Teams are patrolling different parts of the island and inspecting drains, as well as areas where heavy rainfall could cause difficulties.

In a statement to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Thomatos said that particular attention was being paid to the electrical activity accompanying the storms.

He warned that lightning poses an increased risk, as it could cause fires, particularly in forested areas and rural zones.

Inspections by Civil Protection forces will continue in different parts of the island throughout the period of severe weather.