Corfu, November 22 – Northern Corfu has been declared in a state of emergency after being battered by severe weather since Thursday, November 20. The decision was made during a meeting at the municipal town hall, attended by the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Mayor G. Mahimaris, and the leadership of the Fire Service. The intense storm system has caused significant damage, including landslides, closed schools, blocked roads, and power cuts across the northern part of the island.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The severe weather front, which also impacted Parga, Arta, Ioannina, and Igoumenitsa, has left a trail of destruction. In Corfu, the heavy rainfall in Karousades led to an entire slope giving way, damaging stranded cars and fortunately uninhabited houses. In response, four members of the 5th EMAK from Ioannina, equipped with two lifeboats, water pumps, and rescue equipment, have been deployed to the area. Schools in northern Corfu will remain closed today, Friday, November 21, due to the ongoing hazardous conditions.
Impact on Western Greece and Macedonia
The same intense storm system has also severely affected Western Greece and Macedonia. Large areas of farmland in the Kalamas area of Thesprotia were inundated, and the wider regions of Kastoria and Epirus are currently assessing the full extent of the damage. Images released by Forecast Weather Greece illustrate the severity of the flooding in Corfu, showing torrents of water flowing through residential areas.
National Weather Service Forecast and Relief Efforts
According to the Emergency Weather Information Bulletin (EDECF) issued on Thursday, November 20, 2025, by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), western-northwestern Greece is experiencing a deterioration in weather conditions. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were forecasted for Friday, November 21, for the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca), Aitoloakarnania, and Epirus. A gradual easing of these severe phenomena is anticipated from late Friday night into Saturday, November 22.
Agricultural Devastation in Thesprotia and Ioannina
Thesprotia and Ioannina have endured a third consecutive day of adverse weather. The Kalamas river overflowed, flooding the Vrysella valley, which is rich in tangerine groves. Farmers are in despair as their produce is submerged during the critical harvest season. Crews from the Municipality of Filiata and the Region are on site to assess the damage and conduct necessary water drainage interventions. Similar problems have been reported in the plain of Sayada, where orange groves and mandarin farms, along with rural roads, are submerged in muddy water.
Road Closures and Rockfalls in Epirus
In the mountainous provincial network of Epirus, particularly in Konitsa and Pogoni, rockfalls and landslides have continued for another day. Municipalities and Civil Protection units are actively working with machinery to clear the roads. Severe weather has also struck Filippiada, Preveza, transforming roads in the municipality of Zirou into rivers. The region is bracing for a deep winter pattern, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to persist in Epirus and the Ionian.
Community Resilience and Future Outlook
Local authorities and emergency services are working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the storms and support affected communities. The declaration of a state of emergency in Northern Corfu underscores the severity of the situation and allows for enhanced coordination of relief efforts. While the immediate focus remains on addressing the current challenges, the long-term recovery and assessment of infrastructure damage will be crucial in the coming days and weeks.
Source: https://en.protothema.gr/2025/11/21/in-a-state-of-emergency-in-northern-corfu-landslides-closed-schools-blocked-roads-and-power-cuts-see-videos-and-photos/
