Severe weather and lightning strike in Mani, Greece

On August 15, 2026, severe thunderstorms struck the Mani region of Greece, causing significant flooding and road closures. Heavy rainfall turned streets into rushing torrents, with water levels in areas like Oitilo, Alipa, Kokkala, and Limeni rising to window levels, resulting in flooding of homes and tourist accommodations. The Fire Department began receiving distress calls around 16:30 local time.

During the storm, a woman was seriously injured by a lightning strike while inside her vehicle in Oitilo. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis confirmed the incident, stating that the woman was extracted after a difficult rescue operation led by doctor Anargyros Mariolis and subsequently transported to the Hospital of Sparta. The Minister noted that despite the infrastructure damage, the National Health System remains fully operational and prepared to handle the situation.

Local authorities, including Deputy Mayor Georgia Lyrofoni, reported extensive damage across several coastal and inland villages, including Neo Oitilo, Exo Nymfio, Karavostasi, and Portokagio. While emergency crews remain active in the area addressing the aftermath of the storm, no further casualties have been reported as of the latest updates.