2 dead, 1 missing after heavy storm strikes southeastern Greece

ATHENS – Authorities say two women have died and a man is missing after heavy rain struck the island of Rhodes in southeastern Greece.

The storm hit the island Friday evening and caused flooding, with hundreds of people trapped in cars, the island’s firefighting brigade says.

A still unidentified woman was found dead late Friday and a 27-year-old teacher was found Saturday morning. Both apparently attempted to leave their stranded cars and were overcome by raging waters.

A helicopter and 10 people of the firefighting service’s crack rescue squad have been sent to Rhodes to help find the missing 53-year-old man, authorities say.

Rain has continued Saturday. According to Greece’s meteorological service, so far 173mm of rain have fallen.