Northwestern Greece hit by floods, southeastern area covered in African dust

Greece's northwestern prefectures were hit by flash floods which caused the evacuation of at least four villages as a precautionary step on Sunday, as the central and southeastern parts were covered by clouds of African dust.

The regions of Epirus and Evrytania have been declared in state of emergency after the banks of rivers overflowed due to heavy rainfall and regional roads and farmland were flooded.

The 18th century pedestrians' stone bridge of Plaka at Arachthos river in Epirus - the biggest one-stringer bridge in the country with 40m arch span and 21m height - suffered extensive damages due to the floods and collapsed, local authorities said.

Newly elected Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras promised that it will be restored and locals will be supported by the state.

No injuries have been reported, but as authorities assess the material damages, for precautionary measures hundreds of villagers were evacuated.

Due to high winds - reaching up to 10 on the Beaufort scale at the Aegean Sea - ferries remained docked at the port of Piraeus and other ports across Greece.

Meanwhile, flights to the Aegean islands were cancelled on Sunday due to limited visibility.

Due to strong southerly winds clouds of African dust has spread over large regions in central and southern Greece and the islands.

Greek meteorologists forecast that the cloud will disappear by Tuesday in Athens and by mid-week in the islands. Enditem