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The current level of the Maritsa/Evros river is so far unseen, according to local authorities. Massive floods have caused huge problems down the river valley and its tributaries. Near Feres, Evros was flowing yesterday at a volume of 2,850 cubic metres per second. Authorities had to evacuate Lagina and Poros. The situation is reminiscent of 1963, when Lagina was last evacuated. Since then however two dikes had been erected (one along the river, and the other between the river and the village). Yesterday, both were swept away before the water penetrated the village and threatened houses.

All 110 inhabitants of Lagina were taken out of the village. Most will be accommodated at the town hall or with relatives in Soufli. Teams of engineers are trying to restore the dikes to prevent further overspills.

A preventive evacuation was carried out in Poros as well, when the river forced its way toward the village putting the dikes at serious risk. Dozens of residents were bussed to hotels in Feres –with the municipality footing the bill.

Houses were flooded in Soufli.

Yesterday morning, Evros water levels in the area of Pythio, near Didymoteicho, reached 6.05 m., with  5.70 as the limit value. Near Petalo, the water level was 7.35 m, with 6 m as the limit. Water levels at Kipoi reached 7.80 m, with a critical limit of 6.40 m. According to the deputy governor of Evros district, Dimitris Petrovits, the river has flooded vast areas with a width of up to 1.5 km.

The problem actually originates in Bulgaria, where heavy showers inspired a decision to release huge volumes of water from the Ivaylovgrad reservoir into Arda, a tributary of Maritsa/Evros. Predictions for further rains in Bulgaria are causing concern down in Macedonia.

The deputy minister for Infrastructure and transport, Christos Spidzis, came to the region yesterday to coordinate joint activities between the central and regional government and the municipalities.

Winds of force up to 9-10 Beaufort were raging in many coastal areas yesterday. A number of ferry routes to the Cyclades were not functioning. Only closed type ships were sailing in the Argo-Saronic Gulf. The Coast Guard recommends that those planning a trip contact local port authorities for more information.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Service warns of worsening weather on Sunday afternoon, with heavy snowfall and gale-force northern winds.

Heavy rains and storms of short-duration are also expected, mostly in Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and the eastern Aegean islands.

Bad weather will affect the entire country from Sunday evening on. Some places, mainly highland areas, are going to see heavy snowfall. Some of the plains in the eastern part of the country won't be spared, either.

Northerly winds will reach 8-9 Beaufort, with some places in the Aegean seeing winds of up to 10 Beaufort. Temperatures will drop by 8-10 degrees Centigrade.

Sea and coastal areas will be hit by heavy showers and storms.