More than 20 homes and businesses were flooded and four cars were swept into the sea yesterday morning when heavy rain and hail caused extensive flooding in Cassandra, Halkidiki.

The area of Siviri in southern Cassandra was worst hit by the floods, which knocked down trees and damaged roads in the area. Two drivers had to climb out of their cars to safety as the raging water swept away their vehicles. There were no reports of injuries.

Authorities said that the flood was caused when a stream that runs from the forest burst its banks. The area suffered flooding last year following the devastating forest fire in Cassandra.

Flooding was also reported in Alexandroupolis, northeastern Greece, where the fire service had to respond to more than 40 calls to pump water from basements.