UPDATE - Deadly floods hit Greece

UPDATES DEATH TOLL

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - At least nine people have been reported dead in floods which happened after torrential rains struck the west Athenian suburb of Mandra on Wednesday.

An elderly woman and two unidentified males are reported to be among the dead. There is no confirmation on the identity of the other six people who lost their lives.

Floods and mudslides have turned roads in Nea Peramos and Megara into fast-flowing rivers, trappings passengers in cars and others in their homes.

Several residents have been seen clambering onto the roofs of their properties to avoid the flood water.

The fire service has received more than 340 callouts.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has ordered a government team to coordinate with local authorities in the relief and rescue operations.

A state of emergency has been declared in all three areas. An emergency meeting has also been called by Tsipras.

The head of the First-Instance Court Prosecutor's Office Ilias Zagoreos has ordered an investigation into the flooding and to determine the cause of the disaster.

The investigation will focus on whether there has been a breach of the law, especially in urban planning.