Athens - Two people were reported dead after their car was swept away by waves near the port of the holiday island of Kefalonia as dropping temperatures and heavy rain hit Greece on Friday.

Heavy rains caused flooding in several parts of the country, as firefighters attempted to rescue hundreds of residents from rising levels of water.

Gale-force winds forced ships across the country to remain docked at ports.

A passenger ship, which departed from Italy, suffered damage as it was attempting to dock in the western port city of Patras from the strong waves and winds that plagued the region. All 102 passengers were reported safe. (dpa)