THESSALONIKI, — Greek authorities say an illegal immigrant has died while trying to enter Greece from Turkey using a swollen river in freezing weather.

Police said Wednesday say that the man, who was in his 20s, was found near the border village of Tychero. Another five illegal immigrants have drowned in the Evros River or succumbed to hypothermia in the area since the beginning of the year.

The region has suffered extensive flooding this week.

Greece is a major entry point for illegal immigrants from Asia and Africa seeking a better life in Europe. Last year, authorities arrested about 100,000 people for illegally entering the country.

Greece is planning to build a 10-kilometers (6-mile) fence along a stretch of its border with Turkey, to deter migrants.

(AP)