Greek civil protection authorities have issued a fresh severe weather alert for Crete, warning that a new wave of heavy rainfall will sweep the island from Friday afternoon. The announcement comes as the regional unit of Rethymno is still grappling with the aftermath of a previous storm that left one person dead and caused widespread destruction.
The Region of Crete, local municipalities, the Fire Service, the Hellenic Police and civil protection units have all been placed on heightened readiness. Officials say the situation remains volatile and further problems are likely as the weather front moves across the island.
Mylopotamos at the centre of the crisis
The municipality of Mylopotamos has been declared a Civil Protection state of emergency, reflecting the scale of the damage already inflicted. All schools, nurseries and childcare facilities in the area will remain closed on Friday to protect pupils, teachers and staff.
The worst destruction has been recorded in the mountain villages of Zoniana, Livadia and Axos. In Zoniana, a river burst its banks, sending torrents of water and debris through the settlement and causing severe damage to roads, retaining walls and other infrastructure. Water supply and sewerage networks have also been badly affected, while power cuts and grid faults have left several mountain communities without electricity. The sewerage system between Axos and Apladiana is particularly compromised, and both main and rural roads have suffered heavy damage.
In Kynigiana, part of an uninhabited house collapsed, while in Veni two more dwellings sustained partial collapses. The full extent of the destruction will not be known until the severe weather subsides and a comprehensive survey can be carried out.
Deadly toll in Agios Vasileios
The human cost has been most acute in the municipality of Agios Vasileios. In Karines, an 80-year-old livestock farmer was found dead after leaving home on Wednesday night to tend his sheepfold. He had been missing since then.
In Livadia, a farm vehicle carrying two people was swept away when part of the road gave way. The couple managed to escape the vehicle and were taken to PAGNI hospital for precautionary checks. They are not reported to have suffered any serious health problems.
The recent bout of extreme weather is part of a broader pattern of intensifying storm risk across Europe, as climate change drives more frequent and severe weather events. The rising storm threat across the continent has prompted authorities from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia to reassess their emergency preparedness.
Safety advice for residents
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has urged citizens to secure loose objects that could be swept away by strong winds or water, and to check gutters and drains around their homes. Residents are advised to follow instructions from the competent authorities and to stay informed through official updates.
Particular caution is required near torrents and streams. Crossing them, whether on foot or by vehicle, should be avoided during heavy rainfall and for a considerable time afterwards, as water levels can rise suddenly. People are also urged to avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms and to seek shelter immediately if there is intense lightning activity.
For information on the state and passability of the road network, residents should consult the Hellenic Police and local authorities. Official civil protection channels will provide guidance on self-protection measures.
The new alert follows a previous storm that battered Crete with floods, landslides and power outages, leaving communities across the island struggling to recover. As the island braces for another deluge, the priority remains the safety of residents and the swift restoration of essential services.
