Severe weather has caused extensive damage across Crete, with the hardest-hit areas including Ierapetra and Mylopotamos, as torrential rainfall triggered flooding, swept away vehicles and inundated homes and businesses.
Fire service crews carried out multiple rescue operations, helping a total of 23 people reach safety. Among those rescued were four German nationals who became trapped inside their vehicle in Ferma.
Conditions were particularly difficult in Makry Gialos, Ferma, Agia Fotia, Koutsouras and other parts of the Lasithi region, where flooding, mud and debris accumulation, and disruption to the road network were reported.
Similar conditions were recorded in Mylopotamos in the Rethymno region, with Zoniana and mountainous areas heavily affected by intense rainfall. While conditions have improved in some locations, emergency services remain on heightened alert.
Problems were also reported in the Heraklion regional unit, where traffic had to be suspended in several areas because of significant water accumulation. Crews and heavy machinery are continuing operations to clear debris and reopen roads.
The scale of the storm was highlighted by rainfall data from Xyloskalo in Chania, where 318 millimetres of rain were recorded, according to meteo.gr. That is equivalent to 318 litres of water per square metre.
New emergency alert for Mylopotamos
Greece's national weather service emergency bulletin remains in force, while Crete continues to be under a Red Code alert.
On Saturday morning, authorities issued a new 112 emergency message to residents of the municipality of Mylopotamos, urging them to limit travel, move to higher ground and follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue, with civil protection services, firefighters and local authorities remaining on standby to respond to further problems.
