Disruption caused by the recent bout of severe weather continues, with authorities warning that further problems may arise as conditions remain unsettled.
Civil Protection services, the Region of Crete, local municipalities and the competent authorities in Rethymno are on heightened readiness, as Crete faces a new wave of intense rainfall from Friday afternoon.
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This latest deterioration in the weather comes at a particularly difficult time for the regional unit, which is still counting the serious consequences of the previous spell of severe weather.
One person has lost their life, while many areas have suffered extensive damage to roads and infrastructure, landslides, disruptions to public utility networks and access problems for mountain settlements.
Mylopotamos at the epicentre
The situation is especially serious in the municipality of Mylopotamos, which has been placed under a Civil Protection state of emergency because of the scale of the problem.
For Friday, it was decided that all schools and nursery and childcare facilities in the municipality would remain closed, in order to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers and staff.
The worst destruction has been recorded in Zoniana, Livadia, Axos and other parts of mountainous Mylopotamos. In Zoniana, the river overflowed, sending large volumes of water and debris into the settlement and causing significant damage to the road network, retaining walls and other infrastructure.
Serious problems have also been reported in the water supply and sewerage networks, while power cuts and faults in the electricity grid have affected mountain villages. Damage to the sewerage system from Axos to Apladiana is particularly widespread, and both the main road network and rural roads have suffered heavy damage.
Extensive damage
In Kynigiana, part of an uninhabited house collapsed, while in Veni partial collapses were recorded in two more dwellings.
At the same time, the toll in the municipality of Agios Vasileios is tragic. In Karines an 80-year-old livestock farmer was found dead. He had left home on Wednesday night heading for his sheepfold and had been missing ever since.
In Livadia, the worst was avoided when a farm vehicle carrying two people was swept away by the raging waters after part of the road gave way. The couple were freed from the vehicle and taken to PAGNI hospital for precautionary checks, and they are not reported to have suffered any health problems.
The full extent of the destruction has not yet been completely assessed, as the final survey will only be carried out once the severe weather passes.
Heightened readiness across Crete
The Region of Crete, the municipalities, the Fire Service, the Police and Civil Protection services remain on alert so they can respond immediately to any new incidents.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection is advising citizens to secure any objects that could be swept away by strong winds or water, to check gutters and drains of their homes and to follow instructions issued by the competent authorities.
Particular caution is required near torrents and streams. Crossing them, whether on foot or by vehicle, should be avoided both during heavy rainfall and for a considerable time afterwards, as water levels can suddenly rise.
People are also urged to avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms and to seek shelter immediately if there is intense lightning activity.
Residents are asked to seek information on the state and passability of the road network from the competent services and the Hellenic Police, and to consult official Civil Protection updates for guidance on self-protection.
Attention remains focused on Crete, with Rethymno at the centre, as local communities struggle to cope with the already serious impact of the severe weather while preparing for a new round of intense phenomena.