Crete Hit by Flooding, Landslides and Water Shortages

Residents across Crete are facing severe problems after heavy rainfall and strong winds caused widespread damage to infrastructure, roads and agricultural areas, triggered landslides and left some communities without running water.

The situation remains particularly difficult in Rethymno, while significant problems have also been reported in Chania and Ierapetra.

In the mountainous Mylopotamos area of Rethymno, 30 residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution, while around 2,500 people in the communities of Zoniana, Livadia and Krana remain without water after floodwaters damaged the local water network.

In the Lasithi Plateau, initial estimates indicate that more than 80% of potato and vegetable production has been destroyed, with losses to agricultural production alone estimated at €7 million to €8 million.

30 residents evacuated in Zoniana

Authorities remain on alert in the mountainous Mylopotamos area, particularly around Zoniana, where large volumes of water have placed significant pressure on the area.

Thirty people were evacuated from their homes as a precaution as rain continued and water levels remained high. Authorities are particularly concerned about retaining structures around the river channel.

The stability of two homes is also being assessed after floodwaters reached their foundations, according to local broadcaster KRHTI TV.

2,500 people without water

The storm has also severely damaged the water supply network serving Zoniana, Livadia and Krana.

According to the mayor, around 2,500 residents in the three communities have been left without running water after floodwaters descending from the mountains swept away and destroyed sections of the network above the area of Apladiana.

The Mylopotamos Municipal Water and Sewerage Company said the situation has been compounded by the collapse of part of a road near Diskouri Monastery, making it difficult for repair crews to reach the damaged areas.

Work will begin once access can be made safe, but authorities said they cannot currently provide a reliable estimate for when water service will be restored.

Residents have been urged to limit consumption and use their remaining water supplies sparingly.

The Municipality of Mylopotamos has also activated a 24-hour helpline for residents and visitors affected by the flooding who need temporary accommodation or assistance from municipal crews.

23 people rescued in Ierapetra

The situation is also extremely difficult in Ierapetra, where emergency crews carried out repeated rescue operations overnight.

Twenty-three people were rescued from vehicles trapped by rapidly flowing floodwaters.

Extensive damage was reported in Ferma, Agia Fotia, Koutsouras and Makry Gialos, where roads, yards, homes and greenhouses were flooded.

At the small harbor of Koutsouras, the force of the water was strong enough to sink boats that had been moored there.

In Ferma, the road toward Sitia was cut off. A new landslide also sent a rock onto a passing car, with the driver narrowly escaping injury.

Another rescue operation was mounted for four people — three women and one man — who were trapped in the bay of Agia Fotia after flooding made access by road impossible.

Because of the water and mud, they could not be safely evacuated by land. A Hellenic Coast Guard boat was dispatched and transported all four, who were reported to be in good health, to the small harbor at Makry Gialos.

More than 80% of crops destroyed in Lasithi

The scale of the agricultural damage is becoming clearer in the Lasithi Plateau, where large areas of farmland remain underwater.

Water depths range from around half a meter to as much as three meters in some locations. More than 80% of potato and vegetable production has reportedly been destroyed.

The damage extends beyond crops. Water and mud have flooded warehouses and damaged agricultural machinery and tractors, disrupting production across the area.

Dozens of farmers gathered outside the municipal offices, demanding immediate information about damage assessments, compensation and support to rebuild their farms.

The mayor’s initial estimate puts the damage to agricultural production alone at €7 million to €8 million, although a full assessment is not yet possible because large areas remain flooded.

Roads closed and landslides reported in Amari

The Amari area of Rethymno has also been hit by landslides, large volumes of water and debris covering roads.

The continuing rainfall has sent rocks and other material down from the mountains, damaging roads and disrupting traffic.

The situation is particularly difficult around Fourfouras, Platania and Vistagi, where some roads have effectively become raging streams.

Traffic has been halted on the municipal roads connecting Vistagi, Platania and Fourfouras, as well as on the Afrates-Platania road. A provincial road near the Fourfouras middle and high school also remains closed.

Crete regional government and municipal crews are working to remove debris and restore access where conditions are safe.

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel because the ground is saturated and the risk of further landslides remains high.

Flooding affects Anogeia

Significant damage has also been reported on the rural road network around Anogeia, where roads leading to farms and livestock operations have become inaccessible in several locations.

Small and large plateaus have flooded after receiving large amounts of water.

In Anogeia and surrounding mountainous areas, slopes have become fast-flowing streams while low-lying areas have turned into lakes. Large volumes of water continue to move toward populated areas and Zoniana.

Crews are working where conditions allow, with restoring access to livestock and agricultural facilities among the priorities.

Damage at Chania’s Venetian Harbor

In Chania, strong winds and heavy waves have caused problems along the city’s waterfront.

At the Venetian Harbor, seawater has reached restaurants and tourism businesses, causing damage. In Nea Chora, coastal erosion and damage to equipment along the beach have also been reported.

Meanwhile, eight workers from the national park remain inside the Samaria Gorge because the river’s elevated water level does not allow them to leave safely.

The workers are sheltering in a station, are in good health and have food and medication. They remain in constant communication with the authorities.

George Tsapakos, Crete’s deputy regional governor for civil protection, said their situation is under control and that they will leave when conditions permit.

According to Civil Protection authorities, emergency services remain on alert throughout Chania prefecture, monitoring areas where problems have been reported and intervening where necessary.