Μake us preferred on Google Crete is assessing extensive damage after a severe weather system brought torrential rain to the island from Wednesday, causing flooding across several areas and leaving at least one person dead. Authorities are warning that another wave of heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected from Friday afternoon.
The municipality of Mylopotamos, in northern Crete, is among the areas hardest hit and has been placed under a state of emergency.
Torrential rainfall caused streams to overflow, triggered landslides and severely damaged roads. Several routes remain closed while travel between Axos, Livada and Aimonas remains particularly difficult.
Severe weather in Crete. Mylopotamos. Thursday, October 1, 2026 (ANTONIS ZOURIDAKIS / EUROKINISSI)
Bridge collapses as floodwaters sweep away vehicle
At the Diskouriou Bridge in Livadia, Mylopotamos, floodwaters swept away a pickup truck carrying a couple after the bridge gave way under the force of the water.
Firefighters rescued the two occupants and transported them to the University Hospital of Heraklion.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and not to attempt to cross flooded areas.
Severe weather in Crete. Gouves area, Municipality of Hersonissos. Thursday, October 1, 2026 (STEFANOS RAPANIS / EUROKINISSI)
In the wider area, the Giofyros River overflowed, sending water into homes and businesses.
Problems were also reported in Gouves, where the Gouvianos River turned into a powerful torrent.
Severe weather in Crete. Mylopotamos. Thursday, October 1, 2026 (ANTONIS ZOURIDAKIS / EUROKINISSI)
Mayor describes unprecedented situation
Speaking to Greek television station MEGA, Mylopotamos Mayor Giorgos Klados said the village of Veni Mylopotamos remained cut off and that protecting residents was the municipality’s priority.
Klados described the situation as unprecedented and estimated that as much as 500 tons of water per stremma fell in the area.
The full extent of damage to livestock has not yet been assessed, while agricultural roads have suffered extensive destruction. Reaching livestock farms and providing assistance to them is now one of the municipality’s main priorities.
Severe weather in Crete. Gouves area, Municipality of Hersonissos. Thursday, October 1, 2026 (STEFANOS RAPANIS / EUROKINISSI)
The severe weather was continuing, particularly in mountainous villages. Through Thursday night, municipal crews were working to reopen the main road network and restore connections between villages.
As of Friday morning, Veni Mylopotamos was the only village still cut off, although many other communities had sustained significant damage. Authorities planned to reach livestock farms during the day to provide assistance.
Severe weather in Crete. Malades, Heraklion. Thursday, October 1, 2026 (STEFANOS RAPANIS / EUROKINISSI)
Schools remain closed
Schools and daycare centers across the municipality remain closed as a precaution. Around 2,500 children attend the affected facilities.
Klados said the decision to close them had played an important role in protecting students.
All schools and daycare centers will remain closed, with their reopening to be reassessed on Monday.
