Nearly five years after the devastating earthquake that struck the Cretan town of Arkalochori in September 2021, many residents say little has changed, with damaged buildings, temporary housing and stalled reconstruction continuing to define everyday life.

The question heard most often, according to local earthquake victims, is simple: “How much longer will we have to live in dangerous homes?”

Recovery still at a standstill

Instead of signs of recovery, visitors to the area are met with collapsed buildings, abandoned shops, temporary housing units and damaged homes that remain untouched years after the disaster.

Kostas Gkantatsios, president of the local association representing earthquake victims, said the region remains trapped in uncertainty both economically and socially.

He said many severely damaged buildings classified as uninhabitable have yet to be demolished, while some residents are still living in temporary containers and others continue to occupy homes with visible earthquake damage.

Hundreds of homes and schools still affected

According to the association, more than 400 homes in the municipalities of Minoa Pediada and nearby Archanes-Asterousia were officially classified as unsafe for habitation after the earthquake.

Many other residents continue to live in buildings requiring major repairs before they can be considered safe.

Meanwhile, around 700 students are still attending classes in temporary container classrooms.

“I am certain this generation will never know what it is like to attend a normal school in our area,” Gkantatsios said.

Residents paying the price

Growing frustration has led many homeowners to carry out makeshift repairs using their own money rather than waiting for reconstruction procedures to move forward.

According to Gkantatsios, some residents have resorted to covering damaged walls with plastic sheets to keep out moisture and rodents, while others have sold farmland or property to finance repairs themselves.

He also said a number of farmers and business owners have permanently left the area after losing hope that reconstruction would progress.

“If things continue at this pace, even 20 years will not be enough to rebuild the homes,” he said.

Bureaucracy blamed for delays

The local association argues that bureaucracy and understaffed public services remain the biggest obstacles to reconstruction.

Of roughly 3,500 applications submitted for earthquake repair permits, only a small number have reportedly resulted in approvals, while no residential reconstruction project has yet been completed.

Residents also complain that any visible progress has largely come through private spending rather than public support.

Ombudsman seeks answers

Following repeated complaints from residents, a delegation from Greece’s Ombudsman visited Arkalochori to examine the delays.

The independent authority has since requested explanations from the relevant government ministries regarding compensation updates, interest-free loan schemes, extensions of support programs and the appointment of a reconstruction coordinator.

In its communication with the government, the Ombudsman noted that despite more than four and a half years having passed since the earthquake, reconstruction of homes, schools and churches remains incomplete, while many dangerous buildings are still awaiting demolition.