Severe Storms Batter Crete: 2,500 Without Water, Crops Destroyed, Eight Trapped in Samaria Gorge

Severe weather continued to lash Crete on Sunday, leaving a trail of destroyed infrastructure, flooded farmland, and isolated villages. Torrential rains caused rivers to burst their banks, sweeping away roads and cutting off water supplies to thousands of residents in the Mylopotamos region.

Approximately 2,500 residents in Zoniana, Livadia, and Krana remain without running water after floodwaters destroyed the supply network near Apladiana. Authorities say repairs cannot begin safely until water levels recede. Meanwhile, 30 people were preemptively evacuated from homes in Zoniana due to pressure on river embankments, and the stability of two houses is being assessed.

“The destruction is complete; we need immediate compensation procedures for the affected.”

In the Lasithi Plateau, farmers face what officials describe as "total destruction," with preliminary estimates indicating over 80% losses in potato and vegetable crops. Fields remain submerged under water and mud, preventing owners from assessing the full extent of the damage. Inspection teams are expected to deploy once conditions allow.

Further south in Ierapetra, fire crews rescued 23 people trapped in vehicles overnight. Simultaneously, a major operation is underway to reach eight people, including a doctor, stranded in the Samaria Gorge. Authorities confirm the group is safe and supplied but cannot be extracted until the dangerous water flow subsides.

The Mayor of Oropedio Lasithiou, Giorgos Athanasakis, labeled the agricultural damage "complete destruction" and demanded immediate government compensation measures similar to those enacted after Storm Daniel. A government delegation is expected to visit the affected areas on Monday.