Severe Storms on Crete: Tourists Trapped in the Samaria Gorge

Fire departments and rescue services were deployed around the clock, according to authorities, to free trapped people from vehicles and pump water from flooded streets. Footage of flooded villages and washed-out roads circulated on social networks.

Rescue Operations

Flooding was also reported from the region around Ierapetra in the east of the island. Landslides blocked connecting roads, according to local media, leaving villages temporarily accessible only to a limited extent. Authorities called on residents to leave homes in vulnerable locations.

The airport in Chania initially reported disruptions to flight operations, with some connections being postponed. Regional civil protection set up emergency shelters in schools and sports halls to accommodate evacuees.

Outlook and Warnings

Weather services expected the heaviest rainfall to ease during the course of Saturday, but warned of further showers in the days that followed. The situation remained particularly precarious in gorges and along river courses, as water levels were only falling slowly.

Travelers and residents were urged to follow instructions from the authorities and not to drive through flooded roads. Hiking in the Samaria Gorge also remained prohibited until further notice.

From Athens, the government announced that damage would be documented and relief measures coordinated. A spokesperson pointed out that experience from previous severe weather events on Crete had been incorporated into operational planning. Observers noted that the island had been hit by severe storms repeatedly in recent years, each time leaving considerable damage to infrastructure and agriculture.