Greece – One dead and extensive damage from flooding in Crete

ATHENS, October 2 /ATSH-DPA/ – Powerful storms and heavy rainfall have swept Crete and several other Aegean islands, causing flooding and extensive damage.

One victim has been confirmed so far.

“A shepherd lost his life after being swept away by floodwaters in a mountainous inland area of Crete,” emergency services announced.

According to Greek media, no tourists are reported to have been affected by the bad weather so far.

The Greek Meteorological Service (EMY) warned that the heavy rainfall and storms will continue until Sunday.

In Anogia, near Rethymno, around 361 millimetres of rain were recorded in less than 24 hours.

The situation has caused considerable flooding.

According to local media, several vehicles were swept away by the waters and ended up in the sea, while bridges and road segments were damaged or destroyed.

Civil protection authorities warned that the soil is already saturated with water in many areas, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides.

Strong winds have also affected maritime transport.

Ferry services were partially interrupted, while most ferries stayed in port during Friday morning, according to the Greek broadcaster “ERTNews”.

Wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour were recorded in the Aegean Sea. Crete remains on high alert and all schools on the island were closed today. /Ad.Ab./ a.jor.