Two days of heavy rainfalls and powerful winds have caused unprecedented damages in Chania Prefecture on the island of Crete. Roads collapsed, landslides brought rocks and mud on the road network, trees were uprooted, homes and businesses were flooded, and even fish landed at the shores. Many motorists were trapped in flooded roads.
Local media speak of “incalculable damages to infrastructure and properties.”
According to first estimations, the inland road network has been largely damaged with the effect that in several parts the vehicles cannot pass through.
Dozens of residents of village Sirakari in Kissamos Municipality have been isolated from the rest of the world after the main road collapsed. There are two neighborhoods in the village with 100 permanent residents. Those living in Sineniana can no leave their homes or the village due to the collapse of the road leading to Kasteli.
Local police has closed several roads to traffic due to damages and floods. Authorities urge motorists to be on high alert when they drive in the area.
However, not all drivers follow police instructions and a mother drove with her car right into a flooded road.
it needed the aid of the Fire Service for the rescue of the woman and her two children.
Video: Floods in Patelari
Flooded LIDL supermarket in Platanias
Fish washed ashore in Chrysi Akti
Aside from fish, the waves brought also tones of garbage to the shore.
Platanias
River Moronis brought soil to the sea and turned it red in Souda bay.
Chania port
So far six municipalities have been declared in ‘state of emergency’: Chania, Platanias, Kissamos, Sfakia, Apokoronas and Kantanos-Selinos.
According to meteorologists, rainfalls will continue in Crete until Sunday, Feb 17, even though not with the same intensity as in the last 48 hours.
Yet caution is due because of the flooded streams and rivers and the damaged infrastructure.
sources: zarpanews, flashnews, neakriti
