Severe thunderstorms on the Greek island of Crete triggered flash floods that left one elderly farmer dead and several others injured. The National Meteorological Service issued a red alert that remains in effect until Sunday as the island continues to experience extreme weather. The floods have damaged roads, homes and farms, and several schools have been closed.
The fatality occurred in the Rethymno region where an octogenarian livestock farmer was swept away by the sudden surge. A couple was also hospitalized after a bridge collapsed, sending their car into the riverbed. Local media report that dozens of residents were rescued after more than 250 calls were received by firefighters across the island.
The National Meteorological Service explained that a red alert requires people to remain vigilant and follow authorities’ advice. It warned of deteriorating weather from Wednesday, with locally heavy rains and storms expected mainly over Crete and gusty winds in the Aegean. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection placed Crete under a red code, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
Mylopotamos mayor Giorgos Klados described the crisis as tragic, noting that the bridge was destroyed and the river took half of it, yet no casualties were reported. Residents of Giofyros and Xiropotamos have written an open letter accusing authorities of delaying stream clearing until severe weather arrives, demanding explanations and proactive measures to prevent future incidents.
