Severe storm causes death and destruction in Crete
A severe storm hit the island of Crete on October 1, 2026, causing widespread flooding, damage to infrastructure, and one confirmed fatality. An 82-year-old shepherd from Karines in the municipality of Agios Vasilios was found dead after attempting to cross a swollen stream. Additionally, an elderly couple was hospitalized after their vehicle was swept away when a bridge collapsed in the Diskouri area of Mylopotamos.
The extreme weather, which saw rainfall in some regions equivalent to an entire year's worth of precipitation, caused rivers such as the Drakouliaris to overflow, flooding homes and businesses across the regional units of Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Emergency services received over 255 calls for assistance, leading to 17 successful rescues and numerous water pumping operations. Authorities remain on high alert as the Hellenic National Meteorological Service forecasts that the severe conditions, characterized by heavy rain and strong winds, will persist through Sunday.