One dead, two missing as Crete hit by major flooding

One dead, two missing as Crete hit by major flooding

Rescue workers perform a search along the beach of the popular resort of Agia Pelagia, on the southern Greek island of Crete, following flash floods cause by torrential rain, on October 15, 2022
Rescue workers perform a search along the beach of the popular resort of Agia Pelagia, on the southern Greek island of Crete, following flash floods cause by torrential rain, on October 15, 2022. Photo: - / AFP
Source: AFP

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

A man was found dead and two people were missing on Saturday after torrential rain brought major flooding to the Greek island of Crete, emergency workers said.

The victim, a man in his fifties, was trapped in his car as the rains began to fall in the southern Greek island, a popular holiday destination.

Local media reported extensive damage in seaside villages, where streets have become rivers carrying away everything in their path.

According to emergency services, a woman was slightly injured when she too became trapped in a car.

At least nine vehicles surrounded by water still need to be rescued.The emergency services received over 450 calls within an hour on Friday morning as the extent of the problem became clear.

Read also

Oil depot hit and on fire in Russia's Belgorodd: governor

Eight tourists and a security guard were also stranded in the Archaeological Museum in the coastal resort town of Sitia.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!

All the gorges on the island, popular hiking spots for tourists, were closed to the public until further notice.

Cars are carried away by floods at the beach of the popular resort of Agia Pelagia, on the southern Greek island of Crete, following flash floods on October 15, 2022
Cars are carried away by floods at the beach of the popular resort of Agia Pelagia, on the southern Greek island of Crete, following flash floods on October 15, 2022. Photo: Costas METAXAKIS / AFP
Source: AFP

The mayor of Sitia told the Skai TV channel, "The situation was out of control and the (weather) phenomena in the region were exceptional."

Scientists say human-induced climate change is amplifying extreme weather -- including the floods, heatwaves, droughts seen in several parts of the planet -- and say these events will become more frequent and more intense.

A senior official for the Heraklion region, Nikos Syrigonakis, urged residents to limit their movements.

"This is a difficult day," he added.

The Civil Defence department said it was mobilised and asked all citizens to be vigilant in Crete and the surrounding islands of Rhodes, Karpathos, Kastellorizo and Kasos.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.