Five Years After Arkalochori Quake, 700 Children Still Learn in Containers

Five years after the catastrophic quake that struck Arkalochori in the Heraklion region, the original primary school building is still in ruins, with debris untouched since the disaster. Approximately 700 children continue their education inside makeshift container units. Residents report that around 400 structures await demolition and that 500 people remain in temporary shelters, while numerous homes are deemed hazardous.

Local association heads, including Kostas Gkantatsios and Stelios Kanakis, criticize the lack of a fast-track reconstruction plan and label the conditions as intolerable for students. They note that studies have begun but progress is slow, and that the community seeks basic restoration of school facilities rather than special privileges.