Heavy rains flood parts of Crete, prompting evacuations and rescues

Intense storms over Friday and Saturday sent floodwaters into the Ierapetra area, carrying cars and trees into the sea and forcing the evacuation of tourists. The mayor of Ierapetra reported that a woman was taken to hospital as a precaution and that 23 people were rescued from flooded cars and homes in Ierapetra, Ferma and Makry Gialo. Deputy governor Nikos Syrigonakis directed emergency crews to remove landslides and debris, while civil protection urged residents to limit travel and kept a high alert on stream levels. Strong winds also battered the Chania coastline, damaging seafront eateries and causing sand erosion at New Chora beach, and road closures affected routes linking Ierapetra, Sitia and other provincial roads.