112 Alert Issued for Crete and Surrounding Islands
An emergency alert was issued early today for specific areas, including Crete, the Dodecanese, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria. The alert warns of severe weather conditions expected to last until tomorrow morning. The most significant impacts are anticipated on Crete and the Dodecanese, where heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms pose heightened risks.
The updated emergency weather bulletin, released by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), prompted immediate action. Following a recommendation from the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, the Secretary-General of the Ministry, Nikos Papaefstathiou, convened the Risk Assessment Committee this morning to review the situation and coordinate preparedness measures.
Experts from the Risk Assessment Committee emphasized the following key details:
- Periodic heavy rain and thunderstorms will persist across parts of the Aegean until midday Wednesday.
- The most severe effects are expected in southern regions, particularly Crete and the Dodecanese.
- Additional risks include strong winds and localized hailstorms.
Tourists and residents in these regions should exercise heightened caution and stay informed about the evolving weather.
Waterspout Appears in Crete Near Chania in Rare Event
On April 1, near Drapano in Chania, Crete, a rare waterspout formed over the sea. This unique weather event, captured in stunning photos, surprised locals and tourists.
The occurrence happened close to the cape and, to be honest, it appeared like something from a science fiction film.
Somehow, a snapshot of this breathtaking view ended up on the Forecast Weather Greece website. A circular column of twisting and twirling water emerged from the waterspout. Very hypnotic, particularly for a location like Crete, where such occasions are rare.
Emergency Meeting in Crete Before 112 Warning
The mayor of Heraklion, Alexis Kalokairinos, held an urgent meeting with a squad of deputy mayors, city officials, and emergency staff. The topic? Prepping for the wild weather ahead. Participants included those overseeing civil protection, sanitation, urban planning, energy management, technical services, and crisis response—basically, all the important people needed when it starts pouring buckets.
During the meeting, the mayor contacted the Unified Coordination Operations and Crisis Management Center (yes, that’s a mouthful). They discussed the situation and reviewed the required emergency actions before sending a note through 112. This emergency alert warned residents about intense storms expected to last until Wednesday. The message boiled down to this: Be careful, don’t drive like you’re auditioning for a car commercial in a flood, and listen to the authorities.
Survival Rules: Don’t Tempt Fate
When the skies open and chaos begins, everyone is reminded to keep their wits about them. Certain areas, prone to severe weather, require extra care. Here’s your cheat sheet for storm survival:
- Stick to areas you know and avoid risky routes.
- Don’t ignore warnings from the Civil Protection Department; they know what they’re discussing.
- If unsure, consult the official safety guidelines here: Civil Protection Guide.
And yes, those “Irish crossings”? They’re not charmingly magical, but road sections are paved over streams for vehicles to pass. When storms hit, these spots morph into disaster zones. Avoid them. Got it? Good.
Bullet Points That Could Save Your Life
- Do NOT cross torrents on foot or by vehicle. Seriously, don’t.
- Vehicles aren’t boats. Don’t overestimate your ride’s abilities in floodwaters.
- If your car stalls, get out. Quickly. Head for sturdy ground before it’s swept away.
- You can’t brute force your way through: submerged car doors won’t open.
- If you’re stuck, stay calm. Use your seat headrest to smash a window and escape. Yes, use it for something other than your neck for once.
- Remember: the rear windshield is the last spot to sink, so make your dramatic exit there.
Emergency Contacts (So You’re Not Googling This Mid-Crisis)
- 112 – Europe-wide emergency line for everything.
- 199 – Fire Brigade (ideal for when floods make your life fiery AND watery).
- 100 – Police (for non-flooding chaos).
- 108 – Coast Guard (if the sea joins the party).
- 166 – Emergency Ambulance Service (when you didn’t listen to this list).
Proactive Measures and Local Coordination
The Civil Protection Operations Center actively coordinates with local authorities, emergency teams, and agencies to ensure safety. These organizations have been put on high alert and are ready to respond to developing emergencies. Residents and travelers are also urged to follow any local instructions or guidelines.
The storms will bring challenging conditions until early Wednesday for those in affected areas, particularly Crete and the surrounding islands.