Heraklion’s Mayor, Alexis Kalokairinos, announced that the municipal authority will formally seek a state of emergency for the village. Residents expressed their unease, stating, “We don’t feel safe; we are searching for a place to stay.”
On Sunday evening, Professor Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), hurried to Crete after discussions with Mayor Kalokairinos.
The seismologist is set to conduct an initial inspection of the area to assess the seriousness of the situation, as reported by neakriti.
In Voutes – Lekkas addresses the fissures causing alarm.
“I was summoned to evaluate the geological phenomenon and damage. My firsthand inspection will allow us to better understand the situation,” Professor Lekkas stated to Cretalive regarding the fissures that have raised significant concerns and caused extensive damage, affecting homes, roads, and the area around the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
Mayor Kalokairinos reiterated that the municipality will officially request the village to be designated in a state of emergency, enabling faster restoration processes for approximately ten affected houses within a significant area spanning 150 meters in a settlement of 600 residents.
Concerns Grow Over Cracks in Voutes, Heraklion – Lekkas Arrives for Initial Inspection, Video and Photos
Mr. Kalokairinos expressed his worry about the phenomenon and revealed that scientists from Athens will investigate further. Early Sunday, he, along with deputy mayors George Sismakis and Nikos Gialitakis, along with a municipal technical team, assessed the damaged homes and roads.
Concerns Grow Over Cracks in Voutes, Heraklion – Lekkas Arrives for Initial Inspection, Video and Photos
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced that the initiative aims to investigate the causes of the fissures, evaluate the risk of them spreading to nearby areas, and implement immediate response measures. Additionally, it will be determined whether to declare the area in a state of emergency.
Concerns Grow Over Cracks in Voutes, Heraklion – Lekkas Arrives for Initial Inspection, Video and Photos
Residents expressed their fears, with many considering leaving their homes due to the escalating situation. According to Creta24, fissures have started appearing early on and are now expanding. “Cracks are emerging in other homes and even in the church. You can see the tiles lifting. We don’t feel safe. I’ve sent one child to my mother-in-law’s and another to my mother. Now I’m contemplating where I should go,” a local resident shared with the news outlet.
“After attending the feast of Saint George, we returned to find that the church yard and alleys had cracked open,” a woman recounted, noting that new fissures are discovered daily by residents.
Local residents are expected to congregate at the Loggia on Monday evening, April 28.
