The latest news in brief from calendar week 40 (29 September to 5 October 2025) for visitors and residents of Crete. [NOTE: If you don’t see the news from today, please refresh this page in your browser!]
Latest news from Crete
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NEWSFLASH: Wednesday, 1 October
Alarm in Crete: Heavy Rainfall, Storms, and Hailstorms on the Way
Crete is bracing for a new wave of severe weather, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and even hailstorms expected to hit the island over the next 48 hours. Authorities and residents are on high alert as the Civil Protection Service has activated emergency preparedness measures to deal with potential risks.
What to Expect
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), the most intense weather phenomena will affect Western Crete (Chania and Rethymno) starting from Thursday afternoon, October 2, 2025, and lasting into the night.
️ Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across western regions.
️ Hailstorms possible in localized areas.
Winds shifting from southerly (4–6 Beaufort) to northwesterly, reaching up to 7 Beaufort in some areas.
️ Temperatures dropping from 24–26°C to lower levels as the front passes.
In Eastern Crete (Heraklion and Lasithi), the weather will remain fair in the morning, but clouds will build by midday, followed by local showers and storms overnight.
Authorities on Alert
All regional services and technical teams have been placed on increased readiness to respond to flooding, fallen trees, and other emergencies. Residents are urged to follow official safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel during peak weather conditions.
Safety Tips for Residents
Authorities recommend:
✅ Check and clear drains and gutters around your property.
✅ Secure loose objects outdoors that could be swept away by strong winds.
✅ Avoid underground spaces during heavy rainfall.
✅ Do not attempt to cross flooded roads by car or on foot.
✅ Keep essential supplies (water, food, flashlight, power bank) at home.
Looking Ahead
The severe weather is expected to gradually ease by the weekend, with improving conditions from Friday afternoon onwards. However, local showers may persist, especially in northern and eastern Crete.
Crete Comes to a Standstill Today!
Hospitals, schools, ferries, and municipalities across Crete are paralyzed as workers join the 24-hour nationwide strike. ⛴️
Unions demand:
Shorter working hours (37.5h week)
Restoration of collective bargaining rights
Better pay & working conditions
Opposition to the proposed 13-hour workday
Demonstrations are taking place in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Lasithi this morning, drawing thousands of workers and citizens.
What do you think? Should Greece move toward a shorter workweek like other European countries? Share your thoughts below ⬇️
Dramatic Rescue in Crete’s Sarakina Gorge!
A foreign hiker was rescued after falling nearly 2.5 meters onto rocks while exploring the breathtaking Sarakina Gorge near Ierapetra.
Rescue teams faced a tough mission due to the gorge’s steep and rocky terrain, but firefighters managed to carry him safely to an ambulance. Thanks to their swift action, the hiker is now recovering in hospital and is out of danger.
This story is a powerful reminder: always hike with caution and never underestimate Crete’s wild beauty.
Would you dare to hike Sarakina Gorge? Share your thoughts below ⬇️
Poison Attack on Dogs in Crete Shocks Community
Tragedy has struck the village of Astritsi (Heraklion), where several dogs — including a beloved pet — were killed with poison-laced bait. Locals woke up to find entire packs of strays wiped out overnight.
This cruel act has left residents devastated and animal lovers across Crete outraged. Poisoning animals is not only inhumane but also a serious criminal offense in Greece.
We must raise our voices against animal cruelty. If you see suspicious activity or poisoned bait, report it immediately to the authorities. Together, we can protect innocent lives.
Another Arrival on Crete’s Shores: 58 Migrants Land on Gavdos
Late Tuesday night, 58 migrants (43 from Sudan, 15 from Egypt) were discovered in a remote area of Gavdos island. They were later transferred by the Coast Guard to Paleochora and then taken to a reception facility in Chania.
Locals are frustrated and worried as Crete continues to face repeated arrivals, raising questions about security, resources, and the government’s handling of the situation. ⚠️
What do you think? Should Crete bear the burden of these continuous arrivals, or should stronger measures be taken at Europe’s borders? Share your opinion below ⬇️
NEWSFLASH: Tuesday, 30 September
Nationwide Strike in Greece This Wednesday
Greece is bracing for a 24-hour nationwide strike that will disrupt transport, healthcare, and public services as unions rally against the government’s proposed labor reforms.
Public transport in Athens will run on reduced hours
Metro, tram & suburban rail: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Taxis & ferries: Strikes expected (Flights are operating normally)
Hospital staff, teachers & municipal workers: Joining demonstrations
Unions are demanding shorter working hours, fair wages, and the restoration of collective bargaining rights.
Major rallies planned in Athens, Piraeus & across the country.
Stay informed, plan ahead for travel, and follow updates on the ground.
Don’t Be Alarmed! Sirens & Bells Will Sound Wednesday
This Wednesday, Greece will conduct a nationwide disaster control exercise.
Sirens and church bells will sound across the country as part of a Civil Protection drill.
No need to panic — it’s only a test of the emergency alert system.
The goal: ensure preparedness in case of real emergencies.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 2; from 11 am for approx 30 minutes
Where: Across Greece
✅ Spread the word so no one is caught off guard!
69 Migrants Rescued off Gavdos
Late last night, a major rescue operation unfolded southeast of Gavdos.
Two boats carrying 69 people — including men, women, and children — were spotted by passing cargo ships and later safely transferred by a FRONTEX vessel to Agia Galini.
The rescued are now being temporarily housed at the old Port Authority building in Rethymno.
Local authorities and volunteers are stepping in to provide immediate support.
This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the Mediterranean.
NEWSFLASH: Monday, 29 September
Autumn’s First Storm Hits Crete Hard!
The first rains of autumn turned serious for parts of Heraklion:
Streets in Tsoutsouras became rivers of mud and water.
️ Viannos saw flooding even inside its Health Center.
In Messara, rural roads collapsed and homes in Tymbaki were flooded.
Once again, locals are left counting the damage — from destroyed infrastructure to serious risks for daily life and tourism.
⚠️ These repeated floods highlight the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and disaster prevention across Crete.
Samaria Gorge CLOSED Today!
Due to heavy rain & storm forecasts (up to 6.5mm), the iconic Samaria Gorge in Crete is closed from both entrances today, Monday, Sept 29.
⚠️ The decision was made by the Natural Environment & Climate Change Organization to ensure visitor safety.
If weather conditions improve, an update will be issued tomorrow morning at 06:30.
Your safety comes first — please avoid the area and plan your hike for another day.
Emergency Landing in Chania!
A flight from Manchester to Kefalonia was forced to make an emergency landing at Chania’s “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” Airport after heavy storms made landing in the Ionian airport impossible.
️ Passengers were safely disembarked and spent the night in Chania before the aircraft was cleared to continue its journey today.
This incident highlights once again how extreme weather is disrupting travel across Greece this autumn.
Big Change in Greece: No Social Media Under 15!
Starting late October, Greece becomes the first EU country to ban access to social media for kids under 15 years old.
Teens up to 18 will also face restrictions on tobacco sales platforms, betting sites, and adult content.
✨ The goal? Protecting young people from online risks like mental health strain, harmful algorithms, and exposure to unsafe content.
Age verification systems will automatically lock accounts for underage users, while parents will play a key role in ensuring safe digital habits.
