Dust deposits in Heraklion, high water consumption due to cleaning and damage to the Aposelemi dam.
The dust deposit in Heraklion
Measurements in Heraklion have shown an unusually large amount of dust from Africa settling on the city.
The total dust deposited reached about 21 kilograms per stremma, which is a Greek unit of area equal to 1,000 square metres.
This estimate came from cleaning a measured area outside a laboratory.
The space cleaned covered 12 square metres, and the dust collected weighed about 250 grams.
That’s how the dust load per stremma was calculated.
The dust particles have been examined under a stereoscopic microscope, magnified 45 times.
Zooming in like this really shows off the strange, detailed structures of the dust—kind of wild to see what’s floating around up there.
Key Data
Measurement Aspect |
Value |
|---|---|
Area cleaned |
12 square metres |
Dust weight collected |
250 grams |
Dust deposited per stremma |
21 kilograms |
Microscopic magnification |
45 times (stereoscope) |
Important Notes
- The dust originates from the Sahara Desert and is transported by wind patterns.
- The event turned the sky over Heraklion brownish-red due to the thick dust layer.
- This level of dust deposition is significant and affects air quality and visibility in the region.
This is a pretty clear example of how dust storms from far-off deserts manage to reach cities hundreds of kilometres away. The environmental effects don’t just stop at the source—they travel.
Heraklion threatened by water shortage
Since early Sunday morning, areas supplied by the Aposelemi Dam have been without water due to a new fault in the main pipeline.
The local water authority says the issue is temporary and expects repairs to wrap up by Monday evening. But with the water supply still cut off, there’s growing concern among residents and officials.
Daily water shortage is currently estimated at 12,000 cubic metres.
The total loss has already topped 15,000 cubic metres. This mainly hits parts of the Hersonissos Municipality, including Koutouloufari and Piskopiano.
Water management bodies are urging the public to cut back to essential use only.
The failure brings back memories of a similar crisis in 2018, when heavy African dust led to severe water shortages and drained reserves.
Officials warn that without careful water use, the city could face serious supply problems soon.
The water authority is asking people to avoid non-essential water use, like washing outdoor areas with hoses, since that wastes a ton of water.
Repair works are moving along, and authorities hope supply will resume by nightfall.
Meanwhile, emergency measures are still in place, and monitoring is tight.
Issue |
Details |
|---|---|
Supply disruption |
Started early Sunday morning |
Expected resolution |
By Monday evening |
Daily shortage |
Approx. 12,000 cubic metres |
Total water lost |
Over 15,000 cubic metres |
Affected areas |
Parts of Hersonissos: Koutouloufari, Piskopiano |
Official advice |
Use water only for essential needs |
Repair status |
Work ongoing, progressing well |
Citizens are strongly encouraged to limit their water consumption immediately.
The water authority warns that if wasteful habits keep up, the crisis could get worse, putting domestic water availability at risk.
Heraklion: Water Supply Challenges Persist – Limited Output from Aposelemi Dam
Late at night, water delivery from the Aposelemi Dam to the DEYAH network started up again, but honestly, it’s barely a trickle—just 300 cubic metres per hour. DEYAH had asked for more, hoping to help the system keep up after that recent dust storm sent demand through the roof.
The Crete Development Organisation turned down the request, citing safety concerns with the water system. Because of these restrictions and the surge in water use, several neighborhoods in Heraklion found themselves running low.
Affected Areas:
- Fortezza
- Syllamos
- Agios Ioannis Knossos
- Parts of Hersonissos Municipality
DEYAH’s asking everyone to be mindful and not waste water while things are still tight.
Key Points |
Details |
|---|---|
Current supply from dam |
300 cubic metres per hour |
Reason for limited supply |
Safety concerns from authority |
Impact |
Water problems in multiple areas |
DEYAH recommendation |
Reduced water use by the public |
Restoration timeline |
Gradual recovery over time |
