One million cubic metre increase in the Aposelemi dam after the recent heavy rainfall highlights the risk of flooding.
Expected Increase of One Million Cubic Metres at Aposelemi Due to Recent Rainfall
After a stretch of heavy rain, water levels at the Aposelemi dam have climbed significantly.
The reservoir’s volume is now expected to jump from 3.5 million cubic metres up to around 4.5 million cubic metres—quite a leap, honestly.
This surge in storage means the dam’s in a stronger position to handle the water needs of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Hersonissos as we head into the busier months.
October’s usually tough, but last year they managed with about 500,000 cubic metres sent out to these areas.
With the extra water, there’s a decent chance they’ll match or even top that number this year.
Maybe, if things hold, they’ll be able to stretch support into November too—which would be a nice change.
Water management is still being handled with the usual caution.
The summer distribution agreements haven’t budged, and nobody seems interested in taking risks with the supply.
Parameter |
Previous Level |
Expected Level |
|---|---|---|
Water storage at Aposelemi dam |
3.5 million m³ |
4.5 million m³ |
October water supply to municipalities |
500,000 m³ |
Same or greater |
Summer supply agreements |
In place and maintained |
In place and maintained |
Interestingly, the tourism season kicked off with pretty low water reserves—just 4.5 million cubic metres, compared to 7.7 million the year before.
But these recent rains have turned things around more than some expected.
The dam’s management seems fairly optimistic about meeting the seasonal water demand without having to impose major restrictions.
Steady daily inflows are helping to keep levels on track, which is reassuring (if a bit of a relief).
Good News for Aposelemi Dam’s Water Supply – Devastation in Lasithi Plateau
The recent heavy rains have brought a much-needed boost to the Aposelemi Dam’s water reserves.
The dam, which supplies water to Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos, should be able to meet their needs safely through November.
This increase comes from floodwaters pouring in from the Lasithi Plateau, raising storage from about 3.5 million cubic metres to roughly 4.5 million cubic metres.
This extra water means local authorities can finally avoid the shortages that have been such a headache in recent years.
In the past, water had to be rationed in autumn, sometimes with only about 500,000 cubic metres left.
Now, the larger volume should keep the three municipalities in good shape, maybe even into late autumn.
Benefit for Aposelemi Dam |
Details |
|---|---|
Increased water volume |
Raised from 3.5 to 4.5 million cubic metres |
Municipalities served |
Heraklion, Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos |
Coverage duration |
Until at least November |
Previous shortages |
Needed rationing in autumn |
But while things look good for the dam, the Lasithi Plateau is facing a nightmare.
Recent storms slammed the plateau, causing major flooding almost everywhere.
Farmers are reeling—potato and vegetable crops have been wiped out.
The damage is so widespread that field inspections are planned for early May, just to figure out how bad things really are and start the compensation process.
Floodwaters, which are a blessing for the dam, have just overwhelmed the plateau’s farmland.
The rainfall in one week actually surpassed the total precipitation from the entire last winter.
Land is waterlogged, fields are basically unusable, and a lot of local farmers are left wondering what comes next.
- Area affected: Entire Lasithi Plateau
- Crop damage: 100% loss of potatoes and many vegetables
- Action: ELGA teams scheduled to assess damage for compensation
- Cause: Flooded fields due to heavy rain within one week
