Floods destroy more than 80% of Crete’s potato crop

More than 80% of the potato crop on the Lasithi Plateau on the Greek island of Crete was damaged by severe flooding after five consecutive days of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Preliminary estimates suggest that around 3 thsd tons of potatoes and vegetables may have been destroyed.

Around 440 mm of rain fell in the Lasithi area over two days, while the four-day total reached about 470 mm. In some locations, rainfall reached as much as 640 mm, compared with the plateau’s normal annual rainfall of 700–900 mm.

Flooding and landslides also caused significant damage to agricultural infrastructure. Nearly half of the rural road network in affected areas was damaged, along with boreholes, irrigation systems, orchards and livestock facilities.

At the same time, the heavy rainfall significantly replenished water reserves. The Aposelemis reservoir received more than 3.4 mln m³ of additional water in four days, with reserves rising from around 9.26 mln m³ at the end of September to more than 12.7 mln m³ by October 4.

Greece activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service to map flooded areas and assess the damage. The government also announced support measures for affected residents, including tax deferrals and €600 payments for immediate needs.

Tags: potato, Crete