Crete flooding causes significant hydrological changes

Heavy and spatially uneven rainfall in Crete between October 1 and October 4, 2026, has caused local flooding and significant hydrological changes, according to satellite imagery analysis.

Sentinel-1 satellite comparisons show that approximately 2–2.5 km² of the Lasithi Plateau—roughly 8–10% of its flat agricultural area—has been inundated. Additionally, the Aposelemi reservoir has seen a 15–20% increase in its water surface area due to significant inflows from the rainfall event.

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service has been activated to officially map the extent of the flooding and assess the impacts across Crete.