Severe rainstorms and strong wind have battered Greece's southern island of Crete, triggering floods, landslides and road disruptions, with at least one person killed, local authorities said Thursday, Reuters reports.
An 80-year-old shepherd was found dead in the Rethymno area of central Crete after being reported missing while tending his livestock, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. Police and firefighters launched a search after his family raised the alarm.
Heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow in several parts of the island, while roads and buildings were flooded in Rethymno and Heraklion, the largest city and a major port in northern Crete.
The Greek National Meteorological Service maintained a "red" weather warning for Crete, where rainfall totals in some areas have reached around 300 millimeters. Heavy rain is expected to continue, particularly in northern and northwestern parts of the island.
Strong northeasterly winds of 8 to 9 on the Beaufort scale have also been reported in the Aegean Sea, disrupting some ferry services.
Greek firefighters have reinforced their operations on Crete, deploying rescue boats, tracked vehicles and pumping equipment to assist with evacuations, water pumping and debris removal.
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