The mayor of Heraklion, Alexis Kalokairinos, made it clear that the municipal authority will officially request for the village to be declared in a state of emergency. “We don’t feel safe; we are searching for a place to stay,” say residents of the village.

On Sunday evening, the president of the OASP (Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization), Professor Efthymios Lekkas, rushed to Crete following a discussion with Heraklion Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos.

The seismologist is in the area to conduct an initial on-site inspection, which will take place shortly to assess the severity of the situation, according to neakriti.

In Voutes – Lekkas regarding the fissures that have appeared and are causing concern.

“I was called to assess the damage and the geological phenomenon. Once I see it up close, there will be an evaluation of the situation, and we will be able to understand what is happening,” the professor stated earlier to Cretalive about the fissures that have caused significant concern and considerable damage, as they have split houses, roads, and even the surrounding area of the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

Alexis Kalokairinos emphasized that the municipal authority will formally request for the village to be declared in a state of emergency so that procedures for the restoration of the cracks in about 10 houses, as he stated, can be expedited across a significant area extending 150 meters within the settlement of 600 residents.

Cracks Growing in Voutes, Heraklion – Lekkas in Crete for Initial On-Site Inspection, Video and Photos

Mr. Kalokairinos did not hide his concern regarding the phenomenon, announcing that scientists from Athens will be investigating the situation. Additionally, early on Sunday morning, he, along with deputy mayors George Sismakis and Nikos Gialitakis, along with a technical team from the municipality, conducted an inspection of the damaged houses and roads affected by the fissures.

Cracks Growing in Voutes, Heraklion – Lekkas in Crete for Initial On-Site Inspection, Video and Photos

According to an announcement from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the purpose is to investigate the causes of the phenomenon, determine the likelihood of its extension to neighboring areas, and take immediate response measures. At the same time, it will be assessed whether the area should be declared in a state of emergency.

Cracks Growing in Voutes, Heraklion – Lekkas in Crete for Initial On-Site Inspection, Video and Photos

“We don’t feel safe; we are searching for a place to stay,” say residents of the village. Residents of Voutes are in a state of heightened concern, as reported by Creta24. There are many cases of people considering leaving their homes, since they have already seen the first fissures appear in the early weeks, which they say are increasing and expanding…

“Cracks have appeared in other houses, as well as in the church. You step down and see the tiles have lifted. We don’t feel safe. I’ve sent one child to my mother-in-law’s and the other to my mother. Now I’m thinking, where can I go to stay?” says a local resident to the news outlet.

“We went to the feast of Saint George, and when we returned, everyone, including the village priest, discovered that the yard of the church and the alleys had opened up,” says a woman who added that daily, residents discover new cracks in their homes.

Residents of the area are expected to gather at the Loggia on the evening of Monday, April 28.