Concerns persist over the cracks in houses and roads in Voutes, Heraklion, as inspections into the extent and causes of the phenomenon continue.

Engineers from the Technical Service of the Municipality of Heraklion have already recommended the evacuation of at least four homes in the village after a preliminary inspection. It was also decided to close the local playground.

According to neakriti.gr, during the on-site inspection, the technicians observed signs of wear and possible hazards, leading them to recommend that the specific properties should not be inhabited temporarily, for the safety of the residents.

“Since this morning, engineers have been inspecting gathering areas and houses. It was decided to close the playground for everyone’s safety as some issues were identified, while problems were also found in four houses, leading to a recommendation for evacuation. However, no issues were found at the kindergarten, the church, or other facilities,” stated Heraklion’s mayor, Alexis Kalokairinos, speaking to reporters.

The final assessment regarding the suitability of the residences will be carried out by engineers from the Directorate for the Rehabilitation of Natural Disaster Impacts (DAEFK), the competent authority for issuing official reports.

The DAEFK inspections will determine whether the buildings can be repaired or must be deemed uninhabitable.

Meanwhile, the president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Mr. Lekkas, stated that he would recommend the area be declared in a state of emergency, adding: “A request will be submitted by the mayor, and the General Secretariat is favorable to such a move.”

Lekkas’ statements on the cracks in Voutes

See today’s photos from the village of Voutes:

Lekkas’ Assessments

As the president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Efthymios Lekkas, who is currently in Voutes, explained earlier, today the area will be mapped from the air using large drones to create a three-dimensional spatial representation.

“We are dealing with two ground ruptures, each approximately 150 meters long. They are located in different parts of the village. These ground ruptures have caused failures in constructions, homes, public spaces, and infrastructure,” Mr. Lekkas stated.

“This is purely a geological phenomenon, which is currently ongoing. These ruptures are essentially due to some form of landslide activity, although we cannot yet determine exactly how the phenomenon is operating. We need to assess its full dimensions to properly evaluate its risk. There are many factors that could potentially intensify this phenomenon,” Mr. Lekkas continued, strongly advising the village residents “not to stay in houses that have visible cracks.”