Sudden T-storm closes Samaria Gorge on Crete, strands hikers

Up to 60 people safety taken to shelter along trail

 

Authorities on the large island of Crete on Saturday said up to 60 hikers are stranded, but not in danger in the renowned Samaria gorge, after heavy rains turned a stream running through the base of the gorge into a fast-moving torrent.

The heavy and sudden rainfall apparently caught the hikers, many of whom are foreign nationals off guard.

Park rangers and guides have reportedly collected hikers at a shelter located at the small chapel of Aghios Nikolaos, which stands on high ground along the one and only trail and offers protection from the elements.

The roughly 16-kilometer-long Samaria gorge is one of Greece’s best-known national parklands and a World Biosphere Reserve.

Entry into the gorge has been blocked, at least until Sunday.