Ierapetra beaches covered in mud as storms trigger landslides and road closures

Heavy overnight rain has left several beaches covered in mud and debris, closed sections of the road network, and triggered landslides in the Ierapetra area of southeastern Crete, according to local reports on Saturday.

Rain has been falling continuously since Friday evening, with the areas of Galini, Achlia and surrounding districts receiving large volumes of water, local media reported.

In several locations the situation is reported as particularly difficult. Beaches have been covered in mud, stones and debris carried down by the water, while storms affecting Crete have also caused problems and landslides on local roads.

Municipality of Ierapetra crews are on standby to address the damage, while authorities remain on alert as the weather phenomena continue, according to the report. The flooding follows a broader pattern of severe rainfall across the island, which an ERT meteorologist said had brought more rain in one day than Athens typically sees in a year.

Photos from the scene, credited to Meteo Crete and photographer Giorgos Volyrakis, show flooded roads and mud-covered beaches in the affected areas. The incidents add to a series of storm-related disruptions reported across the island this week, including a fatal flooding incident in Rethymno.