Standing by the earthquake-affected residents of Crete, the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) has activated its Rapid Response Team to investigate the destructive effects caused by the seismic event.
Immediately after the earthquake on Monday, September 27, 2021, the Head of the Regional Unit of Crete of H.S.G.M.E., Mr. Giannis Michalakis, carried out on-site inspections in the affected areas of the Municipality of Minoa Pediada (Arkalochori, Thrapsano, Roussochoria, Archontiko, Boni), as well as in the Municipality of Heraklion (Episkopi, Sgourokefali, etc.). During these inspections, meetings were held at the Arkalochori Exhibition Center, where the Crisis Management Center operates, with the Regional Governor of Crete, Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, the Mayor of Heraklion, Mr. Vassilis Lambrinos, and other representatives of the local authorities.
The destroyed church of Prophet Elias in Arkalochori.
In addition, on the morning of Tuesday, September 28, 2021, geologists from the Regional Unit of Crete, Ms. Saia Pavlidou and Ms. Elpida Athanasouli, visited the affected areas and continue to carry out field inspections.
Specifically, the H.S.G.M.E. team is conducting on-site inspections in areas where rockfalls mainly occurred due to the earthquake, assessing slope stability to identify locations that could potentially be hazardous after the seismic event, with the aim of promptly evaluating and mitigating geological risks.
*Top photo: The Church of Agia Fotini, whose roof has collapsed.
