An alarm has been sounded by the inhabitants of the village of Voutes of Heraklion the appearance of two large scraps of 150 meters long, which runs through courtyards, the church enclosure, and sections of roads, causing reasonable concern and questions about the causes and severity of the phenomenon.
The authorities at present do not have a clear picture of whether it is a geological phenomenon in progress or the consequences of other factors. Investigations are focused on two main scenarios: either the water from piping leaks caused sedimentation and cracks, or the cracks broke the pipes. According to a specialist who visited the spot with the Mayor of Heraklion, the prevailing scenario is that the rift was first caused.
. RES-EIA/RES-EIA/NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS
The area was also found at the Metsovo Technical University, who spoke of differential sedimentation – a phenomenon where the subsoil is unevenly retreated, causing large cracks in different directions and exacerbating the risk for building damage. Residents report that everything occurred within 2-3 days, without previous signs.
“It is a high priority issue,” said Heraklion Mayor Vassilis Kalirinos, calling for immediate assistance from the Ministries of Infrastructure, Environment and Civil Protection, as a specialized study by specialist scholars in Athens is required.
RES-EIA/RES-EIA/NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS
Already, after consulting with the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Yiannis Kefalogiannis, Professor Efthimios Lekkas, chairman of the permanent scientific committee of seismic risk assessment, for autopsy and overall assessment of the situation, is expected in Voutes.
Investigations will focus not only on the causes, but also on whether the phenomenon can be expanded to neighboring areas, while the village will remain open.