Efthimi Lekkas arrived in Voutes

Severe concern is caused by extensive cracks that appeared on streets and residences in Voutes of Heraklion, without an earthquake.

On Sunday morning, a step of the Municipality of Heraklion, led by Mayor Alexis Summer and Vice Mayors, visited the village for autopsy at the points recorded, which extend to about 150 meters in length and concern both the road and ten houses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yja85lhavxu

Efthimi Lekkas, Professor of Dynamic Tectonic and Applied Geology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and president of the Anti -Seismic Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), arrived extraordinary in Heraklion on Sunday afternoon.

Autopsy by Efthimi Lekka

Mr Lekkas, with many years of experience in the evaluation and management of geological phenomena and natural disasters, is called upon to assess the phenomenon that has caused great concern to the locals.

According to local media reports, Mr Lekkas will do a first autopsy today but tomorrow is expected to be thoroughly inspected and assessed by the situation. It will then be announced whether some extraordinary preventive measures should be taken and whether the area is declared a state of emergency.

Specifically, the autopsy will focus on points where extensive cracks have been observed on the ground and housing. If there is a risk for homes or human lives, it is very likely that the request of the Mayor of Heraklion, Alexis Kalokerinou, will be met for the declaration of the village in an emergency.

Detailed check on Monday morning

As mentioned, the detailed geotechnical surveys are scheduled for Monday morning, with the aim of completing them immediately and making decisions for the next steps.

Authorities are on a state of increased alert in order to immediately activate the necessary protection measures if necessary.

The final decision on whether the dives are declared in emergency will be taken on the basis of tomorrow’s findings.

According to Mr Lekkas’ estimates, it seems to be a dynamic phenomenon, and data has changed in the cracks in the morning.

‘Subsection Settlement’

However, according to an engineer at the Metsovo Technical University, who was found in the area, this is a differential sedimentation. In differential situations, the soil recedes unevenly, with the result that there is usually many and large asks with a different slope and direction, causing increased torque at the carrier’s pockets.

« It certainly did not exist, the last 2-3 hours have been created and it is a subsoil sedimentation, » residents said.

« It is a high priority issue, which will concern us, so that any danger to the village can be avoided and to eliminate the reasonable concern that has aroused to all of us. A specialized study will be needed and scholars will have to come from Athens and that also means the central government’s help. We are currently addressing both the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Civil Protection.