Korčula’s popular Pupnatska Luka beach left unrecognisable

Pupnatska Luka after the storm (Photo: Mjesni Odbor Pupnat)

The island of Korčula was not spared from the severe storm that hit the Croatian coast on Monday.

On the eastern side of the island, strong winds toppled around ten pine trees, and an unprecedented amount of rain in just over an hour caused significant material damage.

Fortunately, no one was injured.

There were also astonishing scenes from Pupnatska Luka beach.

The popular beach, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, was left unrecognisable after the storm. Torrential rain and heavy flooding turned the pristine bay into a murky brown lagoon, with debris and mud washing down from the surrounding hillsides.

Due to significant landslides, the road through Pupnatska Luka has been closed until further notice.

Pupnatska Luka (Photo: Falk2/CC BY-SA 3.0 de)

“During the storm that hit us, unimaginable damage occurred, and the full extent will only be known tomorrow once we gain proper insight. We ask the locals for their understanding and to report any damage as soon as possible to the authorities so the issues can be resolved. The road through Pupnatska Luka is now closed,” the local Pupnat Council said.

In the afternoon, the eastern part of the island, including the town of Korčula and the municipality of Lumbarda, was struck by an extraordinary deluge, followed by extremely strong gusts of wind.

In Tri Sulara Street, in the centre of Korčula, all the buildings were flooded, with water levels reaching nearly the door handles.