[Volker]

Der Evros, Grenzfluß zwischen Griechenland und der Türkei in Thrakien, ist über seine Ufer getreten und hat grosse Ackerflächen überschwemmt. Auch Strassen sind in Mitleidenschaft gezogen.

River Hazard in Evros

17 Feb 2005 21:17:00, ERT (Last updated: 17 Feb 2005 23:23:07)

By Anna Kourti

A state of emergency has been declared in Evros, as on Thursday afternoon, the water level in the river reached 6 metres 15cm, with the danger level at 5.70 metres. With his Bulgarian counterpart, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis discussed controls in Bulgaria of volumes of water channeled from the River Arda into Evros. Teams in the prefecture proceeded to break up dykes in Lavara, Amorio and Pithio, as a controlled flood was conducted over an area covering 15,000 acres. Pumping equipment is at the scene, with loading machines and a consignment of 10,000 sacks to build up the dykes. The General Secretary of Civil Protection Panagiotis Fourlas is on his way to Evros, and he has called on those who work in areas close to the riverbanks to evacuate their machinery and animals.

Measures to be Taken

Emergency measures are to be taken to deal with the situation with the River Evros, after the meeting held on Thursday afternoon in Orestiada between the General Secretary of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Michalis Angelopoulos, the Nomarchs of Evros and Andrianoupoli Nikos Zambounidis and Nusret Miroglu, mayors from river areas and delegates from services.

In order for the Turkish side to have a full picture of the volume of water in the Evros area, which is likely to reach Andrianopoli in the next few hours, checks were made in the areas of the Kyprinos and Kastanies dykes.

The following was decided in the meeting:

By the Turkish side:
to create an area of artificial barrier for the water on the Turkish side at the points of the villages Pithio, Petrades, Psathades, Mandra and Kornofolia.

By the Greek side:
to create a second artificial barrier for the water – following that already made in the early hours in the Pithio area at about 07:30, this time at the villages of Lavara and Amorio, whose residents were warned in time by the Mayor of Orfeas Mr Vangelis Poulilios.

The General Secretary of the Region Michalis Angelopoulos stated that "the safety of residents is paramount and the whole plan guarantees this."

"The situation is exceedingly critical, and as the hours go by, the probability of a large flood gets stronger," stressed the Nomarch, Nikos Zambounidis.

In the north of the Prefecture, 20,000 acres of agricultural land and grazing areas were flooded, while damage was caused to the road network.

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Kategorie Sonstiges-Off Topic

Überschwemmungen Evros

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[Ariane]

Mit Überschwemmungen sind die Bewohner am Evros an der griechisch-türkischen Grenze konfrontiert. An vielen Stellen besteht bereits akute Hochwassergefahr. Gestern wurde über die Region der Ausnahmezustand verängt. Überschwemmt wurden bereits Dörfer wie Psathádon, Vrysikón, Koufovoúnou, Ellinochoríou, Kornofoliás und die Ebene von Orestiada. Hier wurden mitdestens 2.000 Hektar überflutet. Der griechische Zivilschutz hat damit begonnen, Menschen und Tiere aus den gefährdeten Zonen zu evakuieren. Um die Rettungsarbeiten zu koordinieren reiste der Generalsekretär für Zivilschutz, Panagiotis Fourlas, heute morgen in die gefährdete Region.
Um das Schlimmste zu verhindern, wurde an einem Zufluß des Evros eine sogenannte „kontrollierte Überschwemmung“ eingeleitet. Dabei wurden weitere 800 Hektar Ackerland von den Fluten überspült.
Vielerorts wurden die Ufer des Flusses mit Sandsäcken und anderem Material zusätzlich befestigt. Große Wassermengen werden in den nächsten 24 Stunden erwartet.
Sowohl Bulgarien, wo der Evros entspringt, als auch die Türkei sind nicht in der Lage, die gewaltigen Wassermassen, die Richtung Griechenland drängen. zurückzuhalten.

[Volker]

Critical Hours in Evros

18 Feb 2005 14:24:00, ERT

By Viki Keleri

The concern of the inhabitants and the authorities in the Prefecture of Evros is great, since during the coming hours a large volume of water from Bulgaria is expected to overflow into the riverbeds of Evros and Ardas Rivers. During a meeting, which assembled this morning and presided by the Secretary of Civil Protection Panagiotis Fourlas and the participation of all relevant bodies, he confirmed that the situation is serious but not dangerous for the inhabitants and the villages. Mr Fourlas stated that the state mechanism is sufficient and capable. He also called on the inhabitants to not worry but to be alert in order to evacuate their houses, if needed, on time. However he said that for the time being no such action is necessary.

State Mechanism Fully Prepared

The General Secretary of the Prefectures of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Michalis Aggelopoulos, from his side, stated, "There is no possibility of predictions for the coming hours."
"It is wise to not make any predictions. What is of importance is to be fully prepared to counter anything that could happen," stated the Minister of Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
He also repeated that every measure for the protection of people and their properties has been taken and stated that the citizens should be alert.
Earlier this morning a break in a riverbank occurred, since it could not support the increased volume of water, in the area of Sofikos in Didimoticho, four kilometers from Pithio. No villages are in danger but the crops of the area have all been destroyed.

The Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis will visit the stricken areas of Evros tomorrow morning.

[Volker]

Situation Improves in Evros

20 Feb 2005 13:39:00, ERT (Last updated: 20 Feb 2005 16:26:01)

By Anna Kourti

After the meeting this morning with all bodies involved in coordinating the operation in Evros Prefecture, the authorities are optimistic. Attention is turning to the southern areas of the prefecture, as the water level is expected to rise over the next few hours. The state mechanism remains on full alert. In the meantime, Prime Minister Mr Kostas Karamanlis pledged immediate compensation to the afflicted areas during his visit on Saturday morning to the areas affected in Evros Prefecture.

"Successful Management"

"We saw that the water level is receding. The situation remains critical, the prefecture is in a state of alert and of course the next observations will point us to the next action to be taken," stressed the Minister for Macedonia and Thrace after the meeting. The General Secretary of Civil Protection Panagiotis Fourlas noted that "for the last five days we have been dealing with a crisis seriously and responsible, and the results are visible, most positive I would say so far. The crisis is there, but it is being successfully managed."

"We are still on alert and with the aid of the Army and the Fire Brigade, but also all the people who are struggling on the front line, we will get past the danger. The residents of the area must be ordinarily and not excessively worried. Newt week will be critical, but also a point to fully end the crisis, if there are no other extreme conditions," said the general secretary of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Michalis Angelopoulos.

The Prefect of Evros Nikos Zambounids stressed: "the crisis has been dealt with at minimal cost, thanks to the great response from all services and bodies," adding that it is necessary to delineate the River Evros and that there should be an agreement with Turkey in order to have a complete plan against flooding.

In the Pithio area, the situation seems to have calmed down, while problems continue in the villages of Mandra, Soufli, Kornofolia, Likofi, Lagina and Tihero.

[Volker]

PM visits Evros, inspects damage caused by floods along river

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Saturday morning visited areas flooded by the Evros River, whose rising waters swept over its banks to inundate crops and threaten houses the previous day.

Karamanlis was briefed on the extent of the damage at Mandras near Didymotichos, which was hardest-hit by the floods, by regional authority general secretary Mihalis Angelopoulos and Evros Prefect Nikos Zambounidis.

In statements afterwards, the premier stressed that the entire machinery of the state, local authorities, regional authorities, the Civil Protection General Secretariat, the Armed Forces, the police and the emergency services had mobilised promptly and effectively, declaring a state of emergency in the area before a serious problem arose and thus avoiding the worst.

Immediately after his visit to Evros, Karamanlis departed for a scheduled trip to the island of Samothrace, which was also hard hit in a recent wave of bad weather, where he is due to visit the local archaeological site and museum and speak at the local Arts Centre.

ANA, 20.2.2005

[Volker]

EVROS FLOODS

Drinking water affected in parts

An estimated 3,500 hectares of land has been flooded since the Evros River broke its banks last Thursday and drinking water has been sullied in villages such as Rigio, Pythio and Petrades, state officials revealed yesterday. Residents have been asked to refrain from drinking tap water until the results of tests, due today. Floodwater has also damaged river dikes and roads. An estimated 10,000 hectares of land is believed to have been flooded on the Turkish side of the river.

Kathimerini English Edition, 23.2.2005

[Volker]

Northern Greece Under White Siege

Evros in Critical State Again

01 Mar 2005 23:00:00, ERT

By Annita Paschalinou

State mechanism is in a state of increased alert for the situation in Evros. Authorities and inhabitants are watchful and prepared to act as water in Adras and Evros has exceeded once again the danger level. Farmers and stock farmers have been given instructions to remove cattle and machinery from the areas near the flooded torrents. At the same time, snow continues to fall in most areas of Northern Greece. Thessaloniki is also dressed in white but no serious problems have occurred. Following a decision of the Prefect, all schools will remain open in Thessaloniki, but this is not the case for Kastoria and Florina, where schools are expected to close due to the thick snowfall. All primary schools will remain closed in Grevena, while high schools in Grevena and Kozani will open one hour later than regular.

Increased Alertness

At the Pythio bridge the water level has reached 6.60 metres.

The danger level at the particular measuring point is 5.70 metres. At Petalo Feron water level has reached 6.05 metres while the security limit is at 6 metres.
Regional services and Evros authorities are in a state of increased alert.

At the Turkish bank of Evros, more than 200,000 acres have flooded and embankments have broken in at least fourteen parts.
The problem that has occurred was the focus of this morning's discussion between the Evros prefect and his counterparts from Turkey and Bulgaria.


Snowfalls in Macedonia

At the same time, snow continues to fall in Northern Greece.
Snow chains are necessary only for vehicles traveling on the mountainous regional network of Grevena and Kastoria, as well as towards Vigla and Vitsi in Florina.
Snow chains are also necessary for vehicles traveling from Kastoria to Florina and from Kastoria to Ioannina via Nestorio.

[Ariane]

Nördliche Regionen fest in der Hand des Winters
Athen - Der Norden Griechenlands ist am Mittwoch fest in Winterhand gewesen. Starker Schneefall verursachte in fast allen nördlichen Provinzen erhebliche Verkehrsbehinderungen. Vielerorts waren die Straßen nur mit Schneeketten zu befahren, berichtete das Fernsehen. Die Schulen blieben in den meisten Regionen des Nordens geschlossen.

Die Temperatur schwankte in der Hafenstadt Thessaloniki zwischen minus vier und plus drei Grad Celsius. Auch für die kommenden Tage sagten die Meteorologen Schneefälle und Sturm bis nach Mittelgriechenland voraus.

Im Länderdreieck Bulgarien, Griechenland, Türkei trat am Mittwochmorgen erneut der Grenzfluss Evros (türkisch: Meric) an zahlreichen Stellen über das Ufer. Tausende Hektar Agrarland sowie zahlreiche Straßen wurden dabei überschwemmt. Menschen kamen nicht zu Schaden. Nach Medienberichten war der Eisenbahnverkehr wegen überschwemmter Gleise entlang der griechisch-türkischen Grenze teilweise eingestellt. Dagegen herrschten auf Kreta frühlingshafte Temperaturen: Das Thermometer zeigte dort 20 Grad Celsius, berichtete das Staatsfernsehen.

[Volker]

Critical Hours in Lavara, Evros

02 Mar 2005 10:18:00, ERT

By Anna Kourti

The situation in Evros is especially difficult and out of control since the water level of the Evros and Adras Rivers remains above the danger limit. In the village of Lavara the central dike collapsed and water flooded many houses. The remaining inhabitants are evacuating their houses with boats, since there is the danger of the water covering up warehouses and cottages in many areas. A large quantity of water was flowed in Kato Lavara, where 200 houses are located. According to the town’s mayor 40 houses have been flooded. All the inhabitants evacuated their houses early this morning with the help of the Army and the Fire Department. In the meantime snow has been falling in Evros, making the rescue crews’ work difficult.

Great Damage

"The situation is very serious, however no civilians are in danger," stated Evros Prefect Theodoros Kougousoudis to NET Radio 105.8.

The waters in Kato Lavara have reached the central road of the community. The large quantities of water from the north are moving towards the south and overflowing Kato Lavara, since the central dike, 2 km away the community, seems to have collapsed.
In the plain of Lavara, thousands of crops have been covered by 2 m of water. The damage is great for the farmers of the area as they will not be able to sow this year’s crop.
The local authorities are planning to create an artificial overflow in other parts of the river in order to decongest the situation in Kato Lavara, which is receiving most of the water.
It is quite possible that they will collapse the nearby dikes so that the waters can flow into the fields of the villages of Amorio and Kornofolia.
The Fire Department and the Army is on full alert. The road network is not in danger, but the overflow of water has affected the railroad network.
Except for Kato Lavara, no other community is in danger.

It is noted that the water level in Pitheio has decreased from 6.70 m to 6.15 m, however the alarm limit is 5.70 m.

Thessalonica Dressed in White

Due to the snowfall, schools in Thessalonica, Imathia, Larisa, Fthiotida, Serres, Florina, Kozani, Pieria, Ioannina, Kavala, Kastoria, Kilkis, northern and western Chalkidiki, Thrace will be closed. In the Prefecture of Grevena the elementary schools will be closed as will the Thessalonica the Technological Educational Institutes (TEI).

It has been snowing since this morning in Thessalonica. The problems are many from the heavy snowfall and frost and have been obstructing the traffic of vehicles and pedestrians. The traffic of vehicles in the road network of western Macedonia and the centre of Thessalonica is made with snow chain tires, while the road of Agios Vasilios-Chortiatis has been closed-off. Macedonia Airport in Thessalonica was shut down due to the snowfall. The aircrafts’ flights began at 7:30, when the tarmac and the landing strips were cleared.

The roads are very slippery and the drivers have to be especially careful, to drive slowly and carefully and to use snow chain tires in order to avoid the worst.

Municipality crews are trying to keep the road open, throwing salt, since this morning.

Problems in Fthiotida

Schools in the Prefecture of Fthiotida remain closed, due to the snowfall.

The transportation in the mountainous villages of western Fthiotida and Domokos has been stopped, while in the provincial network snow chain tires are necessary.

The transportation in the national network of Lamia-Thessalonica has been restored when a lorry truck turned over in the 217 km of the New National Highway Athens-Thessalonica, past Lamia. The platform of the lorry vertically blocked the road and obstructed the traffic for over an hour. A vehicle that was driving behind the lorry crashed into it, thankfully without anyone being hurt. Forces of the Police and the Fire Department picked up the lorry truck with a crane and restored traffic in the road network a while ago.
Snow chain tires were needed in the road of Lamia-Domokos, Lamia-Amfissa and Lamia-Karpenisi.

[Volker]

Alarm in Evros

03 Mar 2005 10:00:00, ERT

By Athina Saloustrou

Today the Prefecture of Evros remains in a state of emergency, since Evros and Ardas Rivers’ water level is above the danger limit, endangering riparian areas, while there is a danger of dikes collapsing in the village of Poros. One hundred and forty houses in Lavara remain surrounded by water, 20 have flooded and many others have been evacuated for prevention measures. Some houses’ yards have flooded while since this morning Army and Prefecture machines have been breaking dikes, wherever needed in order for the water to flow. In certain parts of the area warehouses and cottages are in danger of flooding. The damage in crops is inestimable. The specialists are investigating the event of performing an artificial overflow in the Evros Delta, in order for the water to channel into the sea.

Schools Closed in Grevena and Kozani

The Ministers of Defense and Macedonia-Thrace will visit the area today. The situation is under control, but everyone is on alert since if in the event of rain a new overflow will be caused. The authorities in charge stated that funds will be dispensed in order for the situation to be countered.

The change in weather conditions is expected to aggravate the situation in the next 24 hours, since according to forecasts snowfall will subside and temperature will rise, which will cause the snow to melt and will result to large quantities of water to flow in the rivers.

Due to the bad weather conditions in northern Greece, the schools in Grevena, Kozani and the municipality of Chortiatis, in Thessalonica will be closed. "Our first priority at this time is the protection of the civilians," stated Evros Prefect, Nikos Zabounidis to NET Radio 105.8.

[Ariane]

Griechenland, Athen. Über 50 Häuser wurden bis gestern am Evros-Fluß in Nordgriechenland überflutet, weiteren 200 Gebäuden droht das gleiche Schicksal. Spezialeinheiten des Militärs sind dabei, Menschen und Tiere aus den gefährdeten Gebieten zu evakuieren. An den Ort der Katastrophe reiste heute morgen auch Verteidigungsminister Spilios Spiliotopoulos.
Über die Präfektur Evros ist bereits seit drei Wochen der Ausnahmezustand verhängt. 400 Hektar landwirtschaftliche Nutzfläche stehen unter Wasser.
Verschlimmern könnte sich die Lage bei einer deutlichen Wettererwärmung, wodurch die bis zu zweieinhalb Meter hohen Schneemassen in den bulgarischen Rhodopen abschmelzen. Das Schmelzwasser wird über verschiedene Nebenflüsse dem Evros zugeführt.