Latest news with #MinistryofClimateCrisisandCivilProtection
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
As wildfire season begins, can Greece make tourists feel safe?
This year, Greece's annual infernos decided not to wait for the official start of wildfire season on May 1. In the dry and warm month of March alone, the Greek fire service recorded around 1,359 outbreaks of forest and bushfires. Currently, a large area north-east of Athens is burning. Stormy winds, as is often the case, are fuelling the flames near the village of Keratea, making it almost impossible for firefighters to contain the blaze. Is all this a glimpse of what lies ahead? The government says it is better prepared than before, but is also warning about significant risks. Images of stormy winds throwing walls of fire, 10 metres high, towards hotels in Greece were seen around the world in 2023. The sheer horror facing tourists in the country's holiday hotspots will be remembered by many considering a trip there this summer. In July of 2023, some 20,000 tourists and residents in the south-east of the island of Rhodes needed to be evacuated in the space of just hours, followed by a days-long battle against the flames. The fires of 2023 showed that nothing would ever be the same again in Greece. 'The climate crisis is reality' "We have to acknowledge that the worst is still ahead of us regarding the climate crisis, and we must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios," said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a visit to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection late in April. "The climate crisis is already a reality – with hotter and drier summers that encourage the spread of fires." Nowadays, Greeks and tourists alike fear the destructive power of wildfires. Fans of the holiday island of Rhodes will not forget the massive fires that devastated the south-east of the island in 2023. Officials say they are not only bolstering their fire departments, but also improving how they contact tourists in the event of nearby wildfires. To protect tourists, civil protection authorities are now sending alerts to all smartphones – including those of foreigners – warning about fires, storm surges, earthquakes and extreme weather conditions. For all visitors to the country, it is crucial to follow the warnings issued by civil protection authorities, officials say. At the same time, the Greek fire service has been reinforced and now includes around 18,000 personnel – 20% more than two years ago. Additionally, 2,500 seasonal firefighters have been recruited. The number of volunteer firefighters has reached approximately 4,500, with a further 5,500 volunteers from environmental, nature and animal protection organisations also contributing. According to civil protection authorities, the country has about 85 firefighting planes and helicopters at its disposal this year. However, the majority of these aircraft are leased, while the country's own fleet continues to shrink despite the high risk of fires, the daily newspaper Kathimerini recently criticized. This is partly due to the fact that many of the Canadair firefighting planes have been in service for decades and require constant maintenance, the newspaper reports. While seven new planes have been ordered, these will not be delivered until 2028 at the earliest. Technology helps – but not always Eighty drones are now in use to identify fire hotspots early. However, even modern technology cannot prevent every disaster. During the devastating fires north-east of Athens last August, the first flames were detected by a drone immediately, and the first firefighting helicopter dropped its load over the fire within minutes – to no avail. Prolonged drought and strong winds allowed the fire to develop into the largest forest fire of the year. Within days, more than 10,000 hectares of land were burned, over 40 villages had to be evacuated, one person lost their life, and many lost their homes.
Edinburgh Live
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Live
UK tourists warned 'stay away' as holiday hotspot rocked by 'mysterious cracks'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Crete's picturesque views have been marred by the sudden appearance of huge cracks across streets and homes in a southwestern area near Iraklio - igniting safety concerns among locals and prompting immediate government response. On Sunday, a statement from Greece's Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection declared an urgent investigation to determine the origin of the fissures and assess further risks. Efforts kicked off at the crack of dawn on Monday as teams set out to inspect Voutes village, located in Heraklion, Crete, after the ground unexpectedly gave way leading to significant damage to infrastructure. A high-profile meeting took place directly at the troubled site, where seismic risk assessment expert Professor Efthymios Lekkas collaborated with local officials such as Heraklion Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos, Deputy Governor Nikos Syrigonakis, Deputy Mayors Giorgos Sisamakis and Manolis Chairetis, alongside the head of Voutes and Local Council members. In the wake of this geologic oddity, Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos examined the scene on Sunday with his team, emphasizing the need for swift action. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the mayor underscored the necessity for an immediate geological survey. "The immediate priority is to conduct a geological and geotechnical assessment without delay. Declaring a state of emergency would expedite the necessary procedures," he asserted, reports Birmingham Live. The Heraklion Municipality has announced its intention to call upon the Directorate for the Restoration of the Effects of Natural Disasters, seeking an on-site evaluation and official classification of affected buildings. In addition, the Heraklion Regional Office is set to request that the area be declared in a state of emergency. Currently, a drone is being used to survey the area and map out the extent of the damage, with further equipment and machinery expected to be deployed throughout the day to assist in data collection and assessment. Despite this, Crete continues to be a popular destination for UK holidaymakers, who also frequent other Greek islands such as Kos, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu.
The Independent
05-02-2025
- The Independent
Is it safe to travel to Santorini? Latest earthquake advice and rights if your destination is seismically active
Fears are increasing that the Greek island of Santorini will be hit by a strong earthquake. Hundreds of tremors have been recorded in the past few days, potentially affecting Santorini and the islands of Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has ordered schools to be closed, and has asked airlines to lay on extra flights from the island to Athens to allow more people to evacuate. Seismic activity is nothing new in the Aegean Sea: Santorini perches on part of the remains of a huge volcano that erupted over 3,000 years ago. But there are fears that the restless earth could trigger property damage – or worse – on one of the most popular Greek islands. What are the consequences for travellers who are in the region now, and holidaymakers planning to visit in the future? These are the key questions and answers. How many British travellers are currently in Santorini? Holidaymakers are rare in Santorini in winter, and so the people most likely to be affected are those with roots in the island – either as property owners or with family ties. Is the airport open? Yes, but in winter there are no direct flights from the UK to Santorini. Anyone seeking to leave the island could try to get on one of the additional flights laid on by Aegean Airlines and Sky Express between Santorini and Athens over the last new days. Extra flights have been laid on, and the cheapest one-way ticket is about €75 (£62). What is the advice for people remaining on the island? If you stay, be aware that the Foreign Office has issued an alert for British visitors to Santorini – as well as the three other islands – highlighting advice from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. Officials warn people to: Avoid the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port (Paleos Limenas). Avoid old buildings. Stay away from large indoor gatherings. Because the FCDO advice stops short of warning against travel to the islands, standard insurance policies continue to cover travellers. How can I protect myself against earthquakes? Greek Civil Protection gives the following advice: If you are outdoors Move away from buildings, electric or telephone cables. Cover your head with a briefcase or a purse available. If you are in a moving vehicle Drive to an open space and stop the car carefully so as not to obstruct traffic. Avoid tunnels, bridges or pedestrian overpasses. Indoors Take cover under sturdy furniture (table, desk), kneel and hold its leg with your hands. If there is no sturdy furniture around, kneel in the middle of the room, lower your height as much as possible and protect your head and nape with your hands. Move away from large glass surfaces (windows, glass dividers), furniture or objects that could injure you. Do not attempt to go out of the house. Do not go out on the balcony. In a 'recreation place, store or mall' Stay indoors until the earthquake stops. Stay away from the panicked crowd moving disorderly toward the exits because of risk of being trampled. Outdoors Move away from buildings, electric or telephone cables. In a moving vehicle Drive to an open space and stop the car carefully so as not to obstruct traffic. Avoid tunnels, bridges or pedestrian overpasses. I have a holiday booked to Santorini in May. I now don't want to go. What are my options? Few at present. Holiday companies will assume that your trip is going ahead as normal. If – heaven forbid – there is serious damage to properties and your trip cannot proceed, you can choose between a full refund or a different holiday. If it is due to concern over a potential earthquake: as Greece is astride a key tectonic fault with a long history of seismic restlessness, 'disinclination to travel' is not a sufficient reason to cancel for a refund. Neither will you be covered by travel insurance at this stage. But some holiday companies may allow you to switch to a different destination.
