Feb 16 • 10:58 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece Naftemporiki

Katerini: The sea has come ashore - Request to declare the municipality in a state of emergency

Heavy damages occurred in Katerini due to flooding, leading to a request for the municipality to be declared in a state of emergency.

Katerini has been severely impacted by flooding as the sea overflowed onto land, particularly affecting businesses and accommodations in the resort areas of Paralia, Korinos, and the Olympiaki Akti settlement. The local government, having assessed the situation, has submitted a request for the area to be declared in a state of emergency due to the extensive damages reported. The mayor, Ioannis Doumos, has ordered a detailed assessment of the damages to municipal infrastructure including roads and technical works, with documentation being prepared to support recovery efforts.

The mayor described the flooding as a 'never-before-seen incident' as the sea rose by half to a full meter and encroached on land without strong winds or rain. Many establishments were inundated, leading to significant disruptions in the local economy. The local authorities have mobilized to begin damage assessments, and the mayor expressed concerns about the extent of the destruction to assets such as pump stations and drainage systems.

This situation highlights the increasing susceptibility of coastal areas to climate-related phenomena, raising questions about preparedness and resilience in local governance. The declaration of a state of emergency could facilitate quicker access to aid and resources, needed not only to manage immediate recovery but also to address long-term infrastructural vulnerabilities against future flooding incidents.

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