Following a powerful earthquake that struck the Epirus region early Sunday, March 8, 2026, the municipalities of Ioannina and Dodoni in the Ioannina Regional Unit, as well as the Paramythia municipality in the Thesprotia Regional Unit, have been declared in a state of emergency. The decision was made by the Secretary General for Civil Protection, N. Papaefstathiou, aimed at addressing urgent needs and managing the consequences of the seismic event.

Residents of the affected areas are in recovery mode as aftershocks continue to occur with lesser intensity. Authorities are actively assessing the damage, with engineering teams conducting inspections in the hardest-hit villages. Initial reports indicate that over 140 buildings have sustained damages, underscoring the significant impact of the earthquake on local infrastructure and community safety.

This declaration of emergency not only allows for a coordinated response to the immediate needs of the earthquake victims but also initiates a framework for rebuilding and support in the longer term. The situation in Epirus highlights the vulnerability of certain regions to seismic activity and the importance of preparedness in mitigating such natural disasters.