A 'state of emergency' has been declared on the Greek island of Leros due to a dire water shortage. The General Secretariat of Civil Protection has announced that the emergency measures will remain in place until July 25, as reported by cnn Greece.
The official declaration, signed off by Vassilis Papageorgiou, the General Secretary of Civil Protection, reads: "We decide to declare a State of Civil Protection Emergency of the Municipality of Leros of the Regional Unit of Kalymnos of the South Aegean Region, for the management of the consequences that may arise from the occurrence of water shortage phenomena in the above area."
Blame for the crisis has been laid at the feet of the previous municipal authority by the current Leros officials, who argue that the former failed to maintain the Desalination Units intended to address the island's ongoing water supply challenges. Amidst a punishing heatwave gripping Greece, six tourists, including hikers and the well-known TV doctor Michael Mosley, have tragically lost their lives. The country is also grappling with wildfires, exacerbated by the scorching, windy conditions.
As a result, evacuations have been ordered in six villages or settlements near Anavyssos, just south of Athens, and in the southern Peloponnese region due to the encroaching flames, reports the Express. While there have been no immediate reports of injuries or property damage, firefighters on the ground have been supported by water-dropping aircraft.
The greater Athens region was put on high alert for wildfires on Friday due to the weather forecast, with bans imposed on entering forests and parks. The Greek government has rolled out a series of safety measures as the country grapples with soaring temperatures exceeding 50C.
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Due to the weather forecast, the greater Athens region was placed on high wildfire emergency footing, with restrictions on entering forests and parks. In response to these conditions, the City of Athens has introduced measures to assist both locals and tourists.
Athens has opened air-conditioned spaces, provided medical advice and support, and ramped up fire patrols in the capital's major parks and forests. Brits abroad can find advice and support for tourists and residents at https://coolathens.cityofathens. gr/en/, a website available in English and Greek.
A state-of-the-art mobile app, Extrema, has been launched to provide live updates on daily temperature readings and heat classifications, along with advice on suitable precautions. The app highlights the nearest 'cool spots' such as fountains and parks, suggests the coolest walking routes via shaded, tree-lined streets, and provides updates on local air pollution levels, enabling users to evaluate and reduce health risks.
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