Greece issues red alert for nine regions until 29 October over heavy rain
Armed forces, police and coast guard mobilised as authorities warn of torrential downpours and storms in eastern and southern Greece.
Greece has placed nine regional units under a "red alert" until 29 October as meteorologists warn of worsening conditions and expected heavy rain and storms. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued the measure following a warning from the National Meteorological Service and an assessment by the Committee for Risk Assessment.
Regions under alert
The warning covers the regional units of Evia (Euboea), Fthiotida and Boeotia in Central Greece; the Sporades, Magnesia and Larissa in Thessaly; the Attica region; the Dodecanese in the South Aegean; and the North Aegean. Authorities said the alert for Attica and the North Aegean was declared as a precautionary step.
The Committee for Risk Assessment said that today rain and local storms are expected across eastern and southern parts of the country, with the greatest risk in Evia, Magnesia and the Northern Sporades.
Forecasters predict a further deterioration tomorrow, with torrential downpours and storms forecast for eastern Thessaly, the Northern Sporades, eastern Central Greece—particularly Fthiotida and Boeotia—as well as Evia and the island of Skyros.
Armed forces, police, the coast guard and other relevant services have been placed on standby. Regional and municipal authorities were urged to verify their emergency-response readiness and to mobilise equipment and personnel as needed.
Officials said the status of "red alert" implies full mobilisation of the National Civil Protection Mechanism, engagement of necessary human resources and provision of the appropriate equipment to respond to emergencies and mitigate disaster impacts. Civil protection authorities called on citizens to avoid outdoor activities, especially along the coast during storms.
Photo: press material from the event
