Flood Crisis in Spain Spurs Urgent Calls for Flood Protection in Greece's Attica Region

07:51 2/11/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The recent devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, have sparked urgent calls for increased flood protection measures in Greece's Attica region, which includes Athens.

Concerns are growing that the region is ill-prepared for potential flooding disasters, especially with the increasing risks

posed by climate change.

Giorgos Ioakeimidis, the leader of the main opposition in the Attica Regional Council, warned that changes made to the Kifissos River and other waterways have significantly reduced their capacity to handle heavy rainfall. He stressed the need for updated flood-risk assessments that take into account the latest climate data and potential rainfall scenarios.

"We need new studies with planning for various rainfall scenarios," Ioakeimidis said, adding that a flood like the one in Valencia could overwhelm Attica's current infrastructure. He pointed to a two-year-old report that identified €225 million worth of essential flood-control projects, none of which have been funded.

Ioakeimidis echoed Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias's call for greater regional authority in implementing flood protection projects. He proposed using a small percentage of local VAT revenue to generate up to €500 million for flood mitigation efforts.

Criticism was also directed at previous administrations for failing to adequately support flood prevention measures in Attica. Ioakeimidis expressed disappointment at the lack of government participation in recent meetings focused on flood risks along the Kifissos River.

To expedite crucial infrastructure improvements, Ioakeimidis and other council members urged legislative reforms to speed up project completion times, which currently can take 10-15 years. They emphasized the need for a faster process in the face of the accelerating climate crisis.

Governor Hardalias has expressed a willingness to work across party lines to address these urgent concerns. The unity among regional leaders highlights a growing determination to strengthen Attica's flood defenses and protect the region from potential future disasters.

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