Flood

Greece must bolster flood defences and reduce water-guzzling crops, experts say

Greece needs to make space for river flow and boost defenses in the Thessaly Plain, a key breadbasket, to prevent a repeat of last year's devastating floods, experts have advised the government.

The Mediterranean country has been buffeted by floods and wildfires in recent years, raising concerns about its ability to defend against climate change-related weather events.

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It is natural that the farmers whose crops were destroyed in the floods caused by the major storm that hit central Greece last year would call for a quick return to the previous regime. 

However, it is the state's responsibility to explain that restoring what was lost is not possible everywhere. 

A holistic plan to reshape the Thessaly Plain needs to be implemented. 

Dutch experts present flood protection proposals for Thessaly province

Dutch experts have presented their proposals to the Greek government regarding flood protection management in the central province of Thessaly following last year's calamitous floods.

The master plan, presented by the Netherlands-based HVA International, an agricultural firm that offers post-disaster advice, was discussed in a closed-door session on Tuesday.

Overflowing streams cause damage in Meteora

Heavy rainfall on Thursday has caused severe problems in Meteora, Thessaly, local officials have said.

Roads leading to the village of Glykomilia, with a population of around 200, have been partially destroyed as have bridges in other areas.

In the village of Ampelia, which has a population of around 250, a local stream burst its banks, causing damage to homes.

Environmental groups call for removal of controversial coastal zone bill provisions

Eight environmental organisations are calling on the government to withdraw controversial provisions in a law on costal zones that was tabled in a parliamentary committee on Wednesday which erodes environmental protections and plan a national policy for climate resilience.

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