Army called out in Greece to help repair widespread damage from snowstorm

·

Greece called in the armed forces on Wednesday to help repair widespread damage caused by heavy snowfall in Athens.

The Athens snowstorm, described by authorities as the most severe in 20 years, blanketed the city and its ancient monuments on Tuesday and left parts of the capital without power and water.

Armed forces service members, including marines, used cranes and chainsaws to help fire crews clear hundreds of downed trees that damaged the electricity network and blocked roads.

Greece called in the armed forces on Wednesday to help repair widespread damage. Credit: The Greek Herald.

More than 800 fallen trees in greater Athens struck power lines, and hundreds more were reported in nearby areas including the island of Evia off the coast of the southeast mainland.

“The main challenge now is to restore the power supply to homes. This storm caused problems around the country,” Civil Protection chief, Nikos Hardalias, said.

“In Evia alone, 500 damaged electricity posts and pylons were replaced. The army and crews from civilian agencies worked through the night and are continuing to work now.”

Parts of Athens have been left without power and water.

Greek Migration Minister visits Kara Tepe camp after snowstorm:

Greek Migration and Asylum Minister, Notis Mitarakis, paid a late night visit to the Kara Tepe camp on the island of Lesvos at midnight on Tuesday.

The Minister inspected the living conditions of the approximately 7,000 asylum-seekers in the camp, where icy conditions prevailed, and “issued instructions for their improvement,” local media reported.

Emergency weather conditions have not created particular problems and are being addressed without disturbing the community’s normality,” Mitarakis posted on social media after his visit.

Mitarakis’ comments caused outrage amongst many NGO’s, with MSF Sea asking on Twitter: “Would you spend one night in any of these tents in sub 0°C temperatures @nmitarakis? Would you allow your children to do it?”

Source: AP News / Keep Talking Greek.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Maria Sakkari becomes first Greek player to qualify for quarterfinals of the US Open

Maria Sakkari defeated Bianca Andreescu today to become the first Greek tennis player to qualify for the quarterfinals of the US Open.

TGH Exclusive: Meet Kayla Grigoriou. The Greek Australian distiller turning gin into hand sanitiser

When the coronavirus pandemic hit her community, Kayla Grigoriou knew she had to help. So, she pivoted her Port Road distillery’s production line, to produce hand sanitiser.

Greek counter-terror police seize arms and detain over 20 Kurds hiding in Greece

Greek anti-terrorism police detained more than 20 people in raids in Athens Thursday and seized heavy weaponry including anti-tank arms, authorities said.