Red Code alert extended to Cyclades as severe weather hits Greece
Greece has extended its Red Code civil protection alert to the Cyclades for Wednesday as severe weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms, is forecast to affect several parts of the country, raising the risk of flooding.
The decision followed a meeting of the Risk Assessment Committee on Tuesday, attended by Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas, to assess the latest forecasts and coordinate preparations.
According to the committee, locally severe weather is expected in Evia, Magnesia, the Sporades, the Dodecanese, Larissa, Skyros, Fthiotida, Boeotia, Attica, the Cyclades and the eastern Aegean.
The Cyclades regional units in the South Aegean have been added to the areas under the highest civil protection alert following an updated emergency weather bulletin from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS).
Red Code measures remain in force until Thursday
The alert has been in effect since Monday, Oct. 26, in several regions, with measures remaining in force until Thursday, Oct. 29.
The affected areas include Evia, Fthiotida and Boeotia in Central Greece; the Sporades, Magnesia and Larissa in Thessaly; the Attica region; the Dodecanese; and the North Aegean region.
Under the Red Code alert, the National Civil Protection Mechanism is placed on full readiness, with personnel and available resources mobilised to prevent risks, respond to emergencies and manage the potential consequences of severe weather.
The South Aegean Region and the relevant Cyclades municipalities have been instructed to convene their civil protection coordination bodies immediately to ensure operational readiness and a coordinated response to possible flooding.
The ministry said measures agreed at the Oct. 26 meeting of the Civil Protection Coordinating Body would remain in force throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.
Authorities urge public to follow safety guidance
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has called on all relevant agencies and services to take the necessary measures, maintain heightened readiness and remain in continuous contact with the National Coordination Centre for Operations and Crisis Management.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has also urged residents and visitors to exercise particular caution and follow instructions issued by the competent authorities.
Citizens can check information on road accessibility and flooding through the Hellenic Police website at www.astynomia.gr. Further guidance on protective measures is available at civilprotection.gov.gr.
The Risk Assessment Committee meeting was convened by Civil Protection Secretary-General Nikos Papaefstathiou.
Source:AMNA
