Rising landslides in Greece linked to climate crisis, scientists warn

Landslides have increased in frequency and intensity across several regions of Greece in recent months, with serious incidents reported in Epirus, the Ionian Islands, Ilia and Messinia.

According to the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research (EAGME), the surge reflects the growing impact of the climate crisis on Greece’s fragile geological landscape. EAGME teams have been deployed to affected areas, including Zakynthos, Corfu, Meteora and Naxos, to assess risks and plan interventions.

Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, EAGME officials described the current events as severe and requiring immediate action.

EAGME Director Dionysios Goutis said Greece’s low-cohesion soils, steep terrain and prolonged heavy rainfall create conditions for large-scale landslides and ground subsidence. Professor Manolis Vassilakis of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens added that wildfires, followed by floods and soil saturation, trigger a chain reaction that increases landslide risks.

Scientists stress that prevention — including early interventions and satellite monitoring — is essential to protect infrastructure, property and human lives.