Gümülcine prepares for winter as authorities review emergency plans
The Municipality of Gümülcine (Komotini) has reviewed its emergency preparedness measures for the 2026–2027 winter season, focusing on flood prevention, heavy snowfall, strong winds and the coordination of emergency response teams.
The meeting of the municipality’s Local Civil Protection Operational Coordination Body (TESOPP) assessed incidents from the previous season and discussed measures to address potential severe weather events in the coming months.
The meeting was chaired by Themis Tzenetidis, the municipal adviser responsible for civil protection, and attended by representatives of the Fire Service, police, traffic authorities, military units, the Rhodope Regional Unit’s Civil Protection service, municipal police, Gümülcine General Hospital, Greece’s National Emergency Centre (EKAB) and volunteer organisations.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO STRENGTHEN WINTER READINESS
The meeting stressed that relevant municipal services must remain fully prepared throughout the winter season.
The Gümülcine Water Supply and Sewerage Company (DEYAK) will intensify the cleaning of drainage grates and keep two teams and two pumps ready for water drainage operations. A separate team will also be available to respond to water network failures caused by freezing temperatures.
The municipality’s Environment, Cleaning and Recycling Directorate will increase efforts to clear leaves, rubbish and other debris from drainage grates and roadsides. Staff and equipment—including trucks, heavy machinery, cranes and cherry-picker vehicles—will be on standby to respond to flooding, fallen trees and snowfall.
Meanwhile, the Technical Services Directorate will ensure that snowploughs and sufficient road salt are available to keep roads under municipal responsibility clear during snow and ice events.
AUTHORITIES WARN AGAINST CROSSING FLOODED FORDS
A key issue discussed at the meeting was the danger posed by Irish crossings, low-water road crossings that can become hazardous or impassable during heavy rainfall and flooding.
Fire and police officials warned motorists not to use these crossings during extreme weather or flood conditions.
Traffic Department head Anna Tahtazi said some drivers continued to cross despite the installation of warning signs and plastic barriers. She stressed that such behaviour poses a serious threat to human life.
Tahtazi also noted that two people lost their lives in incidents involving these crossings across Rhodope last year.
Authorities urged residents to follow official warnings and never attempt to cross Irish crossings during heavy rain or flooding.
