Independent MP Burhan Baran raises questions on flood and wildfire preparedness in İskeçe

Independent Member of Parliament Burhan Baran has submitted a written parliamentary question to Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, drawing attention to the increasing risks of floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events in İskeçe.

Baran emphasized in his statement that the impacts of climate change are now being clearly felt at the local level, particularly in the mountainous areas of İskeçe, where residents are increasingly concerned about their vulnerability to natural disasters.

He noted that recent years have seen intensified rainfall, flash floods, and extreme heat waves in the region, all of which have contributed to a heightened risk of natural disasters. According to Baran, citizens are increasingly questioning whether preventive measures are sufficient.

Calls for Greater Transparency and Preparedness
Baran stressed that strengthening İskeçe’s resilience to climate change is now a necessity, calling for greater transparency regarding flood protection projects, riverbed maintenance, wildfire prevention efforts, and the strengthening of civil protection mechanisms.

He requested detailed information from the Ministry regarding both ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risk in the region.

Parliamentary Questions Submitted
In his written question, Burhan Baran asked the Ministry the following:

• Which flood prevention projects have been completed or are currently underway in İskeçe since 2020?
• What wildfire prevention measures have been implemented in the region during the same period?
• How much budget has been allocated for civil protection activities, river cleaning operations, firebreak creation, and infrastructure reinforcement?
• Are there any new projects or intervention plans aimed at improving İskeçe’s preparedness for floods and wildfires?

Baran stated that the Ministry’s response will be crucial both for informing the local population and for assessing the region’s preparedness in the face of escalating climate-related risks.