İskeçe under “red alert” as severe weather intensifies
The Regional Unit of İskeçe has been placed under red alert from Monday, 26 January through Tuesday, as severe winter weather conditions continue to impact the area. According to an emergency weather deterioration bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), the region is experiencing intense and persistent rainfall, prompting the highest level of readiness across all Civil Protection services.
Full Civil Protection Readiness Declared
Following warnings of continuous rainfall and strong thunderstorms, the entire Civil Protection mechanism in İskeçe was placed on alert as of Sunday. On Monday morning, an extraordinary meeting of the Local Civil Protection Operational Coordination Body (TESOPP) was held at the Xanthi Municipal Council Hall to assess preparedness and flood-risk management.
Deputy Mayor Giannis Tsapalis, responsible for Civil Protection, stated that the municipality is on full operational readiness, with all relevant services mobilized to mitigate potential impacts and provide assistance where necessary. A dedicated municipal team has been placed on standby.
Tsapalis also confirmed that storm drains have been cleaned, adding that approval will be sought from the next municipal administration to recruit four additional personnel to support the local water utility (DEYAX) in maintaining drainage infrastructure.
Public Safety Warnings Issued
Authorities urged residents to exercise heightened caution, take self-protection measures, strictly follow official instructions, and limit travel to essential movements only during the severe weather conditions.
Emergency contact numbers remain:
112 – Civil Protection
199 – Fire Service
100 – Police
Fallen Trees and Landslides Reported
Fire services in İskeçe remain on high alert under the leadership of the newly appointed Fire Chief, Commander Christos Gkikis, whose first day in office coincided with the emergency conditions.
According to the Fire Service, no flooding has been recorded within the city of İskeçe so far. However, trees were felled by strong wind gusts in Stavroupoli and Komnina, while landslides occurred along the road network of the Municipality of Mustafçova, where municipal crews are currently responding.
Rising Water Levels in the Nestos River
Concerns have intensified following a significant rise in water levels in the Karasu River. Social media images showed a flooded roadway near the village of Melissa in the Municipality of Bulustra.
The Municipality of Paranesti issued an official warning stating that dangerous conditions have developed due to the increased river level:
“Due to the rising water level in the river caused by heavy rainfall, hazardous conditions prevail at the Paranesti bridge, on the road to the Dam, and near the Forestis facility. Citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow safety instructions.”
Authorities have also warned residents and drivers to exercise extreme caution when using the Nestos Bridge and when accessing northwestern villages of İskeçe, including Halepi, Drymia, and Margariti.
