‘Red alert’ in Meriç as 112 emergency message sent to Lavara amid river flooding

At 02:34 a.m., Civil Protection authorities sent a 112 alert to residents of Lavara, a settlement in the Municipality of Soufli, urging them to remain on high alert due to the overflow of the Evros River.

Over 150,000 Stremmata Underwater

According to local estimates, more than 150,000 stremmata (approximately 15,000 hectares) of land have been submerged in Meriç, causing significant damage to infrastructure and agricultural land.

Water levels remain critically high, with continuous pressure being exerted on embankments and riverside areas. Authorities describe the situation as highly dynamic, with pressure shifting along different sections of the riverbanks, raising concerns over potential new breaches or overflows in the coming hours.

Lavara Junction Closed, Protective Measures Strengthened

Shortly after 04:00 a.m., additional protective measures were implemented in Lavara. Officials decided to close the Lavara road junction after deeming traffic unsafe due to accumulated floodwaters.

Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow self-protection guidelines issued by Civil Protection authorities.

The region will remain under heightened alert at least until Friday, as the volume of water flowing through the Evros River continues to pose risks.

Local authorities are in constant coordination with Civil Protection services, while machinery and emergency crews remain on standby for immediate intervention if conditions worsen.

Mitsotakis Visit Scheduled

The flooding emergency coincides with a scheduled visit to the region by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Mitsotakis is expected to visit the Kipi (Kipoi) Border Crossing Station, where upgrade and expansion works are underway, and tour flood-affected areas. He will also visit a technology company and the industrial zone (VIPA) of Alexandroupoli, where a new natural gas-fired power generation unit is under construction.

At 18:00 local time, the prime minister will participate in the second pre-congress conference of the ruling New Democracy in Dedeağaç, including a discussion session with citizens.

As floodwaters continue to rise, the coming hours are considered critical for preventing further damage in the Meriç region.