Scientists warn of “Inadequate Management and Outdated Infrastructure” behind Meriç floods
The affected area was designated a High-Risk Flood Zone last year, with specific infrastructure projects planned but still not implemented. “The Dereio-Soufli dam has been announced since 1960. We are still at the study stage,” said Mayor of Soufli, highlighting the chronic delays.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Snowmelt Surge
According to Kostas Lagouvardos, head of the METEO unit, Meriç experienced prolonged rainfall in February, part of a wider pattern affecting regions across Western Greece, Epirus, and Thrace. “Some areas saw nonstop precipitation for up to 30 days,” Lagouvardos said.
Hydrogeologist Panagiotis Sambatakakis, director of Water Resources and Geothermal Studies at EAGME (former IGME), explained that the floods originated from the Arda River, a sub-basin of the Evros whose upper course lies in Bulgaria. This year, waters inundated the plains from two directions simultaneously.
“Alongside extreme rainfall, unusually high February temperatures caused rapid snowmelt, which prevented proper groundwater replenishment. The water volume the Arda carried this February was several times the norm,” Sambatakakis noted.
Lack of Infrastructure and Cross-Border Coordination
Experts warn that the floods reveal systemic weaknesses. The EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC mandates cross-border water management, but practical cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria remains limited. Sambatakakis emphasized that reservoirs, dams, and other infrastructure are urgently needed to prevent flooding and assist summer irrigation in both countries.
Prof. Konstantinos Voudouris of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki described Evros as “a challenging case,” citing previous floods in 2010, 2015, and 2021. He stressed the need for comprehensive infrastructure projects, including mountain hydrology works in the Arda and Erythropotamos basins, modern levees, and widening and deepening of riverbeds to improve water flow.
While Bulgaria has developed hydroelectric dams and effective water management, Greece remains dependent on its neighbor to mitigate summer irrigation needs and prevent winter floods. Cross-border agreements and joint projects, some coordinated through Democritus University of Thrace, exist but are largely theoretical.
“The updated Flood Risk Management Plans highlight these high-risk zones, yet the promised projects remain unbuilt. Residents are still resorting to sandbagging along riverbanks,” Voudouris said.
Mayor of Soufli concluded: “Our infrastructure is minimal and outdated. Bulgaria moves ahead with water storage and management, while we are still planning. Without urgent investment and cross-border cooperation, Evros will remain vulnerable to recurrent floods.
