Severe flooding submerges 28,000 stremmas of farmland in Meriç, Greece
Approximately 27,000 to 28,000 stremmas (2,700–2,800 hectares) of land have been submerged following heavy rainfall in the Evros (Meriç) regional unit of northeastern Greece, according to preliminary assessments by the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA).
Authorities report that flooding has primarily affected northern parts of the region, with extensive damage recorded across key agricultural zones.
Hardest-Hit Areas: Dimetoka, Kumçiftliği, Sofulu
Floodwaters have impacted farmland within the municipal boundaries of:
- Didymoteicho (Dimetoka) – approximately 17,000 stremmas affected
- Orestiada (Kumçiftliği) – 6,000 to 7,000 stremmas flooded
- Soufli (Sofulu) – around 5,000 stremmas under water
Officials clarified that not all submerged land was actively cultivated at the time of the flooding.
Timeline of the Flood Crisis
ELGA’s Regional Director for Thrace, Anna Stavropoulou, stated that intense rainfall began on January 9, with serious flooding occurring on January 29 and conditions peaking on February 5.
Due to the severity of the situation, the municipalities of Orestiada and Alexandroupoli (Dedeağaç) were placed under a state of emergency during the crisis period.
Damage Assessment Underway
ELGA teams are continuing on-site inspections to determine the full scale of agricultural losses and assess compensation eligibility for affected farmers.
The Evros region, a vital agricultural hub near the Greek-Turkish border, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its river systems and low-lying plains. Recurrent extreme weather events have intensified concerns about climate resilience and infrastructure preparedness in northern Greece.
Authorities have not yet released an official estimate of the total economic impact.
