Civil Protection Minister Kikilias going to Larisa; schools to stay shut in preparation for bad weat

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias is travelling to Larisa on Sunday, ahead of worsening weather conditions forecast for the Thessaly region, which is still struggling to recover from the devastation in the aftermath of Storm Daniel.

A meeting with all relevant services was held on Sunday at the civil protection service, with the participation of Kikilias, Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Citizen Protection Minister Yiannis Economou, Rural Development and Foods Minister Lefteris Avgenakis, Social Cohesion and Family Minister Sofia Zacharaki, Alternate Health Minister Irene Agapidaki, Deputy Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas, Deputy Infrastructure and Transport Minister Nikolaos Tahiaos and regional and municipal officials. Also at the meeting were representatives of the armed forces, the security forces and the National Meteorological Service and a team of meteorologists.

In addition to an update based on the latest scientific data, the meeting discussed preparatory action to deal with the new wave of bad weather forecast to arrive on Monday evening and to affect the entire country, including areas hit by Storm Daniel.

Decisions made at the meeting included the closing of schools in Thessaly on Monday-Wednesday, as well as selected public services. State services are to be on heightened alert and local authorities have been tasked with clearing river beds, streams and drains and to work to repair dams and levees.

The fire brigade already has 650 fire fighters and 140 vehicles stationed in the region, who will be reinforced with additional personnel and vehicles, including boats and rescue workers.

The Hellenic Police are on standby with 1639 police officers and 766 vehicles in Thessaly, while the armed forces are already operating and have personnel and equipment in the area.