Flooding continues to affect the regional unit of Evros in the region of East Macedonia and Thrace, north-eastern Greece, due to the overflowing of the Evros (Maritsa) river.
Flood first struck in the area on 01 February 2015, when heavy rain resulted in flooding and evacuations in Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia and later in Turkey. Evacuations are still in effect and as yet, flood waters haven’t receded enough for many of those displaced to be able to return home.
Damage to Agriculture
Local media are reporting that between 20,000 and 30,000 hectares (75 to 115 square miles) of farm land remains under water, and the flooding in Evros is likely to have a devastating effect on the local rural economy.
Much of this region depends on farming for its income. Although levels of the Evros river may be falling, it is expected that it will take much longer for flood water to drain from farm land.
The president of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives Ebro Lazarus Kitsikidis told the Greek news site in.gr that there is now a fear that farmers will miss as much as 80% of the growing season. He said that it could take another month for the farm land to fully drain and therefore most of the flooded fields will not be able be sown in time for the forthcoming growing season.
Severe Weather Warnings
Severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and rainfall and strong winds, are forecast for most areas of the country on 9 February and Greece’s Meteorological Service has issued Red and Orange Alerts.
