According to the Fire Department,from 11 am to 9:30 on Saturday night,294 calls were made to its operating center,related to transporting people,cutting down trees and pumping water.
In Central Macedonia, 145 calls have been made so far:
on the island of lemnos 76 calls have been made so far:
– 49 water pumping and
– 19 transporting people to safe places
– In the evening hours, a man’s body was found at the bottom of a river.
On the island of Chios, 28 calls have been made so far:
-13 water pumps and
– Transport 1 person to a safe place
On the island of Rhodes, 45 calls have been made so far:
-10 water pumps and
-19 transporting people to safe places
According to the Updated Emergency bulletin on Hazardous Weather Phenomena (EDEKF) issued by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), the phenomena will continue until Monday. For more data click on the link:
the Fire Department appeals to citizens to be especially careful and in case of severe weather phenomena to faithfully follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
What are the most common emergency responses during severe whether events?
Q&A Interview wiht Dr. Maria Konstantinou – Weather Emergency Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Konstantinou. With the recent severe weather events, we’ve seen a significant number of emergency calls coming in from various regions. Can you share what’s happening and the implications of these events?
Dr. Maria Konstantinou: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. From 11 am to 9:30 pm on Saturday alone, the Fire Department received 294 emergency calls related to severe weather across various regions. This includes the transport of people, clearing downed trees, and pumping out water from flooded areas. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can deteriorate during hazardous weather phenomena.
Time.news Editor: That’s a substantial number of calls. Can you break it down for us? How are different regions responding to this severe weather?
Dr. Maria konstantinou: Certainly! In Central Macedonia, there were 145 calls made for assistance. The islands are also experiencing severe impacts. As an example,Lemnos had 76 calls,which included 49 for water pumping and 19 for transporting people to safety. On Chios, there were 28 calls, mainly focusing on water pump operations, while Rhodes saw 45 calls that involved both pumping and transportation. The higher incidence of emergency calls indicates the widespread nature of the disturbances that are ongoing.
Time.news Editor: We also received reports of grave incidents, including a body found in a river. what does this signify in terms of public safety and the dangers these weather events pose?
Dr.Maria Konstantinou: Unfortunately,weather emergencies can lead to tragic outcomes,such as the loss of lives,and the finding of a man’s body in a river is a sobering reminder of the risks involved. It underscores the importance of adhering to safety measures and instructions from authorities during such storms. People often underestimate the power of water during floods, whether it’s a result of heavy rainfall or flash floods.
Time.news Editor: The National Meteorological Service has issued updated bulletins indicating that these weather phenomena will persist until Monday.What should individuals be doing in light of this information?
Dr. Maria Konstantinou: The situation can escalate rapidly, so the best course of action is to stay informed and vigilant. Citizens should heed warnings and follow the instructions provided by emergency services. If advised to stay indoors, it’s crucial to do so and avoid unnecessary travel. If evacuation is necessary, having a plan in place can save lives. Preparations may include securing loose items outside, stockpiling necessary supplies, and knowing safe routes to avoid flooded areas.
Time.news Editor: What overarching message would you like to convey to our readers in relation to these events and their safety?
Dr. Maria Konstantinou: The key takeaway is to respect the power of nature and to always prioritize safety. Severe weather can happen suddenly,and being prepared can make a significant difference. Always stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources and cooperate with local authorities during emergencies.Furthermore,I encourage communities to look out for one another,especially for vulnerable individuals who may need assistance.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Konstantinou. Your expertise is invaluable,and we appreciate your time in helping raise awareness about these critical issues.
Dr. Maria Konstantinou: Thank you for having me; it’s important to discuss these issues, and I hope our conversation helps save lives.