The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the consequences of the devastating wildfires that struck Attica in August. A delegation from the Authority, led by its General Director Mr. Andreas Tsokos, met with the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Giorgos Patoulis, and his team to discuss all the necessary interventions in the fire-affected areas.
During the meeting, the first findings from on-site inspections conducted by the H.S.G.M.E. research team in Varibobi, Tatoi, and Kryoneri were presented. Views were exchanged with the Region’s officials regarding methods and potential measures to be implemented in the mountainous areas.
In the coming days, H.S.G.M.E. officials are expected to submit a corresponding report for the fire-affected areas of Vilia and Marathonas and to carry out joint field inspections with representatives of the Region.
The members of the H.S.G.M.E. scientific team expressed their readiness to assist the Region in carrying out immediate interventions at specific locations that, according to their assessments, are likely to face problems from heavy rainfall.
The Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Patoulis, warmly thanked the scientific team of H.S.G.M.E. and Mr. Tsokos personally for their contribution to this joint effort.
Following the meeting, the General Director of H.S.G.M.E., Mr. Andreas Tsokos, stated: “It is a duty of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration to contribute its expertise and experience to the national effort to restore the fire-affected areas—especially in Attica, where the disaster ‘hit home.’ Together with Mr. Patoulis, we agreed to work closely to safeguard the affected areas in the best possible way. It is imperative to address the consequences of climate change, implement disaster risk reduction measures, and design public awareness initiatives.”
Participants in the meeting included the Director of Technical Works of the Region of Attica, Mr. A. Kalogeropoulos; the Executive Secretary of the Region, Mr. G. Selimis; the General Director of H.S.G.M.E., Mr. A. Tsokos; the Director of Water Resources and Geothermal Energy, Dr. P. Sambatakakis; Dr. Ch. Georgiou; Dr. M. Stefouli; and Dr. S. Sboras.