The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) serves as the official operational arm of the State for the immediate assessment of natural and technological disasters through the operation of its Rapid Response Team, which is deployed to affected areas immediately after the occurrence of severe disasters caused by geological or related phenomena.
Within this mandate, a Memorandum of Cooperation is in force between the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (G.S.C.P.) and the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.), concerning the provision of Scientific and Technical Advisory Services through the Rapid Response Team of the H.S.G.M.E., following the occurrence of serious geologically induced disasters, as well as collaboration in disaster risk analysis and mapping.
Through the scientific work of its Operational Units, the H.S.G.M.E. provides detailed mapping and delineation of settlements affected or threatened by natural disasters.
As a result of the H.S.G.M.E.’s scientific contribution, Joint Ministerial Decisions have been issued in collaboration with the Directorate for the Restoration of the Impacts of Natural Disasters (D.A.E.F.K.) of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (YPOME). These decisions authorize the provision of Housing Assistance for the reconstruction of buildings damaged by natural disasters such as landslides, subsidence, and rockfalls.
Through the collaboration between D.A.E.F.K., the H.S.G.M.E., and the competent departments of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (M.E.E.), the framework for the required Engineering-Geological Works and Reports—which form an integral part of the relevant Joint Ministerial Decisions—was established. In addition, further necessary engineering-geological and geotechnical investigations and studies were recorded to implement restoration works ensuring the safe reconstruction of buildings and the rebuilding of affected settlements.
With the contribution of the H.S.G.M.E. and the implementation of specialized technical and geological research works, the following Joint Ministerial Decisions for the Granting of Housing Assistance have already been issued for the communities of Kato Scholari (Municipality of Thermi), “Agios Ioannis” in Plomari (Municipality of Lesvos), and areas of the Municipality of Zagora–Mouresi:
- Joint Ministerial Decision No. D.Α.Ε.F.Κ.-Κ.Ε./10503/Α325 (Government Gazette 13/Β/11-01-2019): “Granting of Housing Assistance for the restoration of non-commercial buildings damaged by the landslides of December 2014 in the settlement ‘Akti Salonikiou’, Municipal Community of Ag. Nikolaos, Municipal Unit of Sithonia, Municipality of Sithonia, Regional Unit of Chalkidiki, Region of Central Macedonia.”
- Joint Ministerial Decision No. D.Α.Ε.F.Κ.-Κ.Ε./8809/Α325 (Government Gazette 4214/Β/19-11-2019): “Granting of Housing Assistance for the restoration of non-commercial buildings damaged by the landslides of November 24, 2018, in the area ‘Agios Ioannis’, Municipal Community of Plomari, Municipal Unit of Plomari, Municipality of Lesvos, Regional Unit of Lesvos, Region of North Aegean.”
- Joint Ministerial Decision No. D.Α.Ε.F.Κ.-Κ.Ε./11655/Α325 (Government Gazette 824/Β/12-03-2020): “Granting of Housing Assistance for the restoration of damage to buildings caused by the landslides of February 2018 in areas of the Municipality of Zagora–Mouresi, Regional Unit of Magnesia, Region of Thessaly.”
The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) will continue to provide high-level scientific support and immediate response to natural and technological disasters, assisting the State in achieving the fastest possible restoration of affected areas and mitigation of their impacts.