The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) seeks to play a leading role in addressing the consequences of the devastating August wildfires that struck Attica, as well as in the plan to strengthen the region through projects and crucial interventions in urban and peri-urban areas to prevent future flooding events.
Scientific teams from H.S.G.M.E. immediately conducted thorough on-site inspections in the fire-affected areas of Varibobi, Tatoi, Vilia, Kryoneri, and Marathonas, and have already submitted their reports outlining all necessary interventions required in the mountainous zones to prevent floods and further disasters.
“It is the duty of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration to contribute its expertise and experience to the national effort for the restoration of fire-affected areas. It is imperative to address the consequences of climate change and implement actions to reduce disaster risks, while also designing frameworks for public awareness and education.”
“In 1945, only about 3% of Attica was urbanized — today, that figure stands at 70%! Consequently, the stormwater collected by the main drainage channels flowing into the Kifisos River has multiplied exponentially. Central government and local authorities, in collaboration with the scientific community, must create a new framework of action and objectives for Civil Protection operations and the financing of projects that will strengthen the protection of life, health, and property,” notes H.S.G.M.E. General Director Andreas Tsokos in an interview with Economix.gr.
In this context, H.S.G.M.E. will implement the following actions:
- Inspection of construction materials to ensure compliance with specifications, particularly for public works.
- Execution of physical and chemical analyses and water sample measurements to determine major elements, trace elements, and specific parameters in drinking, groundwater, and surface water, as well as microbiological analysis of drinking water (from municipal water networks).
- Testing for the toxicity of solid waste and sludge.
- Support on geological hazard issues, such as ground movements and deformations (rockfalls, landslides, subsidence, and soil collapses), including secondary effects caused by earthquakes.
- Support on flood hazard assessment and potential secondary destructive phenomena of geological origin.
- Support on environmental impact issues concerning soil and water, environmental protection, waste management, and pollutant dispersion.
Source: Economix. Author: Damianos Dravalliaris. Retrieved: November 2, 2021.