Volos was declared yesterday in a state of Civil Protection Emergency for one month to deal with emergencies and manage the consequences of marine pollution caused by dead fish in the Pagasitikos.

As stated in a document signed by the Secretary General of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Papageorgiou, it was decided to declare a state of Emergency Civil Protection of the municipality of Volos, the Regional Unit of Magnesia and Sporades, the Region of Thessaly to address the emergency needs and management of the consequences arising from marine pollution that occurred in the Pagasitikos Gulf, according to the above 9 relevant, on 28-08-2024. The state of emergency will last for one month from the date of the event, i.e. until 30 September 2024.

“After the expiry of the stipulated period, the above Civil Protection Emergency State of Emergency will be lifted, without a new document,” it is noted.

Consequently, authorities are continuing the removal of dead fish, a process expected to be completed by Sunday, according to Dimitris Kouretas of the Thessaly Region. Crews are collecting 100 tons of dead fish each day, which are then transported to the incinerator.

Kouretas explained that the fish escaped after the devastating weather event Daniel, when several reservoirs in the area breached. The fish had been transported to drainage ditches where they thrived over the winter.

Floodwaters, remained open until the water had drained, since irrigation water was being supplied from Girtoni to irrigate the plain extending from Larissa to Volos, the gate could not be closed. The prosecutor’s findings released this morning confirm this and exonerate me for not closing the gate,” he stated.