Just days before heading to the Thessaloniki International Fair, and amidst ongoing government discussions to finalize the package of measures he will announce, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will once again visit Thessaly, which has been devastated by the recent storms Daniel and Ianos. His visit will include inaugurations and announcements of critical flood protection projects, with the government following its typical pattern: announcements first, ribbon cuttings later.

Before heading to the Kileler Town Hall in Nikaia, Larissa, in the afternoon, Mitsotakis will visit the flood-stricken areas of Trikala and Karditsa, which were severely hit by the disasters. The tour will start in Farkadona, and new health centers will be inaugurated in Mouzaki and Palamas, with the Mouzaki center already operational for a few weeks. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit the village of Metamorfosi, which was buried in mud, where the government recently presented a relocation plan for the approximately 500 residents who wish to move elsewhere.

New Interventions and Dutch Assistance

After completing the mini-tour, Mitsotakis will participate in the presentation of significant flood protection projects, which received the go-ahead from the government’s strategic contracts committee on Friday, led by Infrastructure Minister Christos Staikouras. The Dutch company HVA, which has submitted proposals and developed the master plan for Thessaly, is expected to play a role in the implementation of the project. Additionally, funding will come from the Hellenic Bank Association.

The projects involve updating and upgrading previous studies on flood defense and addressing water shortages in Thessaly. Construction will begin on the Gyrtoni canal to transport water to the Karla reservoir. Two crucial dams will be constructed in Mouzaki and Pyli, with updated plans required following the destruction caused by Storm Daniel. There will also be interventions in Lake Karla, including the expansion of a dam.

According to government sources, the overall project will accelerate the region’s flood protection and reduce the cost of damage caused by natural disasters. It is estimated that the total cost of restoring Thessaly will exceed €3 billion. A new water management strategy for Thessaly is also underway, and the Water Management Organization of Thessaly was established by law in April to oversee these efforts.

The total budget for the works in Thessaly is estimated at €32-49 million, including the cost of studies. The donation from the Hellenic Bank Association will cover the study costs and the commencement of the Gyrtoni-Karla canal construction.