Following a decision by Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias and after recommendations from the Risk Assessment Committee, Civil Protection authorities, and the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), all public and private primary and secondary education schools, as well as evening schools throughout Attica, will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 21, as a precautionary measure.

The decision was taken to protect students and educational staff from potential risks related to travel to and from schools, as heavy rainfall of high intensity is forecast from midday onwards.

In a statement, Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias said:
“Just a short while ago, Attica was placed on red alert. Therefore, taking into account meteorological models and the recommendations of the Risk Assessment Committee, we decided to close schools in Attica for tomorrow, Wednesday.

The weather phenomena are expected to be particularly intense from noon onwards, with strong thunderstorms, powerful winds, and a larger volume of water than during the previous event. What concerns us is not so much the total rainfall, but its intensity—large amounts of water in a very short time.

Lessons will not be lost. We are making use of distance learning and limiting travel, especially during the critical hours when the phenomena are expected, as the Region of Attica alone carries out 1,910 daily transport routes for more than 32,000 students.

We respect family planning, but we are also aware of the resilience and the weaknesses of older infrastructure and therefore choose to act preventively.

Our responsibility toward our children is clear and leaves no room for risk. When it comes to their safety, we must always stay one step ahead.”

It is noted that, by order of the Regional Governor, the entire Civil Protection mechanism of the Region has been on high alert since early Tuesday morning, in order to assist—if requested—the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, which bears overall responsibility for planning the response to the severe weather. Regional Civil Protection Coordination Bodies (PESOPP) are already meeting in all regional units of the Attica basin to ensure better preparedness regarding readiness and the management of risks associated with potential flooding phenomena.