Concern has spread in recent hours among residents of several areas in Attica, as a distinctive gas-like smell has been detected in the atmosphere.

The phenomenon is mainly affecting the southern suburbs and the coastal front, impacting areas from Glyfada and Palaio Faliro to Piraeus, Keratsini, and Drapetsona.

There have also been reports from more central areas, such as Neos Kosmos and Kallithea.

19/05/2026 14:14

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Reports of odor reaching central Athens

Parliamentary reporters state that the smell has even reached central Athens, specifically the Greek Parliament building.

19/05/2026 14:26

Mayor of Palaio Faliro: “We evacuated employees from the Town Hall building”

“We evacuated employees from the Town Hall building half an hour ago. Inside the Town Hall it was very intense. Suffocating. We contacted all relevant authorities, but we have not received any information,” Palaio Faliro Mayor Giannis Fostiroppoulos told protothema.gr.

19/05/2026 14:21

Fire Service: No incident or emergency call regarding a gas leak

According to Fire Service sources, there has been no emergency call related to a gas leak; only citizens calling to report the smell.

19/05/2026 14:20

Ministry of Environment and Energy also mobilized

The Ministry of Environment and Energy is monitoring the issue in cooperation with other agencies in order to determine the source of the odor.

19/05/2026 14:18

Source of the smell remains unknown

The source of the odor remains unidentified, while the competent authorities remain on full alert to determine its origin.

19/05/2026 14:16

Announcement from the Municipality of Nea Smyrni

UNPLEASANT ODOR IN THE SOUTHERN SUBURBS

A strong unpleasant odor has been observed over the past hour in the southern suburbs, specifically in the municipalities of Nea Smyrni, Palaio Faliro, Agios Dimitrios, Kallithea, Glyfada, and Alimos.

According to assurances from the competent authorities, the odor does not originate from a natural gas leak.

The Municipality of Nea Smyrni has informed state authorities (Civil Protection departments) in order to determine exactly what the issue is.

The PERPA service (Pollution Reduction and Oil & Gas Conservation) has assured the municipality that the odor is not the result of dangerous environmental pollution.

For now, the recommendation is to remain indoors with windows closed.

19/05/2026 14:13

Calls to Police and Fire Service

Greek Police and especially the Fire Service have been receiving calls from citizens regarding the intense smell in the southern suburbs. However, there has been no incident, explosion, industrial accident, or anything else that could explain the odor.

The Coast Guard is also conducting sea patrols for the same reason. Authorities have contacted DEPA (Public Gas Corporation), but so far no explanation has been provided.

19/05/2026 14:12

Authorities mobilized, including Fire Service and Coast Guard

19/05/2026 14:12

Reports also from more central areas

There have also been reports from more central areas, including Neos Kosmos and Kallithea.

19/05/2026 14:11

Concern among residents across Attica

A characteristic gas-like odor has been noticeable in the atmosphere.

The phenomenon is mainly concentrated in the southern suburbs and the coastal front, affecting areas from Glyfada and Palaio Faliro to Piraeus, Keratsini, and Drapetsona.

19/05/2026 14:11

Reports of gas odor in several areas of Attica