The water level of Lake Kastoria has risen by 18 centimeters over the last four days, due to intense rainfall that has hit the area. According to specialist scientists monitoring the lake’s condition, this rise corresponds to more than 5 million cubic meters of water added to its basin, indicating the severity and volume of the rainfall. While this development is positive for the lake itself, the situation in the rest of the prefecture is far less encouraging.

At a meeting held today at the office of the Deputy Regional Governor of Kastoria, Dimitris Savvopoulos, with the participation of the Technical Services, the head of the Civil Protection Department and the Deputy Regional Governor for Agricultural Economy, Paschalis Charoumenos, an initial assessment of the damage caused across the Regional Unit of Kastoria by the heavy rains was made. According to the Regional Authority, there are flooded fields of beans, potatoes and apples, while for some bean producers, whose crops were still in the fields, their production was completely destroyed by the flooding.

There are also damages and malfunctions at pumping stations in Nestorio and in several other villages along the Aliakmon River due to overflow, and residents are currently using bottled water.

Speaking to ANA-MPA, Deputy Regional Governor Dimitris Savvopoulos stressed that “due to the retreat of the embankments at many points along the river in Poria and Pentavryso, the problems caused by flooding have become more intense.”

At present, crews of the Regional Unit of Kastoria are prioritising the stabilisation of embankments at various points of the river, the removal of trees and debris from rivers and streams, and the reinforcement of flood protection, in view of the rainfall expected in the coming days.

It is noted that the authorities of the prefecture have requested that ELGA’s head, Mr Vrontsos, immediately initiate the procedures for compensating the affected producers.

Finally, it is recalled that the Regional Unit of Kastoria has been declared in a state of civil protection emergency until 19 February 2026, in order to facilitate the immediate restoration of the damage.