What would happen in Attica if it faced a flood similar to that of Valencia, explained to SKAI and Live you Haris KontoesResearch Director of the Athens Observatory.

In particular, Mr. Kontoes emphasized that the model he is presenting today has as a basic condition that Kifissos and its cross-sections are clean, without debris and garbage blocking the passage and exit of the water. “Kifissos needs annual maintenance and cleaning“, he characteristically pointed out.

Then the Director of Research of the Athens Observatory said: “The Region of Attica has already implemented this study that we are presenting today and has used it to carry out cleanings for two years already. This must be done every year, especially in the boxed pieces, which are also the ones we don’t see.”

Which areas are most at risk?

“The risk that an area has does not only depend on the flood wave and how far it will extend, but also on what vulnerability the characteristics of the area have: if we have buildings that are very close to the banks of open streams, if they have basements or piles, if the buildings are made of materials very vulnerable to a flood or a mudflow. All of these elements have been broken down into each individual building block throughout this area. On the map shown to the receivers, the darker the color, the more vulnerable the specific building blocks are in terms of vulnerability. Kallithea and Moschato are among the most vulnerable areas“, continued Mr. Kontoes.

With the dark pink color is the highest population density

How to avoid a similar situation with Valencia

In response to a question about how much Kifissos, together with the lateral flood defenses, can cover the flood protection needs of Attica, Mr. Kontoes pointed out: “For normal data, they cover to a very large extent. In extreme cases, such as “Daniel”, additional measures are needed. Additional flood defenses are needed and natural solutions need to be created, basins that hold the water before it reaches the encased pieces. That is, we start from very high in Attica to reach the areas that are now flooded. We must have clean networks, clean rains and additional projects».

Finally, Mr. Kontoes emphasized that the population density and the average age of the inhabitants of a region are two very important elements of its vulnerability. “In normal conditions these areas that are highly vulnerable have flood defenses, but in extreme conditions additional flood defenses are needed.”

flood

With the most intense yellow color are the areas with vulnerable population groups, as that is where the older people live