The government is now fighting against time, which is trying to “shield” the fire-stricken areas after the destructive passage of the fires before the first rains make their appearance.

In today’s meeting held at the Maximos Palace under the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, it was decided to take immediate measures for Evros and Parnitha with the aim of restoring the natural environment as well as protecting the fire victims from any flooding in the winter in the affected areas .

Specifically, and while the fire continues to burn in the Evros, the government decided to immediately implement anti-corrosion and anti-flooding works, while priority is also given to the cleaning of the streams in the specific areas, under the responsibility of the Regions. At the same time, special care is provided for the wild fauna of these areas, with feed and water for the animals that survived.

The measures for the new fire season

According to the what SKAI broadcasted in the main news bulletinthe government attaches particular importance to the prevention of natural disasters and fires with the equipment:

– 101 fire department drones
– Installation of thermal cameras in forests
– Implementation of the Anti Nero 3 program which includes funds for the opening of fire protection zones and forest roads
– Local government control platform

Also, the government wants it stricter penalties for arsonists and specifically to serve a part of their sentence for those convicted of negligent arson. The government is also considering giving a stipend to firefighters who are on the front line.

“The forestry service immediately declares, with administrative acts, these areas to be reforested. We are taking care of the wildlife, meaning that the animals that survived have feed and water for the next few months. And – most importantly – the procedures are starting here, as for the previous fires, for the anti-corrosion and anti-flood works in the affected watersheds” said the Minister of Environment and Energy Theodoros Skylakakis after the end of the meeting.

The issue of dealing with the fire fronts was also mentioned by the President of the Republic who participated in a youth forum in Bled, Slovenia. As Katerina Sakellaropoulou stated: “I think what we have to do is try to face the situation, face this challenge because if we don’t have a planet to live on, we can’t protect human rights or any human being.”