For multiple threats directly linked to climate crisis and exacerbating the risks of forest ecosystems, infrastructure and residential areas, Professor Geology and President of OASP warns Efthymios Lekkasspeaking to ERTNews and the show “Weekend from 5”.
Among other things, the professor opens the dramatic decline in forest land in Attica, It focuses on forest fires, droughts, and increased seismic activity in Greece.
Dramatic Loss of Forests in Attica
“A 70% of the forest fabric has been lost in the last 25 years,” Mr. Lekkas said, stressing that “We don’t have the luxury of losing a single tree from Attica” He points out that the remaining suburban forests are in poor condition, with dried pine trees and mismanagement.
He says: “There is a piece of Penteli to Dionysus, some points in Melissia, the Parnitha who is struggling to be held, and the Hymithos who can withstand.” As he notes, Ymittos is a model of prevention: “There is the Association of Municipalities of Ymittos that has made Ymittos a standard center for forest fire prevention, with volunteers, modern technologies and structures.”
Fires, drought and fungi threaten forest ecosystem
Mr Lekkas also refers to a dangerous combination of phenomena: “The climate crisis exacerbates extreme weather events. We have drought, fires and, right afterwards, floods. “
It sounds the alarm for the fungi that destroy the forests: “In many areas of northern Greece there is an infringement of fungi to plane trees and firs. I have specific examples from Karditsa, my homeland, where the problem is very serious. “
As he says, “it has been involved in the press and the authorities, but the margins are limited, because it is a large phenomenon.”
After fires, floods come
“The phenomena are interrelated. Drought leads to forest fires. After the fires there is heavy rainfalls that cause floods and landslides, “the professor explains. He adds that soil stripping reinforces the vicious circle: “We enter a circle that is very difficult to stop.”
Increased seismic activity, but not concern for ‘domino’
Referring to the seismic activity of recent weeks, mainly to Rhodes, Ierapetra, Santorini, Corinth and Lemnos, Efthimios Lekkas explains:
“We observe an increase in seismicity, but these earthquakes are not related to each other. They are made in different tectonic contexts. There is no stimulation from one earthquake to another. ” As he explains: “The earthquake in Rhodes, for example, had a focal depth of 60 km, while he was shallow in Ierapetra at 5 km.”
Santorini and Crete: landslides problems
On landslides, especially in tourist areas, such as Crete and Santorini, Mr. Lekkas said: “Crete is a living organism. The steep slopes and canyons are adjacent to tourist infrastructure. After earthquakes or heavy rainfall, we must pay particular attention. “
Concerning the ports of Santorini, he stressed that measures have been taken: “A new decision on safe access to the ports have been issued, with the exception of two or three very dangerous areas. Large projects have been launched since September to have a very high level of security. “
Turkey: A major earthquake is expected in Istanbul
Mr Lekkas also referred to Turkey, stressing: “The earthquake is a legitimate phenomenon. A large part of the rift has not been broken and is expected to break. ” As he said, “there is a 70% chance of a major earthquake in Constantinople over the next five years.”
In closing, he urges attention and preparation: “It’s not rain to get an umbrella. It is a complex issue. One has to pay attention to where he stays, in which buildings, especially in areas of high seismic risk. “