Devastating Floods in Greece: Immediate and Long-Term Impacts on Agriculture and Economy

The recent devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel in Greece have left a trail of destruction, with significant impacts on agriculture and the economy. Fruit trees, corn, and a substantial portion of Greece’s cotton crop have been destroyed, resulting in a potential loss of up to 5 billion euros in the short-term alone. The Thessaly plain, a major agricultural region in central Greece, has been particularly affected, raising concerns about future food production.

The aftermath of the floods paints a grim picture of displacement and loss. Anthoula Pappa, a resident of the farming village of Vlochos, describes the scene of her home almost entirely submerged, leaving behind rotting and broken possessions covered in thick mud. Many affected families are now living in tents, struggling to cope with dire conditions. While volunteers have provided some food and water, the lack of assistance from authorities, including the government, has compounded their difficulties.

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, pledged swift aid for flood victims, emphasizing the country’s financial capabilities to support affected individuals and businesses. However, local residents express their discontent, asserting that the assistance provided falls significantly short of what is needed. Thanassis Thodos, a walnut orchard owner, showcases the scale of the damage, with half of his thousand trees destroyed. Beyond the loss of trees, equipment such as electric motors and water pipes have also been damaged, making the prospect of recovery more challenging. The farmers worry about how much compensation the state will provide to help them rebuild their livelihoods.

Thessaly, known as Greece’s breadbasket due to its rich fertility, plays a crucial role in agricultural production. Spiros Kintzios, the rector of Greece’s Agricultural University, emphasizes the significance of the region for the Greek cotton crop, a major export. Replanting crops like cereals and cotton can occur relatively quickly within the next few months. However, restoring orchards and livestock herds, essential for traditional Greek products like yoghurt and feta cheese, will require more time.

The damage caused by the floods extends beyond agriculture. Housing infrastructure, municipality services, roads, schools, and primary health units have all been negatively impacted. If not restored promptly, there is a risk of mass population movement from rural areas to urban centers. Professor Kintzios estimates that the worst-case scenario could cost the Greek economy up to 5 billion euros in the short-term, with triple that amount in the long-term.

The repercussions of the floods also raise concerns about rising prices. Rizos Maroudas, head of the union of agricultural associations in Larissa, warns that the damage to crops and infrastructure may lead to increased prices, further burdening consumers. With the loss of this year’s cotton and corn crops, individuals like Themis Apostolakis, a farmer from the village of Koskinas, anticipate a bleak future. The pollution of water by oil and other chemicals further deepens the uncertainty surrounding the ability to rebuild.

The devastating floods in Greece serve as a reminder of the pressing need to address climate change and its impact on extreme weather events. The severity of the destruction and the challenges faced by affected individuals highlight the importance of comprehensive and timely assistance from government authorities. Furthermore, efforts should be made to strengthen infrastructure and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impacts of future natural disasters.