Greece Port Disaster: 100 Tons of Dead Fish Flood

A major cleanup is in progress in Greece after a massive die-off of over 100 tons of freshwater fish was found in the port city of Volos. This die-off, attributed to extreme climate variations, has led to severe consequences for the area. The decomposing fish have created a "horrendous" stench that has significantly impacted the local tourism sector.

Anna Maria Papadimitriou, the deputy regional governor of Thessaly, stressed the importance of swift action and collaboration to tackle the situation. In contrast, Volos Mayor Achilleas Beos has criticized the regional authorities for their delayed response and warned that this incident, connected to climate change, could lead to a serious environmental disaster.

The fish were originally from Lake Karla, which saw a dramatic rise in water levels due to a storm in September 2023. This was after a period of intense heat waves and drought. When the floodwaters eventually receded, the fish were displaced into seawater, where they perished. Their remains spread through rivers, bays, and the Pagasetic Gulf, impacting nearby vacation homes and coastal areas.

In response, the regional governor has declared a state of emergency and deployed fishing trawlers to remove the fish. Over 40 tons have been collected within 24 hours and transported to an incinerator. The local chamber of commerce reported an 80% decline in seafront business activity and is seeking legal compensation for the financial losses.

Local prosecutors are investigating the incident to understand its causes and explore its links to ongoing climate change. The focus remains on controlling the situation and assessing the broader environmental effects.