Greece has been plagued by extreme weather events and environmental disasters, including flooding, wildfires, and droughts. The latest crisis unfolded in Volos, where over 100 tons of dead freshwater fish washed ashore, sparking a state of emergency declared by Greek authorities.
Origins of the Fish Kill
The dead fish originated from Lake Karla, which was drained in 1962 and only partially restored in recent years. A combination of heavy rain followed by a drought caused the lake to swell and then rapidly decrease, leading to a massive die-off of fish.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The stench of rotting fish and the visible pollution have devastated the local tourism industry, with businesses experiencing an 80% drop in commercial activity. The government has pledged support for affected businesses.
Blame and Investigations
Authorities are being held accountable for the disaster, with plans for investigations into criminal liability and potential environmental impacts. Past mistakes, such as the draining of Lake Karla, highlight a pattern of neglecting environmental concerns.
Professor Antonis Kokkinakis emphasized the importance of learning from these disasters to avoid similar events in the future.
