The authorities in the northern Greek areas around the River Evros remain on “red alert”, as there is a significant chance of the swollen river overflowing and causing floods.

Over night the river’s water level reached 6.8 meters, far exceeding the 5.7-meter limit. There is concern after Bulgarian authorities informed the Greek embassy in Sofia that they intended to release water from the Ivailovgrad Dam to relieved pressure. Initial fears of floods in Pythio, were fortunately not confirmed. Local authorities however constructed an embankment in order to protect the houses near the river.

Authorities are now focusing their efforts in the central and southern areas of the river, where huge volumes of water are heading before they reach the delta. The national highway leading to the border with Bulgaria and the Customs office at Kastanies are cut off due to the floods affecting the area.