The latest cold wave in Greece has caused many problems in the power grip and road network, with many areas requiring snow chains. The meteorological agency EMY has warned that the polar weather conditions will continue for the next of the few days.
People in Crete were in for a rare, yet cold, treat, as many areas are now covered in snow. A number of villages and settlements around Iraklio, Lasithi, Chania and Oropedio have been cut off due the heavy snowfall, which is expected to continue.
The low temperatures and snowfall have also covered many northern suburbs in Attica with snow, with the frost causing many traffic jams in the central road arteries. Many cities in the north of Greece will also experience low temperatures, ranging from -13 in various areas of Western Macedonia and -3 in the city of Thessaloniki.
The police have issued statement announcing that snow chains are required in many sections of the road network in Northern Greece and Thessaly due to the snowfall and ice.
Schools in Eastern Attica to shut down
The Deputy Governor of Attica Petros Philippou announced that the schools in the municipalities of Eastern Attica will remain closed on Thursday, due to the adverse weather conditions. The schools across Greece are meant to reopen on Thursday after the conclusion of the Christmas and New Year holidays. The principals of schools in other areas in Attica will also be able to shut down their schools, depending on the severity of the weather conditions.
Heated areas for the homeless
The municipality of Athens has announced that it will continue to provide care and heated areas for the homeless and those in need. By Sunday 67 people had sought shelter at the municipal heated areas, four of whom were later hospitalized due to their overall health condition. Aside from warmth and hot meals, people can also received psychological support from the social services. Further information for Athens is available via telephone at 1595.
Similar initiatives have also been taken in other major cities, such as Thessaloniki, where temporary shelter is available the Centers for the Elderly on Langada and Alexadrias Streets (2310514456 and 2310820110), while the NGOs Arsis and Praksis have also opened care centers of their own (2130528811 and 2310527938).
