THESSALY: Catastrophic floods
Situation analysis of children and families in the affected areas and UNICEF response.
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Basic needs
Almost one month after the devastating storm “Daniel”, many areas across Thessaly remain in a state of emergency, with damaged infrastructure, without water, electricity and access to basic sanitation, food and clothing.
UNICEF conducted a rapid on-site assessment of the situation between September 13-15, 2023, meeting with local authorities (Municipality of Larissa, Trikala, Palamas), civil society actors and affected communities, including children, persons with disabilities and Roma communities.
Key needs recorded by the UNICEF team, on which the immediate response efforts are focused, are the following:
- Provision of food and bottled water, expansion of housing programmes by municipalities.
- Winter clothing and underwear for children and adults.
- Cleaning supplies and protective equipment.
- Medicinal drugs, health products and personal hygiene items.
- Psychosocial support for children who, due to a lack of basic amenities and items, cannot or do not want to attend school. Psychosocial support actions should also be targeted at parents and teachers.
- Information and guidance on public health, protection against infections, diseases and environmental awareness.
- Long-term employability prospects, following the destruction of the environment and the collapse of the primary sector.
Infrastructure
Thousands of people have lost their homes and businesses completely, while others have suffered extensive damage, requiring long and costly rehabilitation work.
Education
The start of the school year was impossible for tens of thousands of children, while the affected municipalities are trying to restore children's access to school in different time frames, depending on the damage suffered in each area.
Health
At the same time, a large number of dead animals are being recorded, while an epidemiological crisis has already occurred, with at least 234 cases of gastroenteritis and 254 cases of respiratory infections recorded by 16 September, according to reports.
Agriculture/livestock
The floods have dealt a huge blow to livestock and agricultural production not only for the region but also for the whole country. Rural and provincial roads have been destroyed and thousands of acres of farmland are under tons of water and oil.
UNICEF responce
In cooperation with GivMed, we are already supporting the social pharmacies of the municipalities of Trikala and Karditsa with medicines and health products, while we are providing shelter and protection for children and vulnerable social groups through the provision of tents in the affected areas.
In communication and cooperation with local authorities, civil society actors, volunteers and affected people, UNICEF will continue to support the local community to meet their immediate and long-term needs, setting the relief of the thousands of children and their families affected by the unprecedented disaster as an immediate priority.
