Local Survey Results of the Erasmus+ project
“S.A.V.E.” of the European Union
During
the Youth Exchange, the participants had a chance to work in groups and
interview the people in Volos and its region regarding Disaster Scenarios and
Environmental Scenarios, asking them various questions about the experience,
opinion, whether they had assistance from the police, firefighters, or from
each other, etc. With the permission of the locals, the participants
interviewed them shortly with the help of Greek participants in case there was
a need for translation. Being an intercultural city, citizens of Volos were
more than happy to assist the participants in their task, and the participants’
hard work can be seen below! Check out the text that the participants wrote
based on what the Volos citizens said about Environmental Disaster
Preparedness! For more information, contact the Greek Lifesaving Sports
Association.
Group 1
The
survey collected testimonies from five local residents of Volos and the
surrounding area, focusing on their experiences and reflections after recent
natural disasters, including floods, fires, and earthquakes. The aim was to
understand community impact, challenges faced, and lessons learned to improve
future preparedness and resilience.
1. Experience of Natural Disasters
All participants
referred to major environmental events that affected the Volos region in recent
years.
• Floods (mainly
2023) were mentioned as the most destructive, leaving areas covered in mud,
destroying infrastructure, and cutting off water and electricity for up to two
weeks.
• Fires were
described as spreading rapidly due to slow response and poor coordination from
authorities.
• Earthquakes
were remembered as less severe but still significant for those living in high
buildings.
2. Main Challenges Faced
Residents
identified several immediate and long-term difficulties:
• Lack of basic
utilities: prolonged shortages of water and electricity severely impacted daily
life.
• Supply issues:
limited access to clean water led to panic buying and price inflation in local
shops.
• Infrastructure
damage: roads, houses, and cars were destroyed, and mud blocked access to key
areas such as the port.
• Insufficient
coordination: poor communication and delayed government response worsened the
crisis.
• Psychological
stress: uncertainty and fear affected the community, particularly students and
families who temporarily left Volos.
3. Community Response and Support
Despite limited
institutional help, strong community solidarity emerged:
• Neighbours and
families shared resources and sheltered displaced people.
• Locals
organized themselves to clean and recover areas, often without official
guidance.
• Volunteers and
private citizens were often the first to act, using their own vehicles to
assist evacuations.
4. Lessons Learned
Participants
highlighted several takeaways for better preparedness:
• The community
is now more aware and prepared for disasters such as floods, fires, and
earthquakes.
• People have
learned to prioritize safety measures, like keeping first-aid kits, knowing
emergency numbers, and avoiding elevators during earthquakes.
• There is a
stronger focus on vehicle safety and avoiding risky areas during floods.
• Many
emphasized the importance of self-reliance, as expectations from government
response remain low.
5. Recommendations from Residents
• Improve
infrastructure resilience, especially drainage and flood barriers.
• Ensure faster
crisis communication and coordination among authorities.
• Offer public
training sessions on disaster preparedness and first aid.
• Strengthen
local volunteer networks to support vulnerable groups during emergencies.
Summary
The testimonies
reflect a community that has endured multiple natural disasters yet continues
to show resilience and mutual support. While institutional responses were seen
as insufficient, citizens have learned valuable lessons about preparedness and
self-organization. Ongoing education, infrastructure improvement, and stronger
local coordination are key to enhancing Volos’s capacity to respond effectively
to future crises.
Group 2
Group 2
participants, residents of Volos and nearby mountain villages such as Pelion,
shared personal and collective experiences related to recent natural disasters,
mainly floods and heavy rainfall that caused landslides, road damage, and
infrastructure collapse. Their stories reflect severe challenges related to
access to clean water, power cuts, isolation, and insufficient early
preparedness.
Challenges
• Lack of clean
water: Participants highlighted that one of the biggest problems was the
absence of drinkable water for several days. This forced residents to depend on
each other, sharing whatever clean water they could find.
• Infrastructure
collapse: Flooding and landslides destroyed parts of roads, isolating entire
neighborhoods and making it impossible to reach essential shops or markets.
• Power and
internet outages: Several participants described being without electricity and
internet for up to two weeks. This made communication and transactions
impossible and limited access to basic needs.
• Price
inflation and exploitation: One participant mentioned that during the crisis,
the price of bottled water increased fourfold, creating additional stress and
inequality in access to essentials.
• Limited
emergency response: While some praised the efforts of local authorities and
firefighters who worked continuously, others reported that government aid and
health services were insufficient or delayed.
Despite the
challenges, community members supported each other by sharing water and food.
Local authorities and firefighters worked day and night to clear streets filled
with mud and debris, enabling mobility again. In smaller villages like Agios
Lavrentios, people collaborated to reopen blocked roads and restore local
communication lines.
Lessons Learned
Residents
realized the importance of being better prepared for natural disasters,
particularly floods and water shortages. Key takeaways included:
• The need to
store clean water and have emergency supplies at home.
• The importance
of strengthening infrastructure resilience and improving coordination between
emergency services.
• Awareness that
extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and require proactive
community planning.
Based on their testimonies, participants suggest:
• Establishing
local emergency preparedness plans and awareness campaigns.
• Improving
water management systems and backup energy sources.
• Training
communities in basic first aid and disaster response to reduce dependence on
external aid during the first critical hours.
Summary
Group 2’s
reflections show that while Volos faced severe disruption from floods and
infrastructure collapse, local solidarity played a crucial role in overcoming
the crisis. However, there remains a strong need for better preventive
measures, faster institutional response, and improved resource distribution during
emergencies.
Group 3
The
survey collected testimonies from three local residents of Volos and the
surrounding regions, focusing on their experiences with recent natural
disasters, including floods and wildfires. The aim was to understand community
impact, challenges faced, and lessons learned to improve future preparedness
and resilience.
All participants described major environmental events affecting
Volos and nearby regions:
• Floods: Major
floods, occurring approximately 2–3 years ago, caused extensive damage in
Volos, particularly in port areas. Floodwaters mixed freshwater and saltwater,
leading to fatalities, infrastructure damage, and temporary closures of
businesses. Water shortages and sanitation issues were severe.
• Fires: In
Evia, wildfires spread rapidly, destroying vegetation and forcing community
evacuations. Governmental response was perceived as slow, so local residents
largely relied on community networks to manage the immediate crisis.
Participants identified several difficulties:
• Access to
basic needs: Shortages of water and food disrupted daily life and created
stress.
• Loss of
shelter and property: Homes and key infrastructure were damaged or destroyed.
• Economic
disruption: Closure of shops, restaurants, and loss of tourism impacted income
and employment.
• Limited
institutional support: Emergency services acted where possible, but community
members had to manage recovery themselves.
• Psychological
stress: Fear, uncertainty, and environmental hazards caused emotional strain for
residents and families.
Despite limited institutional assistance, strong community
solidarity emerged:
• Neighbours,
families, and volunteers shared resources, provided shelter, and assisted those
affected.
• Community
groups, including students, local churches, and political organizations,
organized relief efforts using their own resources.
• Firefighters and
police supported recovery, particularly in flood-affected port areas, but most
assistance was locally organized.
Participants highlighted several key takeaways:
• Prioritize
safety by moving to elevated areas or staying with supportive groups.
• Prepare for
disasters with first-aid kits, knowledge of emergency contacts, and awareness
of risks in local areas.
• Community
solidarity and shared experience are crucial for coping with disasters.
• Self-reliance
is important as governmental responses may be delayed or limited.
Recommendations from Residents
• Improve
infrastructure resilience, including flood barriers, drainage, and fire
prevention measures.
• Enhance crisis
communication and coordination between authorities.
• Conduct public
training sessions on disaster preparedness, evacuation, and first aid.
• Strengthen
volunteer networks to provide timely support to vulnerable groups during
emergencies.
Summary
The testimonies
reflect a community that has endured multiple natural disasters yet continues
to demonstrate resilience and mutual support. While institutional responses
were limited, residents relied on community organization and self-help.
Education, infrastructure improvement, and stronger local coordination remain
critical to improving Volos’s capacity to respond to future crises.
Group 4
The
survey collected testimonies from two residents of Volos, focusing on their
experiences during heavy rainstorms, floods, and a historical earthquake. The
goal was to understand the immediate impacts, community challenges, and lessons
learned to improve preparedness for future disasters.
Participants described major environmental events affecting Volos:
• Floods and
rainstorms (2021–2023): Heavy, continuous rain led to flooding of rivers,
streams, and neighborhoods. Key waterways, including the Xirias River,
overflowed due to insufficient maintenance, causing damage to homes, basements,
cars, and other property. One resident noted that some areas experienced
flooding even though the rivers were believed to be safe.
• Earthquake
(1981): A strong earthquake was remembered as a frightening event, causing
widespread fear but less ongoing disruption compared to floods.
Residents identified several difficulties:
• Access to
basic utilities: Water supply was cut off for extended periods, and electricity
was disrupted in some areas.
• Infrastructure
damage: Flooding caused material losses, including damaged homes, vehicles, and
streets.
• Limited
preparedness: Emergency crews and community members struggled with uncertainty
on how to respond, highlighting gaps in disaster readiness.
Community Response and Support
• Firefighters
actively pumped water from basements and cleaned riverbeds where possible.
• Emergency
crews distributed bottled water and other necessities to affected households.
• Despite
efforts, residents noted that local authorities and emergency services were
sometimes unsure how best to respond, so mutual aid among neighbors was
crucial.
Lessons Learned
• Proper river
and drain maintenance is essential to reduce flooding risk. Regular cleaning of
waterways and removing debris can mitigate damage.
• Infrastructure
improvements, including potential small dams, should be considered in
flood-prone areas.
• Extreme
weather events linked to climate change may overwhelm local preparedness, so
community-level readiness and vigilance are vital.
• Mutual support
and shared responsibility among residents are key to managing disasters effectively.
Recommendations from Residents
• Ensure
consistent cleaning and maintenance of rivers, streams, and drainage systems.
• Invest in
infrastructure projects that protect neighborhoods from heavy rainfall and
flooding.
• Educate the
public on disaster preparedness, including emergency evacuation plans and
resource distribution.
• Foster
community networks to provide immediate assistance when disasters strike.
Summary
The testimonies
reflect a community affected by floods, storms, and historical earthquakes,
with significant impacts on infrastructure, utilities, and daily life. While
emergency services responded where possible, residents relied heavily on mutual
aid and self-organization. Long-term strategies, infrastructure improvements,
and ongoing preparedness are essential to enhance Volos’s resilience against
future natural disasters.
Group 5
The
survey collected testimonies from six residents of Volos and surrounding areas,
focusing on experiences during floods, fires, and other emergencies. The goal
was to understand community challenges, responses, and lessons learned, as well
as how traditions and social practices influence disaster preparedness.
Participants described several major events affecting Volos in
recent years:
• Floods
(approximately 2 years ago): Heavy rain caused significant flooding, creating
difficulties in accessing clean water and basic necessities. Some residents
reported ongoing challenges even two years after the event.
• Fires: While
some participants had limited personal experience, wildfires and localized
fires were mentioned as events that threatened safety and required community
awareness.
• Other emergencies:
Some experiences were linked to general community crises or personal
emergencies rather than large-scale disasters.
Residents identified multiple difficulties during and after
disasters:
• Access to
basic utilities: Many families struggled to secure clean water for weeks.
• Infrastructure
and preparedness: Public structures and services were often insufficiently
prepared, and emergency planning was limited.
• Community
support gaps: Some participants noted that citizens did not always feel
adequately supported during crises, highlighting the importance of
self-reliance and community networks.
Community Response and Support
• Mutual aid:
Local communities often supported each other, especially newcomers or
vulnerable individuals, providing food, money, and assistance in the immediate
aftermath.
• Emergency
services: Participants highlighted that emergency services responded quickly to
urgent situations, particularly for medical emergencies, though experience with
large-scale disasters was limited.
• Religious and
traditional guidance: Some residents noted that religious beliefs occasionally
influenced perceptions and decisions during crises, such as hesitation to adopt
modern interventions during health emergencies.
Lessons Learned
• Maintaining
preparedness is crucial: having first-aid kits and emergency supplies can
improve safety.
• Community
solidarity remains a key factor in survival and recovery.
• Experiences
from past disasters guide how residents prepare and respond to new emergencies,
even if systemic support is lacking.
• Awareness of
extreme weather events and climate-related risks is increasing, highlighting the
importance of proactive safety measures.
Recommendations from Residents
• Encourage
regular community drills and training to improve preparedness.
• Foster
stronger mutual support networks for vulnerable populations.
• Maintain and
improve public infrastructure, including water access and emergency systems.
• Promote
awareness campaigns about safety practices and disaster prevention strategies.
Summary
The testimonies
reflect a community that faces recurring natural and emergency challenges with
limited formal support. Residents rely heavily on mutual aid, personal
preparedness, and traditional guidance to navigate crises. Strengthening
infrastructure, education, and community networks is essential to enhance
Volos’s resilience for future emergencies.
Group 6
The
survey collected testimonies from residents of Volos who experienced
earthquakes and floods over the past decades. The aim was to understand the
personal and community impact of disasters, the role of emergency services,
mutual support, and the evolution of preparedness and public awareness over
time.
Participants shared experiences of major events:
• Earthquakes:
Participants vividly recalled the earthquakes of 1955 and the early 1980s,
describing fear, damage to homes, and the need to sleep under beds or in tents.
The emotional impact of these events has persisted, especially for those who
were children at the time.
• Floods (e.g.,
Daniel flood): Recent floods caused extensive water damage, disrupted daily
life, and highlighted the vulnerability of local infrastructure.
No personal
experiences with fires were reported.
Main Challenges Faced
• Safety and
shelter: During earthquakes, families had to find safe places to sleep, such as
under beds or in tents.
• Infrastructure
and utilities: Floods caused water cut-offs and damaged homes, making access to
basic necessities a major concern.
• Predictability
and preparedness: Residents noted the unpredictable nature of disasters, which
made planning and response challenging.
Community Response and Support
• Mutual aid:
Residents actively supported each other, providing water, supplies, and
assistance to those in need, including immobile or vulnerable neighbors.
• Emergency
services: The Fire Department and Municipality were generally effective, using
machinery to clean flooded areas and pump out water. While experiences varied,
official response was acknowledged as crucial.
• Education and
preparedness: Schools and public programs provide information about disaster
preparedness, often involving private organizations to educate students and
residents on safety measures.
Lessons Learned
• Community
solidarity remains essential for coping with disasters.
• Past
experiences, even traumatic ones, have increased awareness of safety measures
and preparedness strategies.
• Effective
municipal and emergency response depends on both infrastructure and competent
local leadership.
• Education and
early information dissemination are key for reducing risk and improving
community readiness.
Recommendations from
Residents
• Maintain
strong communication channels and practical guidance for residents during
disasters.
• Encourage
continued mutual aid networks within neighborhoods.
• Improve
infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms based on lessons from
historical disasters.
• Provide
ongoing public education programs, especially in schools, to increase awareness
of earthquake, flood, and other disaster preparedness.
Summary
Group 6
testimonies highlight Volos residents’ enduring experiences with earthquakes
and floods, emphasizing the lasting psychological impact of disasters, the
critical role of community support, and the gradual evolution of preparedness
and public education. Strengthening infrastructure, continuing education, and
fostering local solidarity remain vital for resilient disaster response.
Disclaimer
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Photos: GLSA, Edusphera.
