A year after deadly floods hit the town of Mandra, in western Attica, residents are still waiting for the promised anti-flood works to be completed.
On 15 November, 2017, at least 23 people lost their lives as fast-flowing torrents of red mud streaming down from Mount Pateras above the town flooded homes, businesses and roads.
The force of the water moved vehicles, damaged walls and roofing, and left many homeless as their homes filled with water and mud.
Many of the dead were elderly people whose bodies were found inside their homes.
The Infrastructure Ministry and Attica Regional Authority in August began anti-flood works in Mandra which are expected to continue through spring, 2019.
The works are focused on unclogging and diverting the natural streams of Soures and Aghia Ekaterini that begin as rivulets on the slopes of Mount Pateras and flow through Mandra, but which have been blocked up by illegal construction.
Until works are completed, the residents are vulnerable to the threat of new flooding.
In September, following months of investigation, the Athens prosecutor’s office summoned Attica Regional Governor Rena Dourou and another 10 officials as suspects in connection with the floods.
The prosecutor’s office will determine whether there are grounds for criminal charges to be brought. The charges faced by the suspects include manslaughter through neglect, grievous bodily harm, provoking floods and violating construction regulations.
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