The South Aegean Region's civil-protection capability is being strengthened with the arrival of new vehicles and construction machinery under the national Aegis programme, implemented by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
The Region has already received nine machines and expects three more, expanding its capacity for emergency intervention across the islands.
Deliveries so far comprise four bulldozers for earthworks, ground shaping and flood-protection interventions; three backhoe loaders; and two compact loaders, which can work in confined spaces where larger equipment has difficulty manoeuvring.
Two tanker vehicles and one forklift are still to be delivered.
Once deliveries are complete, the new equipment will total twelve vehicles and machines.
The investment reflects the regional authority's continuing priority of protecting human life, infrastructure, property and the natural environment through improved prevention, readiness and disaster response.
The machinery expands the Region's ability to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters, restore access and support civil-protection operations wherever required.
It is particularly important at a time when more frequent and intense extreme weather demands a high level of preparedness.
Deputy Regional Governor for the Dodecanese and Civil Protection Christos Efstratiou said:
“Strengthening civil protection is a consistent and substantial priority for the South Aegean Region. Our islands face particular challenges. The growing intensity of natural events requires high operational readiness and adequate equipment.
“Every new machine added to civil protection improves our ability to intervene more effectively where needed.
“Through Aegis, we are acquiring important equipment that strengthens the Region's operational capabilities and helps protect our islands.
“Recent extreme weather has once again demonstrated the importance of having the right resources to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.
“For us, protecting the islands and ensuring residents' safety is an ongoing responsibility. We continue consistently, using every available tool and opportunity so that the South Aegean Region's islands are better prepared and more resilient to the challenges of the climate crisis.”
