Authorities pledge action on flood-hit Skopelos

Two ministers visited Skopelos on Thursday to inspect the damage from recent flooding, while the armed forces were also expected on the Sporades island last night to help with the clear-up operation.

“The destruction… is very large-scale and has affected infrastructure, homes and businesses,” said Infrastructure Minister Christos Spirtzis, who was accompanied by Alternate Minister for Citizens’ Protection Nikos Toskas.

Spirtzis said he hopes local authorities will quickly record the damage so the process of compensating locals and conducting repairs can begin.

Some of the worst damage was inflicted on the island’s port. Spirtzis suggested this was partly due to design and construction errors stretching back between 50 and 70 years.

Soldiers and army vehicles were sent to the island to help clear up before a new bad weather front expected in the next few days does further damage.