When the rescuers complete their work, attention shifts to “the next day.” In the ways that it will be provided within months medical care, water, food, shelter for the earthquake-affected population. And, moreover, how the affected area will be restructured in the long term in terms of infrastructure, as well as economically and socially. The “Greek experience” is rich, albeit, fortunately, not at the expense of disasters of a comparable (with the recent one in Turkey) scale.

Current Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Christos Stylianides he has a wealth of experience in managing a humanitarian crisis in the early stages, dating back to his tenure as Commissioner for Humanitarian Assistance and Crisis Management (2014-2019). “Each disaster has its own peculiarities” says “K”. “In the event of an earthquake, the primary task is to rescue those trapped and immediately after that provide medical assistance: the creation of mobile hospitals and clinics. Then it is very important to have adequate sanitary conditions so that health crises do not break out. At the same time, you have to deal with the restoration of water supply, sewerage and electricity networks, the main road arteries. For example, these days it was decided to move the population affected by the earthquake from the earthquake-affected areas of Turkey to Antalya, where there is a tourist infrastructure for their accommodation, and the road arteries are “clogged”. In addition, along with providing the most necessary, assistance should be focused on the most vulnerable groups, the elderly and children.”

OUR Michalis Politopoulos took over as head of the Earthquake Rehabilitation Service (YAS, today DAEFK) of the Ministry of Infrastructure shortly after the 1999 earthquake, and remained in that position for nearly ten years. “Our country has accumulated experience of earthquakes in Thessaloniki, Athens, Kalamata, Kozani and Grevena, Alkionida. We are constantly improving our knowledge of disaster response. But each time the conditions are different. For example, in 1999, we first encountered such destruction and collapse. says “K”. “Every time you use logic and plan based on the damage you take and the powers you have at your disposal. You can’t plan ahead.”

According to Mr. Politopoulos, there are two service priorities for the “next day”. “First of all, you need to distinguish which houses are habitable and which are not safe. At the same time, you must organize how the homeless will survive. From my experience with the Athens earthquake, there shouldn’t have been so many earthquake camps. It would be better if the state gave money for rent. After 3-4 years, the camps turned into centers of degradation, where only those who suffered from the earthquake, who were in dramatic poverty (and for whom, in my opinion, there should have been a social policy) and various unfriendly elements that were “captured” by containers This is something that should not be repeated.”

Holistic Treatment

Kalamata is generally considered the most successful case of dealing with a major earthquake. Stavros Benos had been mayor for eight years when the disaster struck, causing a quarter of the city’s buildings to collapse or be demolished. The “recipe” is always the same. To see the phenomenon in all its dimensions, holistically, and not just how to repair damage to buildings and infrastructure. A society is suffering from the elements, which is losing its functions, which also need to be restored,” he explains. “Therefore, you must take care of the needs of the population affected by the earthquake, without hindering the restoration of the city, for example, linking critical spaces. At the same time, you must start formulate a new strategy by looking at the “big picture.” Without strategic thinking, any recovery plan will fail.”