Argo-Saronic: two archaeological sites closed

The archaeological site of the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina remained closed throughout Thursday, August 13. The Sanctuary of the Temple of Poseidon in Kalavria, Poros, in a pine-covered area inland on the island, was also kept closed. The decisions were taken as a precaution by services of the Ministry of Culture. The cause was the forested environment surrounding the two monuments, combined with wind gusts and high temperatures. It is a measure applied on days of extreme risk.

The daily Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection placed the area in category 5, meaning extreme risk and a state of alert. Attica, the Argo-Saronic islands and Troizinia were in the same category. This marks an escalation compared to previous days, as on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the area was in category 4. Category 5 is the top of the scale. It automatically triggers a series of precautionary measures.

On the evening of Wednesday, August 12, a fire had already broken out in a parked car at the “Pefkakia” beach, on Akti Toti Chatzi, near the Aegina Municipal Stadium. The Aegina Fire Brigade unit was mobilized. The incident did not develop into a forest fire. It did, however, highlight the area’s sensitivity under high-risk conditions. The Argo-Saronic islands have limited firefighting resources relative to their size.

Alongside the fire risk, Aegina also faced a water-supply problem. Marathonas, Vrocheia and areas in between were left without water due to a fault in a water pipeline near Agios Vasileios. A crew from the Aegina Municipality’s Water Supply Service worked on site to fix it. Water supply was expected to be restored by midday. The update was given by delegated municipal councillor Antonis Mourtzis.

In the early hours of the same day, a power outage had also been announced in parts of Aegina. The successive network problems coincide with the peak of the tourist season. The island’s population multiplies in August, putting pressure on water and electricity supply. The mayor of Aegina is Ioannis Zorbas. The municipality did not announce additional measures.

A separate incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, when the Aegina Port Authority assisted a French-flagged sailing yacht with engine trouble south of Agkistri. Seven Italians were on board. A private vessel and a Coast Guard patrol boat took part in the rescue. Departure was banned until a certificate of seaworthiness was produced. There was no injury and no marine pollution.

The Argo-Saronic islands are experiencing increased traffic these days, with 22 conventional ferries and 33 high-speed craft running routes. Visitors are urged to avoid any activity that could cause a spark in forested areas. More from Piraeus and the islands on the Piraeus page. See also the bans on forests and groves in Attica. The archaeological sites are expected to reopen once the risk subsides.