Greek authorities have announced measures to support local businesses in Volos after more than 100 tonnes of dead freshwater fish were carried into the central port by floodwater. The fish, displaced from Lake Karla due to flooding last year, filled Volos bay and nearby rivers. The government will provide subsidies for businesses that have suffered losses, suspend tax and insurance payments, and activate the ‘Thessaly Pass’ to promote regional tourism. Additionally, funding will be allocated for a program to promote the local area. Fishing trawlers were used to remove the dead fish, taken to an incinerator to prevent an environmental disaster. The mayor of Volos criticized the regional authority for a slow response, and the Chamber of Commerce is taking legal action to seek damages for the drop in tourism. Experts attribute the fish deaths to a lack of a net at the mouth of the river, allowing the freshwater fish to mix with seawater and perish. The situation has caused a severe stench along the seafront, leading businesses to suspend operations. The regional governor has declared a state of emergency, seeking to address the crisis swiftly. The incident highlights the need for better disaster preparedness and environmental protection measures in the region.
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