About 2,500 centenarian olive trees were swallowed by the tumbling soil.
Αn unexpected enemy destroyed many olive trees in Greece a few days ago, when a big landslide eliminated an area of more than 200 acres in the western part of the mainland.
I lost 4 acres of land with 120 olive trees, the water tank I was using to water my trees and other equipment.- Kryopigi Farmer via ERT3 News
The rare phenomenon, which occurred in the surroundings of Kryopigi village near the city of Preveza, created a crack in the ground measuring 500 meters long and 200 meters wide and totally changed the morphology of the landscape.
For more than two weeks, the locals have been witnessing the central road surface subsiding in certain spots and their olive groves shifting. Then, the main slide began and tons of soil wiped out roads, bridges, various cultivations, and about 2,500 centenarian olive trees from the surrounding groves.
Luckily, no villagers were victims of the slide, but there are concerns that a toll on human lives will be taken if the geological phenomenon continues to develop. The residents of Kryopigi said that rumbles from below are constantly heard during the night.
The head of the local branch of the Institute for Geological Research characterized it “an unprecedented geological event” and explained that the ground in the area is not cohesive; the recent strong downpours made things worse and caused the slide. Similar events had happened again in the past in the specific area, but they were of a much lower magnitude.
“I lost 4 acres of land with 120 olive trees,” a local farmer said to the national television ERT3 channel. “And I also lost the water tank I was using to water my trees and other equipment,” he added.
The number of trees affected may seem petty, but in Greece, most of the olive grove owners possess a small property that provides the year’s olive oil for the family. The surplus of oil (if any) is sold to bring in some income, evermore valuable now that the country has not fully recovered from the 2008 financial crisis.
The district of Preveza is not among the top olive oil producing territories of Greece, and this season’s harvest is calculated at approximately 5,000 tons. It is still unclear what the impact of the landslide will be on the production of the affected area for next season, but it is certain that many local olive oil producers will suffer significant losses. This means less stock of olive oil for personal use and a lower potential revenue from selling the rest of it.
Residents are calling for the area to be declared a state of emergency as they seek some compensation for those hit by the ravage.
More articles on: natural disasters, Greece
Oct. 26, 2023
High-Priced Olive Oil Fuels Thefts in Greece, Farmers Respond
Tons of olive oil were stolen from a mill in northern Greece. Meanwhile, producers in Crete are contemplating anti-theft measures such as GPS trackers.
Aug. 14, 2023
Unprecedented Heat Sparks More Wildfires Across Greece
Around 4,500 hectares of olive groves have been burned in wildfires across the country. The government promises aid, but farmers want something else.
Jan. 16, 2024
The Olive Tree and the Rise of Athens
The story of the divine competition for Athens reflects the ancient Greeks' reverence for wisdom, strategy and life's practical needs.
Dec. 5, 2023
Soaring Expenses Strain Producers in Southern Europe
Olive oil producers in Spain, Italy and Greece are grappling with challenges that threaten the viability of the sector.
Jul. 25, 2023
Monsoon Season Poised to Cause Havoc for Farmers in Pakistan
Historically, the monsoon season provided Pakistan’s farmers a much-needed reprieve from the typically hot and dry conditions. Not this time.
Mar. 19, 2024
Registration of Kalamata Olives as Intellectual Property Renews Controversy in Greece
The registration of the Kalamata table olive PDO from Messenia with WIPO will restrict the term's use by table olive producers in Greece, re-igniting an ongoing debate.
Nov. 27, 2023
Two Greek PDO Olive Oils Receive Protection in India
Kalamata and Sitia Lasithiou Kritis extra virgin olive oils have been registered as in India to protect them from imitations.
Aug. 29, 2023
California Olive Oil Producers Weigh the Impact of Tropical Storm Hilary
Producers across Southern California welcomed the unseasonable rainfall and reported only minor damage from flooding and mudslides.