A massive joint operation involving the Fire Service, the Coast Guard, and national gas grid operators is underway following widespread reports of a pungent gas odor blanketing several areas south of downtown Athens.
The odor was initially reported as strongest in the southern suburbs. Despite exhaustive inspections, authorities have not yet been able to pinpoint the source of the smell.
The phenomenon began in the southern areas of Glyfada, Piraeus, Drapetsona, Nea Smyrni, Kallithea, Dafni, Alimos, Neos Kosmos, and Faliro, prompting some businesses to consider evacuations. A middle school in Nea Smyrni was evacuated as a precaution under the director’s orders. Over the course of the day, reports of the odor spread to central Athens and northern suburbs, including Galatsi and Neo Irakleio.
Government and official responses
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued a clarifying statement, noting: “Based on current data, fixed environmental monitors show no spike in air pollutants, nor is there any indication of danger beyond the unpleasant odor. Investigations and checks are ongoing.”
Local authorities are remaining highly vigilant but are refraining from mass evacuations following official assurances. Glyfada Mayor Giorgos Papanikolaou told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA): “We were prepared to evacuate schools as the smell grew intense. However, we received explicit assurances from competent agencies that this is not a natural gas leak, so we could not take such action. We remain on standby.”
Alimos Mayor Andreas Kondylis echoed this stance, stating that since officials have confirmed there is no immediate danger, the municipality is keeping a close watch and waiting for updates. Agios Dimitrios and Nea Smyrni Municipalities have officially advised residents to remain indoors with their windows tightly shut until the odor dissipates.
Coast Guard on alert in Saronic Gulf
The Hellenic Coast Guard has been placed on high alert. Patrol boats have been instructed to meticulously inspect the Saronic Gulf for any signs of trouble.
So far, no suspicious maritime incidents, sea pollution, or anomalies have been detected. The Coast Guard is conducting preventative patrols with a specific focus on shipping lanes and energy infrastructure, though no concerning findings have emerged.
Gas grid operators rule out leaks
State energy bodies and grid operators have ruled out their infrastructure as the source of the smell. DESFA (The Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator) stated that the odor is completely unrelated to the high-pressure network or its facilities, noting that its pipelines do not pass through the affected areas. There are also no reported malfunctions at the Revithoussa LNG Terminal.
Enaon EDA (The Gas Distribution Network Operator) confirmed that its emergency response teams carried out extensive checks on the Attica natural gas network, particularly in the southern suburbs, and found no atmospheric leaks, while DEPA (The Public Gas Corporation) and other energy stakeholders are in constant communication with civil protection to determine whether the cause is technical, environmental, or operational.
The Joint Operations and Crisis Management Center (ESKEODIK) has been managing the influx of emergency calls since 11:40 AM. The Ministry of Environment and Energy’s Environmental Inspectorate, alongside the Attica Regional Environmental Directorate, has been fully briefed as investigations continue.
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