In the earthquake-stricken areas in Heraklion, G. Papandreou

The areas affected by the recent earthquakes, Heraklion, were visited today by George Papandreou, who continues his tour in Crete.

The candidate for the presidency of the Movement for Change, initially visited Arkalochori and Thrapsano in the Municipality of Minoa-Pediados, where he had the opportunity to see the situation up close and to be informed about the effects of the earthquakes. He said that the blow to the citizens is great, while he warmly commented on the voluntary response of the civil society, which from the first moment showed impressive – as he characterized – readiness and supported the earthquake victims.

“This support is a positive message, although there are still a lot of problems,” he said. “but at the same time support for citizens who do not have a job or have lost their businesses.”

Mr. Papandreou was informed by the governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis, the deputy governor of Heraklion Nikos Syrigonakis, the mayor of Minoa Pediados Manolis Fraggakis, institutions and residents of the area, about the situation that has prevailed and the extent of the area.

In fact, Mr. Fraggakis informed Mr. Papandreou about the results of the secondary inspections by the Ministry of Infrastructure, which, among other things, have shown so far that there are 50 directly demolished buildings and more than 1,000 dilapidated. Regarding the danger points that must be fenced in Arkalochori, these -as Mr. Fraggakis said- exceed 650 while in total in the Municipality they reach 2,000.

Mr. Papandreou was welcomed in Arkalochori by residents of the area who welcomed him, while he had the opportunity to see the houses up close and talk to the earthquake victims who have already settled.

“It is not possible to re-establish the areas individually with the subsidy of everyone. We need a comprehensive plan that will help the place come to life again,” said Mr. Papandreou, adding that his presence symbolizes the need not only for information , but also “contributing to the effort to speed up procedures and help citizens”.

The candidate for the presidency of the Movement for Change, immediately after Arkalochori was in Meleses and Astritsi of the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia where he was informed about the situation by Mayor Manolis Kokosalis. Mr. Papandreou was welcomed by citizens who talked to him about the problems they face after the earthquakes.

In the afternoon, Mr. Papandreou will deliver a speech in Heraklion, as part of a political event.