The Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikolaos Chardalias, just held an emergency meeting at the Ministry of National Defence in view of the impending storm “Elpis” with the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, the Deputy Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymousis HN, the Director of the A Staff Directorate of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Major General Ioannis Tsioplos, and the Director of the National Operations Centre of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Commodore Georgios Floros HN.

A weather briefing took place and guidelines were provided for keeping the Armed Forces ready to assist the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection if so required as the phenomena develop.

In particular, in order to deal with the expected weather deterioration with potential extreme weather, troops and assets are placed on readiness according to the provisions of Plan “XENOKRATIS” and the General Plans of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.

Furthermore, as of Saturday, 22 January, all “DEFKALION” troops will be placed on readiness to respond within half the prescribed time, while all air and other assets are on readiness for Surveillance, as well as Search and Rescue Missions, if so required.

The Ministry of National Defence is in constant communication and coordination and remains fully ready to provide every possible assistance to Civil Protection in order to swiftly deal with any problems that may arise due to the impending storm.