The people of Larissa take the matters in their own hands
Militants, unionists organize the fortifications of the popular neighborhoods against the #Floods pic.twitter.com/58gWT6WErC
— PAME Greece International (@PAME_Greece) September 8, 2023
After the devastating floods last week PAME issued the following urgent call of Solidarity
“Only the people will save the people!
Now organization of solidarity for the flood victims in the area of Thessaly and the other regions affected by the floods.
The situation in the affected areas is dramatic. Once again we are witnessing an unspeakable disaster. The floods in Thessaly have caused the loss of human lives, the destruction of houses and property.
Only the people will save the people!
In Palamas, Karditsa the area drowned by the #Floods the first material solidarity has arrived to the offices of the local farmers' association
Solidarity of the people!
No-one alone! pic.twitter.com/lUk6qpkwkF— PAME Greece International (@PAME_Greece) September 8, 2023
Villages throughout Thessaly have been drowned due to the lack of state mechanisms, the lack of the necessary flood protection works, blocked drains and uncleared streams.
It is time for popular action again. The first hours and days are difficult for the people of these areas.
In all trade unions (Regional Trade Union Centres, Federations, base unions) we are collecting essentials with the final destination being the Regional Trade Union Centre of Larissa.
Immediate and substantial material solidarity to the #floods victims by the working class
Solidarity materials already arrived to the affected -even by boats-
Massive organized solidarity of the peoples is our weapon!#GreeceFloods #Greece pic.twitter.com/WcKtBNSK7r
— PAME Greece International (@PAME_Greece) September 11, 2023
We call on workers in every sector to strengthen solidarity, from their savings to give what that they can to support the residents of the areas that are being tested.”
The Regional Union of Larissa took leading role with other people’s organizations to organize the fortification of the city against the floods. Hundreds of workers, pensioners and young organized the building of water barriers working non-stop.
The people of Larissa take the matters in their own hands
Militants, unionists organize the fortifications of the popular neighborhoods against the #Floods pic.twitter.com/0OUvKmnrPD
— PAME Greece International (@PAME_Greece) September 8, 2023
Solidarity centers were created within hours near the affected areas gathering solidarity materials. At the same time the first convoys of support were organized from other cities. Buses with volunteers started from Athens and trucks with water bottles and other necessary materials arrived to the solidarity centers.
Photos https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAU8PH
Immediate and substantial material solidarity to the #floods victims by the class unions
Solidarity materials already arrived to the affected -even by boats-
Massive organized solidarity of the peoples is our weapon!#GreeceFloods #Greece pic.twitter.com/D5R0AWESEC— PAME Greece International (@PAME_Greece) September 11, 2023
Even boats were used by the unions and militants to reached the cut-off areas to deliver the materials to people who were cut off for days. On many occasions the solidarity teams were the first to reach these people.
Militants volunteers with all means organize delivery to the victims of the #GreeceFloods
Delivery of material #Solidarity using boats🛥️ to reach the villages that are cut-off because of the #floods
SOLIDARITY & ORGANIZATION
are our WEAPONS! pic.twitter.com/JB4DEh5G5L— PAME Greece International (@PAME_Greece) September 11, 2023
Other groups of volunteers started helping the locals for the clearing of the flooded homes. Daily teams arrive and help clean the areas.
At the same time however the class unions took the initiative of militant action and demanded from the state for immediate restoration of the damages, compensation to all those who lost their homes and properties, for the support of the local workers.
The Regional Union of Larissa held a protest at the visit of the Prime Minister, only to be met by the Riot Police Forces.
📌Larissa
The state for one week was "selectively" unprepared to handle storm #Daniel but immediately prepared to respond to the Regional Union of Larissa and the people who protest for the destruction by the #FloodsRiot police against the victims of the #Floods pic.twitter.com/JXsmRtPnNR
— PAME Greece International (@PAME_Greece) September 8, 2023