Faced with one of the biggest disasters in recent years is the area of Zitsa in Epirus, after the heavy hail that hit crops and vineyards, leaving behind images of total destruction.

According to the first estimates, damage to many crops reaches 100%, while the biggest blow is recorded in the vineyards of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Zitsa, which are a key pillar of the local economy, according to epirusPost.

Winegrowers speak of incalculable losses, as within a few minutes the labors of an entire year were lost. However, as they point out, the problem is not limited to this year's production.

The intensity of the phenomenon caused serious damage even to plant capital, as in many cases the stalks of the vines themselves were destroyed. This means that the effects will not only be direct but may affect the production potential of vineyards in the coming years.

Hundreds of families financially dependent on winemaking are now faced with an extremely difficult situation, while concern for the future of wine-growing activity in the region is intense.

Call for immediate mobilisation
The affected producers are calling for the immediate intervention of the State and the ELGA, stressing that there is no room for lengthy procedures and bureaucratic obstacles.

Among the requests they make are the immediate onset of autopsies from ELGA steps to record the extent of the damage and to launch the anticipated compensations.

At the same time, they call for the simplification of the procedures for submitting damage statements, in order to facilitate all affected producers, as well as the rapid payment of compensation to meet the actual size of the losses.

Particular emphasis is also placed on the need for emergency support measures by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, with a view to restoring damaged plant capital and ensuring the continuation of productive activity in the region.

For the inhabitants and producers of Zitsa, the timely response of the competent bodies is now a crucial issue of survival, not only for their own holdings, but also for the economic and social cohesion of an area that has identified its identity with its winemaking and branded wine.