Experts are sounding the alarm over severe safety risks in the underground section of the Kifissos Avenue in Athens, following the discovery of the third subterranean lake that highlighted significant structural vulnerabilities. The findings, announced by the Geomythiki speleology team have renewed urgency for inspections and repairs to prevent a potential disaster.
Dimitrios Theodossopoulos, speleologist and coordinator of the Geomythiki team, described the situation as “extremely serious” during a recent interview. He stressed that damage to the riverbed has led to the creation of water-filled cavities, compromising the structural stability of Greece’s largest urban river.
“The Kifissos River is not just a drainage system; it is a critical urban waterway with significant structural issues. Cracks and erosion are widespread, and the risk of further degradation cannot be ignored. Immediate inspections by structural engineers are essential,” Theodossopoulos warned.
The problem stems from years of water flow eroding the cement riverbed, creating hidden voids beneath the surface. According to George Kafantaris, another member of the Geomythiki team, Kifissos is part of a broader network of underground waterways in Attica that are riddled with structural flaws.
“The river’s concrete lining has been compromised to the extent that water is now flowing beneath it. This unchecked erosion could lead to a collapse, especially in areas where the damage is severe,” Kafantaris explained.
Adding to the concern is the lack of adequate access points along the river for emergency interventions. “If a collapse or other emergency occurs, it would be nearly impossible to send in teams to investigate or repair the damage. This is a major flaw in the original design of the river’s infrastructure,” he said.
The experts emphasized that the structural concerns are not new, but the discovery of the lakes underscores the scale of the problem. Kafantaris cautioned that without immediate action, the situation would worsen over time.
“The longer these issues remain unaddressed, the higher the likelihood of a catastrophic event. Structural collapse could lead to flooding, endangering nearby infrastructure and communities,” he warned.
The team is calling for the immediate draining of the lakes to assess the full extent of the damage and to undertake emergency repairs. Beyond the structural issues, the water in the lakes is heavily polluted, compounding the environmental challenges posed by the river.
