Residents in the Alepou area of Corfu are struggling with unbearable odors and pollution following a fire that destroyed a frozen meat plant eighteen days ago. Local authorities and citizens are raising urgent concerns over public health risks.

Approximately 1,500 tons of burned and decomposed food waste remain at the site, described by officials as a “health bomb” that threatens soil and water contamination, especially with rain forecast in the coming days. Cleanup is underway but is expected to last about twenty days, as specialized teams must carefully separate debris, plastics, and spoiled food before disposal.

The Municipal Council of Corfu has called for the Alepou area to be declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the pressing need for disinfection and odor control until the waste is fully removed.

Meanwhile, residents report paying out-of-pocket to temporarily relocate to local hotels to escape the intense smell and health hazards, highlighting the disruption to daily life.

Authorities continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Environment and specialized companies to manage the removal process, stressing that patience is critical to ensure safe handling of the hazardous waste.