Residents across large parts of the Athens metropolitan area were left concerned on Tuesday after reports of a strong gas-like smell prompted an emergency response and precautionary measures in several neighborhoods.
The odor was reported mainly in the southern suburbs and along the coastal zone, affecting areas stretching from Glyfada and Palaio Faliro to Piraeus, Keratsini and Drapetsona. Similar reports also emerged from more central districts, including Neos Kosmos and Kallithea.
As a precaution, some office buildings, businesses and school complexes, particularly in the areas of Nea Smyrni and Kallithea, were temporarily evacuated due to the intensity of the smell.
Emergency Services Investigate
Firefighters, coast guard personnel and technical crews from Greece’s natural gas transmission operator were mobilized to investigate the source of the odor and determine whether a gas leak had occurred.
According to the Fire Service, no evidence of a leak had been identified as of Tuesday afternoon. The Ministry of Environment and Energy is also monitoring the situation and working with relevant agencies to determine the source of the smell.
Coast Guard on Alert
As reports of a strong LPG-like odor continued to emerge from across the region, the Hellenic Coast Guard announced it had been placed on heightened alert.
In a statement, the Coast Guard said no suspicious incident, marine pollution event or other occurrence linked to the odor had been identified so far. Patrol vessels operating in the wider Saronic Gulf area have been instructed to maintain increased vigilance.
According to sources, precautionary patrols and inspections are being carried out, with particular attention focused on shipping routes and energy-related facilities in coastal and maritime areas. However, authorities have not yet found any evidence that explains the source of the smell.
Officials are also in contact with the country’s gas authorities and other relevant agencies to determine whether the odor may be linked to a technical issue, an environmental factor or another cause.
No Elevated Gas Levels Detected So Far
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the source of the odor, sources at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) said that, at this stage, there is no confirmation of elevated levels of natural gas or related substances in the atmosphere.
The assessment further supports findings from ongoing inspections by energy and emergency authorities, which have so far failed to identify a natural gas leak or any other obvious source of the smell reported across multiple areas of the Athens region.
No Natural Gas Leak Detected
In a statement, gas distribution operator Enaon EDA said extensive inspections of the Attica natural gas network were ongoing, with particular focus on the southern suburbs.
The company stated that, so far, checks had not detected any release of natural gas into the atmosphere.
“Extensive inspections are being carried out across the Attica natural gas network, with emphasis on the southern suburbs. To date, no natural gas leak has been identified,” the company said, adding that investigations remain underway.
Residents Advised to Keep Windows Closed
The Municipality of Nea Smyrni said it had been informed by competent authorities that the odor does not appear to originate from a natural gas leak.
Municipal officials also stated that they had contacted civil protection authorities to establish the exact cause of the phenomenon. According to information provided to the municipality by a pollution-control service, the odor is not believed to be the result of hazardous environmental pollution.
Until more information becomes available, residents have been advised to remain indoors with windows closed as a precautionary measure.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the smell, while monitoring conditions across the affected areas.
