Strong smell of gas in south suburbs of Athens and along the Athens Riviera on Tuesday has raised concern among residents and set authorities on high alert.
Businesses and schools in Kallithea and Nea Smyrni have been evacuated as precautionary measures.
Hundreds of phone calls by concerned citizens to the Fire Service.
Reasons for the smell have not been located, so far, that is by 3:30 p.m.
Most affected are Piraeus, Kallithea, Nea Smyrni, Palaio Faliro, Agios Dimitrios, Alimos, Zografoy as wll as Voula and Vouliagmeni.
+++ Authorities have advised residents in the areas with the strong smell to remain indoors with windows and doors closed.
The gas smell reportedly started short before 2 o’ clock noon on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Firefighters, Coast Guard and crews of distribution network DESFA are investigating the causes of the problem, but by 3 p.m. the cause of the problem has not been detected.
According to the Fire Department and the Environment & Energy Ministry the cause of the problem has not been located, so far.
Investigating crews have carried out checks at the points from which the reports originate. In communication with DESFA, no leak or other damage has been detected so far at the Revithoussa LNG facilities off Piraeus or at any other point in the network.
According to the Coast Guard, extensive checks have been also carried out by LNG transport ships but no relevant incident has been reported.
Drapetsona Mayor Christos Vrettakos told ERT news that “the same thing happened a month ago. I have spoken to the gas and fire departments and they have no answer. The smell is in many areas and extends along the entire coastal front.”
Investigation continues and there is no causes detection also by 4:30 p.m.
Several citizens are reporting of problems in their throats.
At the end of the day… authorities did not issue any new update and stayed in silence about the cause of the gas smell 🙁
😱
In Petralona too!!