Mystery Odor Over Athens Not a Gas Leak, Officials Confirm
Athens, May 19 – Civil protection authorities in Athens have confirmed that a strong, gas-like odor reported by residents across several southern coastal suburbs and further inland is not due to a natural gas leak. Despite a slew of complaints received shortly before noon on Tuesday, investigations by various agencies have yielded no definitive cause for the pervasive smell.
The Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry released a statement indicating that the natural gas system operator, DESFA, assured authorities that no leak had been detected at the Revythoussa storage facility southwest of Athens or at any other point in their network. Similarly, the distribution network operator Enaon EDA found no indication of a network problem. Coast Guard checks on merchant ships carrying liquefied natural gas also failed to uncover anything unusual, while air pollution monitors registered no unusual readings. Fire Service crews dispatched to areas reporting the stench were also unable to identify its source.
Investigations Continue Amidst Public Concern
“Investigations and checks continue,” the ministry stated, noting that the first complaints emerged shortly before noon. The smell was described as being more akin to liquid petroleum gas (LPG), commonly used for domestic cooking, heating, or motor fuel, rather than natural gas. This distinction is significant as natural gas and LPG have different chemical compositions and associated odors.
The odor was reported as particularly strong in areas such as Paleo Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada, Aghios Dimitrios, Nea Smyrni, and Kallithea. Further inland, residents in Dafni and Neos Kosmos also experienced the pungent smell, indicating a widespread phenomenon across the Attica region.
Municipalities Advise Caution
In response to public concern, municipal authorities in Nea Smyrni issued a statement confirming assurances that the “strong, unpleasant odor” was not attributable to a natural gas leak. They advised residents to keep their windows closed as a precautionary measure, highlighting the discomfort caused by the smell, even if it was not immediately dangerous.
The ongoing investigation involves multiple agencies working collaboratively to pinpoint the source of the odor. The lack of concrete findings so far underscores the unusual nature of the event, prompting authorities to meticulously examine all potential causes. The public remains on alert, awaiting further updates from the civil protection authorities as they continue their efforts to resolve the mystery of the Athens odor.
