Accidents in Mountainous Areas on the Rise: Concerning Statistics

An increased number of incidents involving disorientation and entrapment of mountaineers and hikers are being recorded in difficult-to-access areas, with the Fire Service dealing with approximately 50 incidents daily during the holiday season.

According to data, in the last 75 years, 70 people have lost their lives on Mount Olympus, while on average, 3-6 deaths per year are due to accidents during mountaineering and hiking. In addition, 20-40 search and rescue operations are carried out.

The tragedy in Vardousia with the four dead mountaineers and other similar incidents highlight the dangers posed by weather conditions and lack of preparation.

Fire Service officials point out that rescue operations burden state services with significant amounts, with airborne operations reaching 45,000 euros per incident.

According to the Hellenic Rescue Team (EOD), 59 mountaineers and visitors lost their lives on Mount Olympus from 1950 to 2019. The main causes of death were slipping, pathological causes, avalanches, disorientation, and hypothermia.