At the 1st Thessaly Forum, held at Domotel Xenia Hotel in Volos on January 29, 2025, and organized by Tsomokos Communications & Alter Ego Media, Maria Karra, co-founder of Emfasis Non-Profit, participated in the panel discussion "Prevention Measures & Strengthening Resilience." She emphasized the critical importance of coordination in disaster response, drawing from the devastating floods that hit Thessaly following Storm Daniel.

Emfasis Non-Profit arrived in Thessaly just 48 hours after the disaster, initiating a rapid humanitarian response in collaboration with local organizations and volunteers. However, Maria Karra highlighted the severe lack of coordination among the responsible authorities, which delayed the provision of aid to those affected and further strained already struggling communities.

Key Points Raised by Maria Karra:

• Absence of a structured emergency response mechanism, leading to delays in distributing essential supplies.
• Lack of communication between state and local authorities, resulting in confusion and inefficiency in assisting flood victims.
• Ineffective assessment of residents' needs, leaving many vulnerable individuals without the necessary aid.
• Climate and ecological anxiety, which was not adequately addressed through psychosocial support structures.

Emfasis Non-Profit’s Work in Thessaly

‍In response to this crisis, Emfasis Non-Profit initially launched the program "Supporting the Elderly," focusing on the immediate needs of elderly flood victims, who were particularly vulnerable due to the destruction. Over time, as needs in the region became clearer, the program evolved into Mobile Life, expanding its scope to provide holistic support to remote communities and vulnerable populations.Between September 2023 and January 2025, the Emfasis team carried out:

• 43 humanitarian missions in Magnesia and Karditsa.
• 10 organized support actions, covering food assistance, psychosocial support, and the provision of essential items.
• Collaborations with local organizations, such as the Volos Homeless Shelter, to offer more targeted aid.
• Planned volunteer actions, including the cleaning of Rizovouni Primary School and the sorting and distribution of essential supplies in Mouzaki.

A Call for Better Coordination

‍In closing, Maria Karra stressed the importance of collaboration and coordination, stating:
"Collaboration and coordination are essential to ensure that information reaches those who need it in a timely and meaningful way."Emfasis Non-Profit remains committed to supporting the flood-affected communities and continues to work towards building a more resilient and inclusive social fabric in Thessaly.