Regional authorities in the fire-stricken areas of the western Peloponnese held a meeting yesterday in a bid to speed up efforts to build anti-flood barriers as the fall wet weather season approaches.

Some 250 workers are currently working on the charred areas, building water barriers out of the tree branches and stumps left behind by fires that razed parts of southern Greece over a period of more than a week.

Construction companies which have been awarded the building of a local highway are also taking part in the operation by clearing nearby ravines.

Work started a few weeks ago but locals fear that not enough has been done to protect the area from any sudden downpours.

In the hard-hit region of Ileia, efforts are being concentrated on the areas surrounding Ancient Olympia, the Akida River and Sochia near Amaliada.

Regional authorities have also instructed municipalities to call upon the military for assistance in the event of problems being caused by the rainfall.