A significant program contract concerning the safety and geological stability of the coastal zone of Trachila has been executed between the Municipality of West Mani and the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Exploration (EAGME).

The contract, titled “Engineering Geological – Geophysical Survey of a Residential Area Trachila of the Municipality of West Mani,” outlines the development of a comprehensive study to assess the area’s geological conditions and propose appropriate protection measures. This investigation is deemed essential due to existing indications of cavities and potential underground caverns within the coastal zone, which may extend beneath residential areas near the shoreline, posing risks to properties. The primary objective is to accurately delineate these subsurface voids, precisely characterise the geological context, and determine necessary mitigation projects.

Scope of the Study

The agreement includes a series of specialised tasks to be performed by EAGME in collaboration with the Municipality:

• Preparation of a technical-geological map, grouping geological formations and analysing the geodynamic evolution of the region.
• Drone-based mapping to produce an orthophoto map and a highly accurate digital terrain model. This data will facilitate geomorphological analysis and enable ongoing spatial monitoring.
• Geophysical investigations focused on detecting and defining subsurface caverns: electrical tomography across six transects totalling 450 metres in length, extending longitudinally and inland from the coast, to exploration depths of up to 20 metres, as well as seismic tomography.
• Compilation of a detailed technical report summarising investigative findings, identification of critical areas, and recommendations for remedial measures and protections.

The Municipality of West Mani will supply topographical data for result mapping, provide access to any existing geological or geotechnical equipment, offer staff support during fieldwork, and contribute static studies and tender documents from prior projects addressing similar issues.

The study is scheduled to be completed within a six-month timeframe.

Background and Prior Studies

This initiative represents a crucial intervention aimed at safeguarding the settlement of Trachila, where geological instability is exacerbated by local geomorphology and proximity to the shoreline. Serious geotechnical concerns were initially identified following EAGME’s site inspection and preliminary investigation in Trachila. These challenges have been recognised for over a decade, particularly in locations such as Petropouleika, Michaleika, Argyreika, and Dimouleika, within the community’s coastal zone. Here, sea-induced undercuts and cavities, combined with rockfalls, have compromised both the coastal road and adjacent properties.

At the “Vrochota” location, south of the residential area above Chalkia Bay, further hazards emerge due to slope failures, while at Kakia Skala on the Agios Dimitrios–Trachila road, high and steep rocky slopes present additional dangers, making vehicular and pedestrian passage hazardous because of periodic rockfalls from the adjacent cliff face.

In 2002, following a request from the former Municipality of Lefktro, IGME conducted a survey and produced a detailed report recommending specific protective actions not only for the residential area but also for the perilous road segment between Agios Dimitrios and Trachila.