ATHENS -The Health Ministry has reported that the national emotional support phone line (10306, press #3) has provided assistance to 222 passengers, as well as 45 families who lost loved ones in the fatal train crash at Tempi on February 28. Out of these, 20 passengers and 4 families in Athens, and 4 passengers in Thessaloniki, are receiving support via Skype.

The line receives an average of 35 calls per day from passengers, friends, classmates, and the families of the deceased, with each call lasting about 20 minutes. The ministry added that survivors and families of those killed have been contacted twice, via phone and text message. The support is also extended to Hellenic Train employees and rescue mission members.

Citizens can call Line 10306 toll-free from both landlines and cellphones. The line provides emotional support (#1), social care (#2), assistance for those affected by the Tempi train accident (#3), and emotional support for Ukrainian refugees (#4).

Specially trained staff are available to handle mass catastrophes and bereavement. Those in need can arrange home visits in Trikala, Karditsa, Kozani, Grevena, Volos, Thessaloniki, Larissa, and Athens, and can schedule emergency appointments with counselors within 24 hours if necessary. Additional support is available through a network of clinics in hospitals and emotional health centers throughout Greece, initiated by Deputy Health Minister Zoi Rapti.