Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, “We have full confidence in those managing the operational activities of aerial firefighting assets” during a special inter-ministerial meeting aimed at addressing the aftermath of the fires that broke out on Sunday in Attica, causing destruction in residential areas and resulting in one fatality.
The hour-long meeting at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection focused on the impacts of the extensive fire and the state’s support for those affected. The primary goal was to expedite all processes related to the restoration and relief efforts for the victims, with the collaboration of all involved ministries.
During the meeting, there was a review of the damage, noting that less than 10% of the burned areas were forested. Initial assessments indicated that fewer than 100 buildings were damaged, with most not being residential homes.
The meeting also extensively covered issues related to the restoration of the affected areas, focusing on state support for victims, assistance to municipalities, and immediate compensation for agricultural and livestock losses.
Special mention was made of the evacuations and the condition of the evacuated healthcare facilities, which are expected to resume operations within the next few days.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced earlier that it is activating the state aid framework in cooperation with other ministries to support areas of Attica affected by the August 11, 2024, fires, extending some measures to other regions affected by fires during the summer of 2024.
Attendees at the meeting included ministers, military and police leaders, and other officials, who discussed the swift activation of state aid processes as announced by the government.
Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior is releasing €4.7 million to fire-affected municipalities to address urgent needs caused by the fire. Twenty specialized engineering teams have already begun inspections in the affected areas of Marathon, Penteli, Pallini, and Rafina-Pikermi.
In the coming days, the platform arogi.gov.gr will be launched for Attica, allowing fire-affected citizens and businesses to apply for initial housing assistance.
The 14+1 Measures of State Aid Include:
- Initial Housing Assistance – Available through the arogi.gov.gr platform, this aid will be provided after necessary verifications, with amounts ranging from €5,000 to €10,000, depending on the damage.
- Housing Support for Building Restoration – A combination of state aid (80%) and interest-free loans (20%) will be available for building repairs or reconstruction.
- Rent or Co-Habitation Subsidy – A subsidy ranging from €300 to €500 will be provided for temporary housing needs.
- Initial Business Aid – Businesses can apply for up to €4,000 in aid for damages.
- Advance Payments on Business Aid – After initial aid, businesses will receive further advance payments following damage assessments.
- Full Business Compensation – Final aid will be granted to cover the remaining damages after the initial and advance payments.
- Agricultural Aid – Compensation will be provided for damage to agricultural equipment and crops.
- Household Compensation – Financial aid will be provided for immediate needs, household goods, and disability-related injuries.
- Tax Deferral – A six-month deferral of tax obligations for affected individuals and businesses.
- Support for Minimum Guaranteed Income and Housing Benefits – Extended assistance for residents in affected areas.
The measures are designed to provide comprehensive support to individuals, businesses, and municipalities affected by the fires.
