Greece Announces Relief Measures for Households, Businesses in Flood-hit Areas

Floods in Central Greece. Photo source: General Secretariat for Civil Protection

The Greek government on Monday announced support measures, including state aid and tax relief, for people and businesses in areas affected by flooding caused by the “Ianos” storm over the weekend.

The storm swept across parts of western and central Greece, killing three people and damaging several thousand homes. Highly affected areas include Karditsa, Lamia and western Greek islands.

“The government is deeply saddened by the loss of life due to the Mediterranean cyclone that hit parts of the country,” Government Spokesperson Stelios Petsas said to journalists during a briefing.

He added that the government, following instructions of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is taking immediate action to compensate affected households and businesses in the areas declared in a state of emergency.

Lamia, central Greece. Photo source: General Secretariat for Civil Protection

According to Petsas, the measures will include 1 million euros to each Greek municipality that has been affected by the storm, for road network restoration; the six-month suspension of payments of overdue tax liabilities for both companies and individuals; the suspension or settlement of loan obligations of the citizens of the affected municipalities.

Moreover, state aid of 600 euros will be granted to each household whose main residence was affected by the storm. An extra 600 euros will be given to large families, while an additional 600 euros will be given to each family member that has a disability.

Floods in Karditsa. Photo source: General Secretariat for Civil Protection

Aid of up to 6,000 euros per household will also be provided for the repair or replacement of household items of main residences that have been affected. Also, the state will provide a special assistance of 4,500 euros to people who have suffered some form of disability from injury in the natural disaster.

The government also announced subsidies to businesses to cover damages to buildings.