Greek Government Announces Measures for Flood-stricken Citizens, Businesses

Photo source: PM’s press office

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday announced relief measures to support flood-stricken citizens and businesses in the Greek region of Thessaly.

Storm Daniel hit Greece for three days from Tuesday, September 5. Deaths in Greece due to the sweeping rainstorm increased to 15, according to the latest reports.

The floods in Thessaly, a region known for its fertile plains, resulted in heavy devastation, leaving some villages almost completely under water. Damages included bridges collapsing, destroyed roads, the drowning of farm animals and ruined crops. Thessaly accounts for some 15 percent of the country’s annual agricultural output.

The Greek PM arrived in Larissa and participated in a meeting at the Operations Coordination Center held in the presence of ministers and officials including Governor of Thessaly Region Kostas Agorastos.

“I want those citizens who saw their properties destroyed to know that the state will be by their side quickly,” Mitsotakis said, adding that the goal is for the flood-stricken to enter their homes soon initially with the necessary financial support to meet their needs for household appliances. The PM said that farmers and livestock units will also be supported.

According to Mitsotakis, the measures will include immediate support to cover first basic needs. A second package of relief measures with necessary funds to repair damages to properties and rebuild infrastructure will follow.

Funds will also go towards flood protection, such as a reconstruction plan for the areas hit by Storm Daniel.

Updated map of floods in Greece by Copernicus – Friday, September 8. A total flooded area of 72,950 ha was detected. Photo source: Copernicus EMS

First aid online platform ‘arogi’ opens Monday

Starting tomorrow, the first aid online platform arogi.gov.gr will open for the flood-stricken. The amounts of the first aid amount to 10,000 euros for housing assistance, 4,000 euros for businesses (including livestock farms) and 6,600 euros to cover the first needs related to household appliances and first repairs (with special emphasis on totally affected areas).

Funds for housing assistance will be activated with coverage of up to 80 percent for reconstruction. Businesses (including livestock units and agricultural holdings) will be supported with a grant of up to 70 percent of the estimated damage.

Further support includes rent subsidy and suspensions of tax and insurance obligations for the flood-stricken, including a three-year exemption from the single property tax ENFIA (including plots of land) and suspension of employment contracts activated for businesses affected by the floods and with a corresponding subsidy 534 euros to support the workers who will enter this regime.

Greece to request EU support

The Greek PM also announced that said that he would meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday to seek EU support.

“On Tuesday I will be in Strasbourg to meet the president of the European Commission and discuss how Europe must stand by our country in order to have a significant financial support to face this great disaster,” Mitsotakis said.

Public health protection a top priority

The Region of Thessaly continues to distribute aid collected from donations from businesses and individuals. More than 250 tons of bottled water were distributed in villages throughout the region. Photo source: Region of Thessaly

Moreover, as thousands of farm animals drowned, the government said public health protection is a top priority.

Citizens have been advised to drink only bottled water and avoid contact with dead animals. Crews have started to remove them and transfer them to certified cremation areas.

According to meteorologists, Storm Daniel was the worst to hit Greece since records began in 1930.
The storm followed a summer heatwave that included devastating wildfires for some areas.