Damage assessment begins for fire-affected areas in Attica

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced on Tuesday the beginning of damage assessment in buildings and businesses affected by the fire in northeastern Attica. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Region of Attica and the municipalities.

The housing assistance scheme has been activated for all structures (homes, commercial spaces, warehouses, etc.). The assistance consists of free state aid (80%) and an interest-free loan (20%) guaranteed by the Greek government. It is provided to the owners of the affected buildings for up to a maximum of 150 square meters, based on the total area of their properties, with the aim of restoring them.

At the same time, a scheme for the compensation of household goods and minor repair works in residences, as well as the coverage of the immediate needs of households whose homes were affected by the fire, has also been activated.

The municipalities will distribute this assistance to eligible recipients. Citizens can submit applications to each municipality starting Wednesday, August 14.

Furthermore, the state aid scheme for businesses has also been activated. This scheme includes a grant for material damages (equipment, raw materials, merchandise, commercial vehicles, production tools, etc.).

Business owners can submit applications and contact the Region of Attica starting Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Teams of the General Directorate for the Rehabilitation of the Effects of Natural Disasters of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Policy began the process of recording damage on Tuesday in the aftermath of the devastating fire that ripped through northern Athens on Sunday and Monday.

Initial estimates reportedly show that 10,278 hectares burned, which corresponds to 2.5% of the area of ​​Attica. Areas were burnt in six main municipalities: Marathonas (5,178.6 hectares), Dionysos (2,981.6), Penteli (1,170.3), Oropos (851.7) and Rafina-Pikermi (95.8), while small areas were burned in the municipalities of Halandri, Vrilissia and Pallini.

Around 50 homes and a number of businesses have been completely destroyed, while several dozen buildings have been damaged.

There are quite a few problems with infrastructure, such as the electricity and water networks, which are expected to be restored within the next 24 hours. The number of vehicles reduced to ashes is reportedly significant.

The municipalities impacted have stated they are no longer accepting residents at the locations where they had set up help stations.

However, in cooperation with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, a special platform has been activated for temporary housing people impacted by the fire, as declared by the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Sixty-four of the 174 applications that were received have been accommodated in 39 hotels in Attica during the last two days. The municipal gym in Nea Penteli was completely destroyed. It was used by the local middle and high schools and also citizens in the afternoons.

Source: ekathimerini.com