Greece Takes Swift Action on Wildfire Recovery in Northeast Attica

09:07 21/8/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The Greek government is moving swiftly to implement its recovery plan for the victims of the devastating wildfire that ravaged northeast Attica on August 11th.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, after visiting the fire-stricken areas and meeting with local mayors and key ministers, pledged immediate action

to provide compensation for property damage and restore municipal infrastructure and the natural environment.

A platform for submitting initial aid claims by affected residents and businesses has already been activated. Additionally, extensive reforestation efforts covering 58,340 hectares in Attica will commence, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility and implemented by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund and forestry services.

The government has also allocated over 2.1 billion euros for upgrading civil protection systems and infrastructure, with approximately 1 billion euros from national and EU funds earmarked for forest protection and management.

While acknowledging that "we can never be fully satisfied when events surpass our efforts," Mr. Mitsotakis stressed the need for a calm and objective evaluation of the firefighting response.

He promised a comprehensive review in Parliament at the end of the fire season to assess "what went right and what went wrong," addressing criticism from the opposition.

Despite the challenges posed by climate change and the recent wildfire, the government remains committed to continuously improving the civil protection system.

Translated by Anthee Carasavva

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