A woman stands in front of a burnt house after a wildfire in the area of Nea Penteli, close to Athens, Greece, on 13 August 2024. [George Vitsaras/EPA]
Greece pledges emergency compensation to those affected by a devastating wildfire near Athens, promising millions of euros to households and businesses. The fire, which began on Aug. 11, consumed 10,000 hectares and resulted in significant damage to homes and establishments.
Authorities have identified 146 houses and 31 businesses severely affected by the blaze. The Finance Ministry announced compensation of up to 150,000 euros for households and 500,000 euros for destroyed businesses, with a total budget exceeding 30 million euros.
Greece, facing increased wildfire risk due to climate change, has registered over 8,000 forest fires in 2023. In response, the Prime Minister’s office plans to unveil a comprehensive fire protection and reforestation strategy for the region by September.
[Reuters]