ATHENS, 21st August, 2024 (WAM) -- Greece said on Tuesday it would offer emergency compensation totalling millions of euros to hundreds of households and businesses affected by a blaze that killed one woman and torched 10,000 hectares near Athens, Reuters reported.
The blaze began on 11th August near the town of Varnavas, 35 km (22 miles) from the capital, and within a day reached the city's northern suburbs on the slopes of Mount Penteli, one of the last forests near Athens.
Inspections so far have identified some 146 houses severely damaged, with 31 businesses also affected.
Authorities will offer up to 150,000 euros ($166,650) to households, 80% in government aid and 20 percent in interest-free loans, and up to 500,000 euros to destroyed businesses, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.
The Greek Prime Minister's office said it will announce a detailed fire protection and reforestation plan for the wider Attica region by the end of September.