The implementation of the support and recovery plan for Thessaly continues, with the framework of state aid at its core, as stated in a briefing from Larissa, the Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, responsible for natural disaster recovery and state aid issues, Christos Triandopoulos.

As for first aid, as he said, to date, through 17 disbursements, 108.1 million euros have been granted to more than 29,000 flood victims in Thessaly, but also in areas of Central Greece – specifically to 29,130 ​​households, farmers, breeders and entrepreneurs.

In addition, as he pointed out, the process of cross-checks and checks by the officials of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection continues, so that the first aid reaches those who are entitled to it as quickly as possible.

“It is something I have underlined again, that first aid requests through the platform do not respond to beneficiaries. The image from intersections, to now it comes down to close to 40% non-beneficiaries, and the work by the ministry’s officials continues”, underlined Mr. Triandopoulos. As he added, the cooperation with the Region and ELGA continues, so that depending on the flow of data for the affected farmers, breeders and businesses, the payment of first aid will also proceed.

Also, as he pointed out, the work of the echelons of the general directorate for the restoration of the effects of natural disasters continues in the field, with the total number of autopsies, checks and re-checks having exceeded 37,000: “A project on which the scheme of temporary housing is based, with the subsidization of rent or cohabitation, but also the granting of houses, which have begun to be placed according to the requests and pre-work of the municipalities. The scheme of housing assistance for the restoration of houses and buildings is also based on this project. At its last meeting, the Government Committee for State Aid decided to adapt the scheme to the conditions, specificities and needs of the extreme flooding phenomenon in Thessaly. This is an adjustment that concerns the repairs of buildings with damage only to non-load-bearing elements and the issuance of a repair permit with a repair study drawn up by GDAEFK engineers, upon request by the beneficiary. In other words, the involvement of a private engineer is not required”, noted Mr. Triandopoulos.

Specifically, as he pointed out, within the budget limits of the initial estimate, it was decided, among other things:

1st. The granting of housing assistance of 100 euros per square meter, with completely free state aid, in the cases of houses that have been characterized as suitable for use, such as “green”, and have been significantly affected by the flood. Thus, in these cases, the maximum amount of state aid is 15,000 euros.

2nd The granting of housing assistance of 150 euros per square meter, with completely free state aid in the cases of houses that have been characterized as “yellow” and have been significantly affected by the flood. And they have been labeled “yellow” due to extensive damage to non-load-bearing elements, on the condition that the owner submits an engineer’s certificate of no damage to the load-bearing structure of the building.

So in these cases the maximum amount of state aid is 22,500 euros.

“Of course, in these cases, and after the completion of the repairs, it will be provided for the issuance of a certificate of completion of repair work and the presentation of related receipts for the supply of materials and the provision of work, with the corresponding adjustments,” he noted.

Also, as he said, for the cases of houses designated as “yellow” or “red” and buildings with damage to the load-bearing elements, the institutional framework as it is applies, as does the provision for brick-built houses that can be reconstructed with modern materials.

“We continue, therefore, to work to respond to the special and great needs that have been created for our fellow citizens in Thessaly. We all work in close cooperation with everyone, and primarily with citizens and local communities. All together we will manage to achieve the restoration of Thessaly and put our country back on the path of development. Sustainable development”, underlined the deputy minister.