Flood aid pledged as police sent out to stop looters
As the death toll from last week’s flash floods west of Athens rose to 20, and authorities continued their efforts to assess the extent of the damage to infrastructure and property, government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos announced state compensation for those whose homes and businesses sustained serious damage.
A one-off payment of 5,000 euros will go to those whose homes were seriously damaged, with 8,000 euros going to businesses, Tzanakopoulos said.
Meanwhile the search continued for another two people who remained unaccounted for following the unprecedented floods that hit Mandra and Nea Peramos.
Alongside the work of the emergency services, the Greek Police (ELAS) dispatched hundreds of officers across western Attica amid reports of looting.
A total of 249 additional police officers from various units have been transferred to western Attica from the capital to strengthen a force of 1,421 officers that has been in place since November 16.
Police have made 12 arrests so far of suspects accused of robbing homes and businesses in the area. They are also urging citizens to report any incidents of looting on the telephone numbers 213.152.1657 and 213.152.1592 or the police emergency number 100.
