GREECE DISASTER DECLARATION

UNCLAS ATHENS 001707 SIPDIS AIDAC SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/SE, ACE, F- PLEASE PASS DAN ROSENBLUM USAID FOR DCHA/OFDA, AID/W FOR OFDA ROB ANDREW & ANNE CONVERY GENEVA PLEASE PASS TO USAID AND RMA BUDAPEST PLEASE PASS TO USAID/RFMC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV EAID PREL GR SUBJECT: GREECE DISASTER DECLARATION REF: A. A) ATHENS 1687 ¶B. B) ATHENS 1700 ¶1. I am declaring a disaster in Greece for the loss of life, loss of property, and loss of livelihoods caused by the extensive wildfires currently raging throughout Greece. I request USD 100,000 for immediate disaster relief from USAID/DCHA/OFDA. The Government of Greece has not yet made an official request for U.S. assistance other than for firefighting equipment/aircraft, which is an issue we will pursue over a longer time horizon. However the Hellenic Red Cross (HRC) has now officially asked Embassy Athens for both material and monetary support in order to provide food, shelter and clothing to the many Greeks across the country who were forced out of their homes by the fires. (Note: HRC letter faxed to EUR/SE). ¶2. As of August 27, Greek authorities continue to struggle to contain thirty to fifty wildfires burning throughout the country - down from one hundred and seventy reportedly burning on Saturday. The Government of Greece (GOG) is doing all it can to bring the wildfires under control and protect property and lives, but the extent of the wiover the short term. Other countries in the region have provided firefighting assistance to Greece, but we are not aware of any grants of humanitarian assistance to the HRC. ¶3. The GOG declared a national state of emergency on Saturday, August 25, when confronted with 170 fires. As part of its relief efforts for victims of the fire, the GOG has pledged support for rebuilding, tax breaks and pension/salary supports for security service personnel. However the USG can and should step in with support for the immediate humanitarian relief for the effected communities, via the HRC. U.S. Embassy will work in collaboration with USAID to coordinate with the GOG and other donors to avoid duplication of effort. COUNTRYMAN COUNTRYMAN