Crete storm: state aid to cover 100% of damage to homes

Homes in Crete damaged by the storm of 1 to 4 October 2026 will receive state aid covering 100% of the assessed damage, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on 11 October. On-site inspections have already started.

In his weekly review, the prime minister said business equipment is covered at 70%. Tax, insurance and banking relief is being activated for those affected. The state agricultural insurer (ELGA) covers damage to crops and livestock.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said on 6 October that the 100% refers to the total damage as assessed by the state aid mechanism. Municipalities and the Region of Crete have 15 days to record needs. Payment to homeowners can be completed within 15 days of a complete file reaching the authorities, he said.

On 10 October, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas said inspections of homes and businesses should be finished in the week starting 12 October. Funds for households should reach mayors within 10 days of complete files, so they can compensate residents. Government inspections were announced for Mylopotamos, Ierapetra and the Lasithi Plateau.

How damage is reported

The Region of Crete set out three routes on 7 October:

Households: inspections and support for basic needs are requested only through the municipality.
Individual farmers: farm inspections go only to ELGA.
Businesses and non-profits: applications go to the State Aid Coordinator of each regional unit (Lasithi, Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania) as soon as possible and within two months.

The business grants rest on Law 4797/2021 on state aid after natural disasters, according to the Region.

What it means for buyers

Owners who live abroad and have a home in Crete should have it checked now and contact their municipality if it was damaged. The announcements do not say whether holiday homes or non-resident owners are treated differently, so owners should ask the municipality directly.

Anyone buying in the affected areas should ask the seller whether the property was damaged, whether an aid claim is pending and what repairs were done. Buyers should also check the property’s insurance cover and its exposure to flooding before signing.

What happens next

Once inspections end, municipalities and the Region submit their requests and payments follow. For other recent Crete news, see our report on the Northern Road Axis reopening near Agios Nikolaos.