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Over $270 million raised for compensation payments in Greece

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ATHENS, August 31 (RIA Novosti) - More than $270 million has been raised for victims of the forest fires that have devastated Greece and left 63 dead, the Greek state TV said Friday.

The sum is the most ever collected in such a campaign and was donated by local banks and businessmen, as well as members of the public.

The government has declared a number of measures to provide assistance to victims, including 3,000 euros compensation to each person affected.

People who lost their homes will get 10,000 euros and will receive housing allowances for the next two years. A set of measures to help farmers is underway.

The fires have aggravated the political situation just prior to early parliamentary elections September 16, with the government and the ruling party coming under fierce criticism for their poor handling of the disaster.

On Wednesday thousands gathered in the Greek capital Athens to protest against the government's handling of the crisis.

And Thursday thousands of Greeks queued outside banks demanding compensation from the government. The fire victims have already received a total of $98 million in cash.

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