Giannis Pappou appeals to two ministers following the October 14 storm, warning that businesses are still dealing with the financial consequences of Storm Bora.
Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Giannis Pappou has called for immediate financial support for businesses affected by the October 14, 2026 storm in Rhodes, alongside emergency funding to repair public infrastructure.
In a letter to Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, Pappou outlines the damage and requests coordinated government action.
According to the Chamber’s announcement, shops, business premises, food service establishments and hotels have suffered serious damage, disrupting the island’s economy while the tourist season is still under way.
Pappou also expresses his deep sorrow over the death of a hotel-sector worker in the Stegna area, offering condolences to his family.
Businesses facing the consequences of two disasters
The Chamber draws particular attention to unresolved issues following Storm Bora, which struck Rhodes in late 2024.
Almost two years later, it says, many businesses continue to bear the financial consequences, having used their own funds or taken out loans to repair the damage.
The Chamber notes that it first approached the relevant ministries on December 3, 2024, seeking faster compensation payments and financial relief. It is now requesting special consideration for businesses affected by both storms.
Its main requests include:
- Immediate damage assessments and activation of state aid.
- Targeted financial support for hotels and tourism businesses.
- Suspension of tax and social security payment obligations.
- Measures to protect jobs.
- Loan repayment relief.
Pappou also seeks emergency government funding for the Municipality of Rhodes and the South Aegean Region to restore public infrastructure and roads and carry out necessary flood protection works.
He stresses that business recovery and infrastructure repairs are essential to safeguarding jobs, maintaining normal market activity and preparing for the 2027 tourist season.
The letter calls for coordination between the responsible ministries and a clear timetable for assessing damage, activating financial measures and paying the applicable assistance.
