Hundreds of Greek fire victims crowded into banks to receive up to $17,732 in aid promised by the government, which has been accused of mishandling the disaster. With national elections scheduled for September 16 there is speculation that the government's mismanagement of the disaster could damage Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' bid for re-election.The payouts began as firefighters gained ground on dozens of fires that have scorched 444,790 acres (180,000 hectares) of the Greek countryside.
At least 63 people have lost their lives after six days of fires.
The flames have displaced 16,000 people, damaged or destroyed 4,500 homes and killed 60,000 sheep and cattle, according to the EU Forest Fire Information System.
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