At least 50 homes damaged by tornado

By Andreas Karamitas

The crews of the Municipality of Germasogeia, the Provincial Administration, and the Civil Defence have been recording the damage caused by the devastating tornadoes since dawn. Specifically, in the presence of the Minister of Interior, an extended meeting was held to take all necessary measures but also to assess the damage caused in order to inform the President and to proceed with the activation of the procedures for compensation and support of the affected people.

In Germasogeia alone, more than 50 homes with significant material damage have been recorded, while 20 roads in the area were blocked. The primary school on Panioti Avenue remained closed today and will remain closed tomorrow to repair the damage caused by the natural disaster. According to information from "K," part of the problem is also the residents who cannot go to work because of blocked roads.

Sources from the District Administration told "K" that until it gets dark, there will be 7 crews in all parts of Limassol to record the damage as well as collect data from residents for any needs that arise due to the situation. If their mission is not completed by first light tomorrow, they will continue recording.

The financial aspect of the disaster is yet to be calculated, with officials awaiting the results of the crews' survey. The mayor of Germasogeia told Kathimerini that already, a hotel has already been found which the municipality will lease for residents who cannot stay in their homes since they are in danger due to the damage.

The EAC issued a statement saying that its technicians have been working non-stop since last night to restore the electricity supply since the passage of the tornado left extensive damage to both the medium and low-voltage power grid. Specifically, the electricity supply was interrupted in the areas of Germasogeia, Mouttayaka, Finikaria, Akruda, part of St. Athanasius, and part of Parekklisia.

The Ministry of Interior is closely monitoring the issue and is awaiting from the Limassol District Administration a list of damages to residences, cars, the road network, and the EAC network. The list will then be submitted to the Ministry of Interior to establish criteria for compensation and will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval in the near future.

[This article was translated from its Greek original]