Newsroom
President Nikos Christodoulides has announced a 12-point relief package to support residents affected by the deadly wildfire that tore through mountainous villages in the Limassol district, claiming two lives and leaving a trail of destruction.
In a nationally televised address Sunday evening, Christodoulides expressed sorrow over the loss of life and pledged swift government action to help communities recover. He also acknowledged failures in the state’s response and issued a public apology.
“We will be by everyone’s side,” Christodoulides said. “Together, we will overcome this ordeal.”
“At a critical moment like this, we did not respond as we should have. On behalf of the State, I apologize,” he said.
Acknowledging the gaps
The president described firsthand accounts of firefighters, civil defense teams, volunteers, and residents who risked their lives to battle the flames. But he also emphasized that despite recent investments in firefighting personnel, equipment, and aircraft, weaknesses in the system became painfully clear.
“All relevant departments have been instructed to submit full evaluation reports by the end of the week,” he said. These reports, he added, will be made public in the interest of transparency.
Relief package for the affected
The measures announced aim to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery for affected families, farmers, and businesses. They include:
1. Emergency Funding to Communities
Immediate financial support has already been issued to Community Councils to address urgent needs, with additional funds to be provided based on consultations with local authorities.
2. Temporary Housing and Basic Needs
Displaced residents will receive temporary accommodation, basic necessities, and psychological support, coordinated through local community leaders.
3. Rent Assistance for Displaced Families
Households whose homes are uninhabitable will receive rent subsidies for as long as needed.
4. Full Property Restoration
For uninsured homes that were completely destroyed, the state will fully cover rebuilding costs based on current market prices. Damaged homes will be assessed and compensated accordingly. For insured properties, the government will cover any deductible costs. To speed up the process, no documents will be required upfront to receive financial support.
5. Full Income Compensation for Farmers
Farmers and livestock breeders in the affected areas will receive compensation equal to 100% of their lost income for a full year.
6. Support for Farmers’ Recovery
A dedicated plan will help both professional and non-professional farmers restore infrastructure and replace lost equipment.
7. Support for Small Businesses
Similar support will be provided to help small businesses recover infrastructure and equipment needed to restart operations.
8. One-Time Financial Aid to Families
Families whose primary residences were completely destroyed will receive €10,000, plus €2,000 for each dependent child. Those with partially damaged homes will receive €5,000, plus €1,000 per child. Additional assistance will be provided to vulnerable individuals based on need.
9. Temporary Income Support
Employees and self-employed individuals whose workplaces can no longer operate will receive monthly compensation for three months.
10. Restoration of Utilities
Water and electricity services are expected to be fully restored within the coming days.
11. Waiver of Local Fees and Taxes
Permanent residents and businesses in the affected areas will not have to pay annual community fees or taxes this year; the state will cover the cost.
12. Environmental Recovery
A long-term plan will be implemented to restore damaged natural areas and ecosystems.
“We will stand by you.”
The president met earlier Sunday with the heads of the affected communities, joined by ministers and the commissioner for mountainous areas. The package, he said, was shaped by their testimonies and on-the-ground insights.
“We will be by everyone’s side,” Christodoulides said. “Together, we will overcome this ordeal.”
While the country begins to count the cost of the fire, the government’s next challenge lies in turning promises into action—and restoring both lives and trust.
