Nicosia: The Cyprus government on Wednesday announced schemes to support people and businesses affected by last week’s wildfires in the Limassol district that include financial support to rebuild houses, rent allowance, support to farmers and tourism businesses. The schemes, submitted by the competent Ministries, were announced after approval by the Council of Ministers.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that a total of 440 homes were damaged by the wildfires, with 211 of them destroyed. Additionally, 81 warehouses, 19 businesses, and 101 vehicles were also damaged or destroyed. In his statements after the Cabinet meeting, Ioannou mentioned that the final numbers may change if more claims are submitted.
The Minister announced the payment of a lump sum of £10,000 to families whose primary residences were destroyed by the fire and an additional £2,000 for every child to cover immediate needs. Families whose homes have been damaged will receive £5,000, with an additional £1,000 for each child. He also announced the decision for full compensation for the damage to the properties of the affected residents, based on current market prices. The Minister also announced rent subsidies until the completion of the repair or reconstruction of the affected residences and exemption of those affected from paying municipal taxes for 2025, among other things.
Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou announced that the state would pay salaries for three months to employees unable to work due to damage to their workplaces or the means of their professional activity.
Two schemes for the support of the primary sector were announced by Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou. The first one concerns immediate financial support to all affected farmers and livestock breeders, covering the total loss of income for one year. The second scheme approved by the Cabinet concerns support for the reactivation of the primary sector.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis announced measures to support agritourism businesses operating in the affected areas. The Council of Ministers decided that £1,000 would be given as one-time financial aid per bed to all tourist accommodations operating within traditional buildings in the affected areas. In addition, financial aid amounting to 40% of the turnover based on previous tourist seasons is to be given to all tourist accommodation businesses operating within traditional infrastructure in the affected areas. It was also decided to announce a domestic tourism scheme to boost demand in the affected areas in the first half of 2026, Koumis said.
The affected communities include Omodos, Arsos, Koilani, Vasa Koilaniou, Vouni, Sylikou, Malia, Laneia, Lofou, Ayios Therapon, Ayios Ambrosios, Kissousa, Pachna, Kato Kivides, Pano Kivides, Souni-Zanakia, Alassa, Monagri, Pera Pedi, Kouka, Potamiou, Sotira, and Ypsonas.