Filenews 27 July 2025
In his address to the Cypriot people, the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides expressed his deep sorrow for the tragedy of the deadly fires in mountainous Limassol, which resulted in the tragic loss of two of our compatriots, the injury of our fellow human beings, the destruction of property, arable land, livestock farms, loss of animals, and serious effects on the environment.
The President said that he personally experienced from the very first moment the superhuman efforts, under the very difficult conditions, of professionals and volunteers to deal with the blaze, to prevent further spread, with the primary concern being to save human lives. He thanked "all those who exaggerated themselves, the firefighters, forest firefighters, community leaders, volunteers, police, state and other Services, members of the National Guard, the Civil Defense and the people within the communities, for dealing with the many fronts, endangering, in many cases, their own lives."
At the same time, as a result, as he noted, "it is necessary to improve the weaknesses of the system and the relevant mechanisms in order to be able to respond to such critical incidents. And this, despite the fact that, among other things, we proceeded with an increase in the number of firefighters and forest firefighters, secured the maximum number of aircraft, tightened the penalties and transferred the aircraft to the National Guard. So, we need to see what didn't work, why it didn't work, and make any necessary corrective moves."
"As a State, we must identify all the gaps, omissions and recognize that, at a critical moment like this, we did not respond as we should. On behalf of the State, I apologize," he added.
The President stressed that he has already instructed by the end of the week all the Departments involved to submit full reports evaluating their role and involvement in the management of the fires. These reports, he continued, "within the framework of transparency, will also be made public. On the basis of these reports, the next steps will be decided. We need to see exactly what we need to change in order to be faster and more effective because, unfortunately, these phenomena, a consequence of climate change, will not disappear."
"Today I met with the Presidents of the Councils of the Communities directly affected, in the presence of the competent Ministers and the Commissioner for Mountain Areas. During the Meeting, after listening to their own assessments and personal testimonies on what happened and where weaknesses were identified, we agreed on the immediate actions of the Government to support those affected. We will be by everyone's side. Together we will pass this test," he said.
More specifically, the President announced 12 support measures:
1. Immediate payment of financial support to the Community Councils to cover emergency needs. The amounts were already paid last Friday, while additional needs will be covered in consultation with the communities.
2. Temporary housing for those affected and coverage of immediate basic needs as well as psychological support, in consultation and cooperation with the community leaders.
3. Rent subsidy to those whose residence has become uninhabitable, for as long as it is required.
4. Full restoration of the damage to the property of the victims. For houses that are not insured and have suffered total destruction, financial support will be provided for full restoration, at current market prices. In case they have been damaged and need to be repaired, an estimate will be made on the basis of an updated price table that approximates market prices. Those homes that have insurance, the deductible amount will be paid immediately. I would like to emphasize that in order for the payment to be made as soon as possible, it will not be necessary to present documents for the payment of the financial support.
5. Immediate granting of compensation which will concern 100% loss of income for a period of one year, to all farmers and livestock breeders in the affected area.
6. Plan for the reactivation, restoration of infrastructure and mechanical equipment for professionals and non-professionals, farmers and livestock breeders.
7. Plan for the reactivation, restoration of infrastructure and mechanical equipment of small enterprises.
8. One-off support, which will be paid within the next few days, for those families whose homes have suffered total or even significant damage. Specifically, the amount of €10,000 will be given to each family whose first home was completely destroyed, as well as €2,000 for each dependent child and the amount of €5,000 to each family whose first home was partially damaged, as well as €1,000 for each dependent child. For our vulnerable compatriots, any individualized support required will also be given.
9. Monthly compensation, for three months, of all employees and self-employed persons who have been affected by their businesses and are unable to operate.
10. Full restoration of the operation of the vast majority of water supply and electricity networks within the next few days.
11. Non-payment by permanent residents and businesses of the annual Community fees and taxes. The total amount will be paid by the Government to the communities.
12. Environmental restoration of the area.
"As President of the Republic of Cyprus, I feel the enormous responsibility to address you directly, at this moment of profound ordeal for our country. Our mission is to ensure that the state will live up to your expectations," the President said.
"I ask you to judge us strictly, as befits a democracy that wants and can become better. In difficult times we must be united. United to move forward, to support, to correct, to improve. United to make it," he concluded.
