Filenews 6 August 2025
The President of the Republic expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the government measures announced after the devastating fires in the Limassol district, calling on the competent Ministries to ensure the full and swift implementation of all decisions.
Speaking today at the Council of Ministers, President Nikos Christodoulides said that the implementation of the measures to support those affected is progressing at a satisfactory pace, but reiterated that the big bet is to implement them in their entirety, with coordination between the bodies involved.
Immediate compensation and support for households and businesses
The President made special reference to the Ministry of Interior, which, as he said, has already started the payment of one-off compensations. So far, 236 out of 295 cases have been reimbursed, with the aim of completing the process by the end of the week. The list of equipment costs per residence has also been completed, while ETEK has completed damage estimates for about 300 partially destroyed houses.
According to the President, the first beneficiaries who meet the criteria, mainly owners of first homes, are expected to receive the compensation even within the next week.
He also referred to the progress of the restoration of infrastructure, housing and businesses, stressing that "people must return to their daily lives as soon as possible".
Support for businesses, workers and farmers
Reference was also made to the actions of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, where two support schemes are being implemented for the compensation of raw materials, equipment and goods. Compensation to businesses and self-employed workers has already begun.
The President praised EAC for restoring electricity to 92% of the affected areas, while it was announced that electricity bills of up to €500 will be covered for households and businesses that were affected.
In the agricultural sector, through the Ministry of Agriculture, payments for loss of income of farmers and livestock breeders have been initiated, with more than 775 beneficiaries so far. At the same time, two new projects for the reactivation and restoration of agricultural infrastructure have been announced, with 470 applications already received.
The President called on the competent services to speed up the procedures, despite the August period, and to give priority to the necessary flood protection works.
Coverage for vehicles, generators and tourist infrastructure
The Ministry of Transport has submitted a proposal for compensation to owners of vehicles and machinery that were destroyed. At the same time, a subsidy scheme is being implemented for the provision of generators: 100% for the fire-affected communities and 80% for the rest.
In the context of supporting the tourism sector, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is proceeding with the implementation of a one-off aid for affected tourist units.
Social welfare measures and support for workers
The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare is in contact with 222 families, of which 115 have already received financial support for emergencies. The President underlined the importance of continuing social support.
As far as the Ministry of Labour is concerned, a plan is being promoted to support workers who cannot work due to damage to their workplaces. So far, more than 100 employees have responded.
U.S. experts in Cyprus to evaluate fire management
The President of the Republic also announced the arrival of a group of 10 American experts this afternoon, following a request from the government for technical assistance. Experts – with experience from major wildfires in California and Hawaii – will assess crisis management, the causes of wildfires, firefighting measures and the effectiveness of services.
The President called on all the state agencies involved to fully cooperate with the mission in order to draw useful conclusions and suggestions to strengthen the prevention and management of future crises.
