Decisions Regarding Financial Aid for Citizens Impacted by Fires in the Cabinet
Comprehensive Compensation Measures Announced for Wildfire Victims in Limassol District
The Cypriot government has approved a comprehensive package of compensation measures for citizens affected by the 2021 wildfires in the Limassol District. This package aims to provide full coverage for uninsured damages and partial compensation where insurance exists, along with direct financial help to families, addressing a wide range of losses due to the wildfires.
Lump-sum Financial Assistance
Families with partially damaged homes will receive €5,000 for basic needs, plus an additional €1,000 per dependent child. This financial assistance is intended to help with immediate needs while longer-term solutions are being put in place.
Vehicle and Machinery Damage Compensation
The government will cover 100% of the assessed damage for uninsured vehicles and machinery that met legal requirements at the time of the fire. For insured vehicles/machinery, compensation corresponds to the insurance excess, capped at €1,000 for private vehicles and €1,500 for commercial vehicles.
Rent Subsidy
Although specific amounts or conditions were not detailed, the government announced subsidies to cover rents for displaced residents. More information on this aspect of the compensation package is expected to be released soon.
Property Damage Restoration
Full restoration support is offered for uninsured losses, with assessments conducted jointly by the Department of Electromechanical Services and Limassol district administration. Applications are processed through the Limassol district administration.
Waiver of Community Fees and Taxes
There is an official waiver of community fees and property taxes for affected residents, although explicit details of these waivers were not included in the available sources.
Exemption from Community Taxes and Fees
Permanent residents and businesses in affected areas will be exempt from community taxes and fees for 2025, with the state covering the costs to local councils.
Temporary Housing and Long-term Solutions
The Civil Defence Force is coordinating temporary housing until ETEK completes damage assessments, and families will then be offered short- or long-term housing solutions based on each case.
Compensation for Commercial Buildings
Compensation for commercial buildings covers the structure only, not inventory or stock. Equipment compensation details will be issued separately by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry.
Damage Assessments and Property Repairs
ETEK (Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus) will conduct cost assessments for property damages using current market prices. Payments for eligible recipients will be made by Monday. For licensed properties, staged payments will be made: 25% upon application, 25% upon appointment of an architect/civil engineer, and 50% upon completion of 50% of construction work.
Support for Unlicensed Properties
For unlicensed properties outside residential zones that cannot be licensed, 25% of assessed damage will be granted as financial assistance. Unlicensed properties within residential zones can apply to the District Licensing Authority to secure a license and receive the same staged payments.
Priority Evaluations
Priority will be given to primary residence evaluations, with a goal to complete them by early August.
Abandoned Buildings and Predated Buildings
Abandoned buildings without power are not eligible for assistance, and buildings predating licensing laws are considered licensed.
Emergency Funding and Consultation with Local Communities
Emergency funding has already been transferred to Community Councils last Friday, and additional needs will be addressed in consultation with local communities.
Application Deadline and Contact Information
The application deadline for vehicle and equipment damage claims is August 17, with submissions through the Limassol district administration. For additional support, a senior civil engineer contact is provided.
These measures are designed to offer a comprehensive solution for those affected by the wildfires in the Limassol District, providing relief and support during this challenging time.
- The Cypriot government's policy-and-legislation for the 2021 wildfire victims in Limassol District includes financial assistance for families with partially damaged homes, with €5,000 for basic needs and €1,000 per dependent child.
- In tech news, the government in Limassol, Cyprus, is offering a rent subsidy for displaced residents affected by the wildfires, although specific amounts or conditions have yet to be detailed.
- The government's policy on property damage restoration for uninsured losses in Limassol District involves joint assessments by the Department of Electromechanical Services and the Limassol district administration.
- Under the EU's general-news, businesses in affected areas of Limassol, Cyprus, will be exempt from community taxes and fees for 2025, with the state covering the costs to local councils.
