Cyprus Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has begun paying cash compensation to citizens whose homes and property were damaged in the devastating Limassol area fires. The Cyprus Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reported this. According to the ministry, its employees are actively reviewing submitted applications. The authorities' main goal is to provide assistance as quickly as possible to those who have lost their homes or sustained partial damage.
Priority — families without housing
In the first stage, special attention is being paid to primary residences that were seriously damaged by the fire. Applicants who have experienced a total loss of housing are placed in a separate category so that they can receive financial support for the restoration of their homes as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has completed its assessment of the first submitted applications and invites citizens to sign declarations of consent to the proposed compensation amounts. This will allow funds to be transferred without delay.
Urgent assistance has already been provided
Earlier, the Cypriot government provided one-time financial assistance to cover the basic needs of those affected. A total of 286 people received support, with the total payment amounting to approximately €2 million. The money was intended to cover temporary housing, food, clothing, and medicine.
The goal is rapid recovery
The Cyprus Ministry of the Interior emphasized that the assessment and payment process is complicated by the large number of applications and the extent of the damage. However, a special commission is working to compensate for the damage as quickly as possible. Authorities are collaborating with municipalities, fire services, and social organizations. The main task is helping people return to normal life and rebuild their lost homes.
Next steps
The Limassol fires were among the largest in the region in recent years. High temperatures, strong winds, and drought intensified the fires' spread, causing significant damage and requiring mass evacuations. In light of climate change and the growing frequency of extreme weather events, the Cypriot government is considering creating an additional emergency fund to expedite payments to those affected.