Southern Cyprus Announces Emergency Support Payments for Residents Affected by Devastating Limassol Wildfire
The Southern Cyprus Administration (GKRY) has announced emergency financial support for residents affected by the deadly wildfire in Limassol, which claimed two lives, injured around 50 people, and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Kokcha News Agency: The Southern Cyprus Administration (GKRY) has declared that emergency financial support will be provided to residents affected by the devastating wildfire that broke out in Limassol on July 23. The fire, which has now been fully contained, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left approximately 50 people injured, some in critical condition.
The victims, a man and a woman, were found dead after their vehicle was engulfed in flames as they attempted to flee the fire. Their bodies have been sent to the forensic institute for identification. Hospitals in the region remain on high alert as they continue to treat the injured.
The fire caused significant damage to 17 villages in the area, destroying homes, gardens, churches, health clinics, social facilities, and barns. Based on satellite data, officials estimate that around 12.5 hectares of land were burned in Limassol.
Emergency Support Payments
The GKRY government has announced that emergency financial assistance will be distributed to affected residents within the next few days. The decision comes amid public criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis, particularly its reliance on international aid from Spain, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and the European Union (EU) to extinguish the fire.
The daily newspaper Politis published an article titled “Public Anger Against an Irresponsible State,” reflecting the frustration of residents who felt abandoned during the crisis. The article quoted residents as saying, “We were left alone. We will save what we can. Let the responsibilities not turn to ashes.”
