Heavy Toll From Limassol Fire

Authorities have so far recorded damage to 250 homes, 97 buildings, 128 vehicles, and crops, with the worst-hit areas being the villages of Suni-Zanatzia, Ayios Therapon, Lofoú, Vouni, and Gilan. Officials stressed that the €100 million figure is an initial estimate and could change once the full extent of the destruction is documented.

The largest portion of funds will be directed to the repair or reconstruction of homes. Relevant ministries are assessing both the damage and the level of financial assistance to be provided. President Nikos Christodoulides’ 12-point relief plan is set to be implemented immediately, with the costs covered from state reserves, aided by a budget surplus.

Relief Efforts Delayed

The paper also reported that tons of food, clothing, and other essentials collected in Kouris and Polemidia remain undistributed due to the Civil Defence’s lack of a clear distribution plan. In the meantime, the two municipalities have begun delivering aid directly to affected villages.

Fire Spread and Cause

Forest Department Director Savvas Iezekiel said flames reached 20–30 metres in height, spreading at up to 11 km per hour. Strong winds and extreme heat severely hampered firefighting efforts. He did not rule out arson, noting multiple fires had been detected in succession in the area.

1.3% of Cyprus Burned

Haravgi reported that the blaze consumed 120.7 square kilometres, or 1.3% of Cyprus’s total area, with 21% of the burned land falling within the EU’s Natura 2000 protected network.