The €890,000 raised through donations from businesses and citizens following the devastating wildfires that struck Limassol district in July 2025 will be allocated directly to the affected communities, President Nikos Christodoulides announced during a meeting with local authorities in Pachna on Saturday. According to a statement from the Presidency, the funds will be distributed to the villages so they can implement projects of their own choosing.
The announcement came as the president reviewed the progress of recovery efforts in the fire-stricken communities of mountainous Limassol. Christodoulides said the government had already implemented a comprehensive support plan with a total budget of approximately €60 million to address the consequences of the disaster.
Support for communities and families
The president said that immediate assistance was provided to local authorities shortly after the fires. Around €400,000 was allocated on July 25 to cover urgent needs of community councils, while €850,000 was provided to strengthen the operational capacity of affected villages. In addition, fire engines are expected to be supplied to 17 communities during the current year through an open tender organised by the Limassol district administration.
Christodoulides also noted that €20,000 had been granted in February to the community council of Agios Therapon as compensation for upgrading its park, given that the community operates its own fire engine. Announcing the allocation of the donated funds, the president said the government had decided not to retain the money centrally.
“The funds donated by businesses and citizens will not remain with the central government,” he said. “The remaining amount of €890,000 will be distributed among the affected communities so they can implement projects they consider necessary.”
Assistance for displaced residents
The government also prioritised direct support for families affected by the fires. Christodoulides said €2.3 million had been immediately allocated to cover the basic needs of around 300 families who lost their homes or suffered severe damage to their properties. The funds covered temporary housing, urgent living needs and psychological support. According to the presidency, 296 homes were either destroyed or severely damaged in the fires. Between the start of the disaster response and September, 246 adults and 88 children were accommodated in temporary housing facilities. Private organisations also contributed by hosting affected residents.
Since September, a rent subsidy programme has been in place for up to two years. As of March 5, 2026, the programme had supported 134 families, with 89 still receiving assistance. Social services have also provided guidance, support and financial assistance to around 280 families to help meet urgent or specialised needs.
Compensation and reconstruction
Christodoulides said the government had launched what he described as the most extensive and financially generous property restoration scheme ever implemented in Cyprus after such a disaster.
Around 940 applications for compensation have been evaluated so far, with total payouts expected to reach approximately €30 million. Authorities recorded damage to 520 homes, including 215 that were completely destroyed and 305 that suffered partial damage, along with warehouses and other commercial buildings.
Support for agriculture and business
The primary sector was also heavily affected by the fires. Compensation of around €3.3 million has been paid to 1,435 farmers and livestock breeders who suffered losses.
Two recovery schemes with a total budget of €9 million have also been launched to help restart agricultural activity in the region. Around 1,140 applications have been submitted, with €2.5 million already paid to 842 beneficiaries. The government also announced that rents on around 250 lease agreements involving Turkish Cypriot and state-owned land used for farming and livestock purposes would be waived from August 2025 until July 2026.
Local infrastructure and services
The restoration of critical infrastructure has also progressed. The Electricity Authority of Cyprus provided households in affected communities with two months of free electricity bills worth €500 per household. Telecommunications provider Cyta restored mobile services in the area by July 25, while the fixed-line network was restored by 75% by the end of July and fully by the end of August.
Water supply infrastructure works worth €300,000 have already been completed, while a grant scheme has been launched to support communities in purchasing generators. Environmental restoration efforts are also underway through a comprehensive plan that includes waste management projects worth €220,000, flood protection works valued at €485,000, wildlife management measures and tree planting initiatives.
Support for local businesses and tourism
Businesses in the region also received compensation for losses. A total of €870,000 was paid to 31 businesses for destroyed raw materials, goods and supplies, while €640,000 was allocated to cover damage to vehicles and machinery. Workers and self-employed individuals affected by business closures received monthly compensation for three months, with total payments reaching €421,000.
Tourism businesses were also supported through one-off grants of €1,000 per bed for 27 establishments, amounting to €127,000, as well as additional support equivalent to 40% of their turnover for tourist accommodation and traditional hospitality units.
Cultural monuments in the region have also been inspected and restoration work has begun. Local communities received around €50,000 for cultural events and €20,000 through the cultural decentralisation programme.Christodoulides also referred to the government’s decision to restructure the institutional framework for natural disaster management and establish a new civil protection mechanism.
“These are difficult moments and they require bold decisions,” the president said, adding that the government would soon announce further measures to address ongoing challenges, including those affecting the livestock sector.
Source: CNA