Update on state compensation for 2025 Limassol wildfires

Following the devastating wildfires that struck the Limassol mountains on July 23, 2025, killing two people and burning 125 square kilometres, the government has provided an update on compensation efforts. Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou informed parliament that 863 applications for financial aid were processed. Out of these, 536 applications were approved, while 327 were rejected, representing a rejection rate of nearly 40 percent. The state has already disbursed €15.3 million to support affected households and manage the aftermath.

Regarding the evaluation process, a three-member committee reviewed the initial claims, which included 758 timely applications, 134 late submissions, and 75 additional cases concerning agricultural storage buildings identified by the Department of Agriculture. Following the initial decisions, 65 individuals filed formal objections. An objections committee subsequently approved 27 of these challenges, rejected 35, and left two cases pending. Additionally, the minister reported that for 78 cases involving underinsured structures, 29 were approved and 33 were rejected, with 16 still requiring further documentation.

The minister stated that all affected parties have been notified in writing of these final, irrevocable decisions. Among the support measures mentioned, displaced residents may receive a rental allowance for up to 24 months as part of the ongoing recovery efforts.