A profession expressing apology by the state for the unsatisfactory response of the state to the recent fire in the mountainous Limassoldid a while ago the Cypriot chairman Nikos Christodoulides.
Mr. Christodoulides, forwarded his condolences to himself and the government, to the relatives of the couple of the elderly who lost his life, trying to escape his car from the fiery cluster in the village of Montagri, announcing that he had requested reports of events.
At the same time, it announced financial measures, full compensation for those who suffered losses and financial support to any affected even for the loss of income for the following year. The cost of housing those who lost their homes or have suffered serious damage that does not make them habitable will be taken over by the state. Also, the one -time assistance will be paid immediately without the need to present documents.
The text of Nikos Christodoulides’ Frame:
“Companions, compatriots.
I communicate directly with you at a difficult time for our country, after the test we have experienced, the terrible fires in the mountainous Limassol that resulted in the tragic loss of our two compatriots, the injury of our fellow humans, the destruction of property, the environment, the land, a farmers.
First of all, I once again express my deepest sadness about our fellow humans that we have so tragically lost and my sincere condolences to their relatives.
I have personally experienced the superhuman efforts, under the difficult conditions, of professionals and volunteers to deal with the fiery storm, to avoid further spread, with the primary concern of human lives. That is why I would like to thank all those who overcame themselves, firefighters, foresters, mayors, volunteers, police, state and other services, members of the National Guard, the Civil Defense and the people in the communities, to deal with them, to deal with them, to deal with them.
At the same time, as a result, the system’s weaknesses and the relevant mechanisms are needed to respond to such critical incidents. And this, despite the fact that, among other things, we have increased by increased firefighters and forestry, we secured the maximum number of volatile media, tightened the penalties and transferred the volatile to the National Guard. So we need to see what didn’t work, because it did not work and make any corrective moves.
As a state, we have to identify all the gaps, omissions and recognize that, at a critical moment like this, we did not respond as we should. On behalf of the state I apologize.
I have already given instructions by the end of the week all the stakeholders submit complete evaluation reports of their role and involvement in fire management. These reports, within the context of transparency, will also be released. On the basis of these reports, the subsequent steps will be decided. We need to see exactly what we need to change in order to be faster and more effective because, unfortunately, these phenomena, a consequence of climate change, will not disappear.
Compatriots, compatriots,
Today I met with the presidents of the councils of the directly influenced communities in the presence of the relevant ministers and the Commissioner of Mountains. During the meeting, after hearing their own estimates and personal testimonies about what happened and where weaknesses were identified, we agreed the government’s immediate actions to support the affected. We will be next to everyone and everyone. Together we will pass this test.
More specifically:
1. Immediate payment of financial support to Community Councils to cover emergencies. The amounts were already paid the previous Friday, and additional needs will be met in consultation with communities.
2. Temporary housing affected and covered by immediate basic needs as well as psychological support, in consultation and cooperation with the mayors.
3. Rental subsidy to those who have become their home unhappy for as long as it is required.
4. Complete repair of damage to the property of the affected. For homes that are not insured and have suffered a complete disaster, financial support will be provided for full rehabilitation, with current market prices. If they have been damaged and in need of repair, an up -to -date price table will be appointed to be reimbursed. Those residents that have security will be paid immediately how much it will be paid. I stress that to make the payment as soon as possible, it will not be required to present documents for the payment of financial support.
5. Compensation immediately for 100% loss of income for one year to all farmers and breeders of the affected area.
6. Plan of reactivation, rehabilitation of infrastructure and mechanical equipment of professionals and non -farmers.
7. Plan of reactivation, rehabilitation of infrastructure and mechanical equipment of small businesses.
8. One -off support, which will be paid within the next few days for those families that their homes have suffered total or even significant damage. Specifically, the amount of € 10,000 will be given to each family whose first home as well as € 2,000 for each dependent child and the amount of € 5,000 in each family was subjected to the first residence as well as € 1,000 for each dependent child. Our vulnerable compatriots will be given and any personalized support is required.
9. Monthly compensation, for three months, of all employees and self -employed employees who were influenced by their businesses and cannot operate.
10. Complete restoration of the overwhelming majority of water supply and electricity networks in the coming days.
11. Failure to pay by permanent residents and businesses of the annual Community fees and taxes. The total amount will be paid by the government to communities.
12. Environmental rehabilitation of the area.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As President of the Republic of Cyprus, I feel the enormous responsibility to address you directly to you, at the moment deep test for our country.
Our mission is to ensure that the state will stand up to your expectations.
I ask you to judge us strictly, as it suits a democracy that wants and can get better.
In difficult times we have to be united. United to move on, to support, to correct, to improve. United to succeed.