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- Ελληνικά
The Council of Ministers today decided to grant financial aid for humanitarian reasons to those affected by the severe weather phenomena that hit the Municipality of Yermasogeia, Limassol District, and the Kormakitis Community, Kyrenia District, following proposals submitted by the Minister of Interior Mr. In particular, following the extreme weather events and floods that affected public infrastructure and private property in the occupied community of Kormakitis last January, 72 claims for damage to residences and business premises, as well as damage to public infrastructure and the road network were recorded. In total, the damage assessment amounts to €135,000, which will be allocated from the 2024 Budget of the Ministry of Interior.
In addition, following the severe weather phenomena and the tornado that occurred in the Municipality of Germasogeia in February, resulting in serious material damage to residences, commercial premises, vehicles, public infrastructure, etc., the Limassol District Administration recorded damage to 191 residences, 19 commercial premises and 104 vehicles. The total preliminary damage estimate amounts to €1.7 million, however the final cost is estimated to be lower and/or will vary.
For the purposes of granting financial assistance to the affected people, criteria have been established on the basis of which requests will be considered. Buildings or any additions, erected without obtaining the necessary permits, will not be included in the amount of the assessed assistance and for which no financial assistance will be provided as a matter of courtesy. It is also noted that assessments of damage to agricultural facilities and crops will be examined separately by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Interior said that the premises affected in Kormakitis are not covered by insurance due to the fact that they are located in areas not controlled by the Republic. "Damage to private residences up to €1,000 will be covered in full and over €1,000 by 80%," he said.
With regard to the granting of financial aid for the restoration of the damage caused by the tornado in the Limassol district, Ioannou explained that a categorisation of the damage was made, on the basis of which the financial aid will be given. For example, he said, in private homes not covered by insurance, 80% will be given with a maximum amount of €20,000, while for those homes covered by insurance the maximum amount was set at €3,000 minus the excess waiver amount. The same philosophy, the Minister added, applies to rented houses and commercial premises. "Depending on whether they are covered by insurance or not, a certain amount is put in and a grant is paid."
Ioannou reminded that the deadline for submitting a claim is March 15. Requests will be examined by a three-member committee composed of a civil engineer and technicians from the Limassol District Administration and in case of objection, again, it will be examined by a committee created by the Limassol District Administration.
The payment of the financial assistance will be made immediately after the deadline of March 15, the Interior Minister said in conclusion.
(MKE)
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