Assessing the damage

INTERIOR Minister Neoklis Sylikiotis said it would take around 10 days to record all the damage following the recent heavy rainfall and assess how those affected will be compensated.

“Alambra was among the communities that were the most affected,” he explained. “A large number of homes and businesses were damaged, including equipment and furnishings.”

Sylikiotis said procedures would be those used a little while back when a tornado hit the Latsia area.

In mid September, a tornado swept parts of the capital, destroying just about everything in its path. The worst-hit area was Nicosia suburb Latsia, where a number of homes, businesses and the local theatre were badly damaged.

Sylikiotis said the first compensation for those affected by the tornado would start being handed out within the next two weeks. “We operate by primarily taking social criteria into consideration,” he explained. “There are things that we need to look at. For example, yesterday I visited a carpenter in Alambra. He told me he was insured. Now, this is a matter we need to look into. How much will he get from his insurance? It all needs to be taken into account.” He added that his ministry was also in contact with the Commerce Ministry, where there are certain support schemes for businesses that incur damage under such circumstances. “So a lot of work needs be done over the coming weeks,” said Sylikiotis.

He said it would be at least another month and a half before compensation could start being paid out over the most recent natural catastrophe.

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