Agriculture Department inspectors are visiting communities to assess storm damage caused by Saturday’s severe weather, with vineyards and seasonal crops among the areas affected.
According to Andreas Grigoriou, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the damage was mainly caused by hail and strong winds.
Compensation process to follow
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Grigoriou said inspectors are currently recording the damage.
Once the assessment is completed, authorities will determine the extent of the losses and calculate the compensation to be provided under the existing scheme.
“We live in a country where extreme weather events often occur during the year,” Grigoriou said, adding that Agriculture Department inspectors are ready to assess farmers’ losses from the outset.
Damage reported in Paphos district
Significant storm damage was reported in several areas of Paphos district, particularly between Argaka and Pomos, according to Polis Chrysochous District Mayor Giotis Papachristofi.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, he said the areas worst affected included a greenhouse, while photovoltaic installations were also damaged.
Greenhouses and crops affected
Agia Marina Chrysochous Deputy Mayor Patroklos Evangelou said that although rainfall is beneficial for farmers and the environment, the very strong winds caused serious problems.
Around five to six greenhouses were damaged, while damage was also reported to residential roofs and photovoltaic installations.
Particularly serious damage was reported to agricultural plantations that were at the stage immediately before production.
Crops including avocados and mangoes were affected, leaving producers facing significant losses.
Evangelou called on the state and the District Administration to immediately proceed with recording the damage so that compensation can be provided to those affected where justified.
Also read: Scaffolding collapses onto house veranda during severe weather – Elderly woman narrowly escapes harm
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