The Council of Ministers has approved a storm damage compensation scheme for people affected by the severe weather of 29 August, following a proposal by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.
Ioannou said the extreme weather caused extensive material damage to homes, business premises, agricultural and livestock facilities, vehicles, and photovoltaic systems.
District Administrations immediately began recording and assessing the damage, with Nicosia district experiencing the greatest impact.
More than 220 homes damaged
According to preliminary figures, damage has so far been reported at 183 homes in Nicosia district.
In Larnaca, damage was recorded at 12 homes, one livestock facility and two vehicles, while 12 homes and one business premises were affected in Paphos.
Another 11 homes were damaged in Limassol, while two homes and one church were affected in Famagusta.
District Administrations will continue recording damage until next Monday, when a final assessment of the number of affected properties and vehicles is expected.
Up to €20,000 for damage to homes
Given the extent of the destruction, the Council of Ministers decided to activate the provision of ex gratia financial assistance, setting specific eligibility criteria.
For uninsured, owner-occupied primary residences, storm damage compensation will cover 80% of the assessed damage to the building, up to a maximum of €20,000.
For damage to household equipment, assistance will cover the assessed loss up to €15,000.
Uninsured photovoltaic systems installed at owner-occupied primary residences will be eligible for assistance covering 80% of the assessed damage, up to €7,000.
Businesses eligible for up to €30,000
For uninsured business premises, financial assistance will cover 70% of the assessed damage, up to €30,000 for damage to the building.
Damage to business equipment will be covered up to its assessed value, with assistance capped at €10,000.
For uninsured vehicles, financial assistance will cover 75% of the assessed damage, up to €5,000 per vehicle.
To qualify, a vehicle must have a valid road tax licence, third-party insurance and a valid MOT certificate, or have been legally declared off the road.
Support also available for insured properties
For homes, business premises and vehicles covered by insurance, ex gratia financial assistance will be provided for the assessed damage up to the amount of the insurance excess.
Financial assistance will only be available for buildings with a building permit issued by the competent authority, as well as permanent and licensed structures.
A detailed table setting out the criteria and amounts available under the storm damage compensation scheme is expected to be published on the Interior Ministry’s website later on Wednesday.
Also read: Rain and storms expected – Temperatures to hit 39°C
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