Agriculture Minister Maria Panagiotou presented parliament with a report on recovery measures for areas affected by this summer’s deadly fires, outlining both immediate assistance and long-term strategies.
Speaking before parliament today, Panagiotou noted that mega-fires represent a new reality requiring multi-dimensional, long-term approaches. “We are planning not only for today’s restoration, but also for tomorrow’s resilience,” she stated.
The government has approved total expenditure of €23.5 million for restoring damage to agricultural and livestock operations. Authorities have already disbursed €3,198,976.66 to 1,311 beneficiaries for immediate income support, with 15 applications still under review and approximately 25 pending due to incomplete documentation.
€3.2 million already paid to 1,311 fire-affected farmers
The Water Development Department has moved immediately to design projects protecting against erosion and flooding. Officials have completed site selection for approximately 60 locations where anti-flood barrier upgrades will be constructed.
Works will proceed in two phases: the first, involving construction of 25 Gabion-type barriers, will complete by October, whilst the second phase is expected to finish by February 2026. Materials have been reserved from Water Development Department stores and tenders are proceeding for additional material procurement and wire cage design.
A generator provision scheme for water supply purposes offers 100% funding for fire-affected communities and 80% for non-affected areas. By 27 August, the Limassol Provincial Water Development Office had received 12 applications, five from fire-affected communities. Officials expect formal applications from 15 communities total.
For two special reactivation schemes, 987 applications have been submitted with on-site inspections beginning. The application deadline has been extended to 15 September.
Anti-flood barriers planned following summer fires
Working with local authorities, debris and damaged materials removal continues from affected communities. Eleven areas have been cleared, with instructions issued for asbestos waste handling in Agios Amvrosios and Vouni.
The Geological Survey Department has identified flood-risk areas and completed slope stability assessments, with new evaluations scheduled for October.
Air quality measurements in Souni, Omodos and Malia showed pollutant levels within legal limits. Initial grape testing excluded heavy metals from fire retardant drops. Additional analyses for volatile phenolic compounds are being conducted in a French laboratory, though all production has been compensated as destroyed.
The Forest Department continues issuing logging permits for burned trees on private land. In collaboration with community councils and other bodies, a tree-planting scheme will be implemented from November to February, featuring non-fire-prone species.
New fire risk prediction system launched across Cyprus
Addressing future preparedness, Panagiotou noted Cyprus now possesses the largest number of forest firefighters and equipment in its history. The Forest College resumed operations from 15 September, addressing chronic staff shortages.
Construction of five new water reservoirs will proceed by 2026. Also, a waste clearance campaign continues with 269 areas already cleared and another 300 in progress. Authorities have appointed 177 inspectors.
Officials emphasise utilising vineyards as fire barriers. The Agriculture Department is preparing a plan to restore abandoned vineyards, to be presented during autumn.
Since August, authorities have implemented a specialised fire risk index with geographical distribution across Cyprus. This tool provides scientifically documented forecasting and has been integrated into procedures of the Forest Department, Fire Service and Civil Defence.
The minister stressed that mega-fires require planning for both immediate restoration and future resilience, representing a fundamental shift in Cyprus’s approach to fire management and agricultural recovery.
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