A protest has been called for Thursday July 31 at 6:30 pm, at the Limassol Marina’s primary car park, demanding accountability following the fire that ravaged mountain communities in Limassol and killed two people.
According to elemesos.com, which first reported the news of the demonstration, the initiative is organised by independent citizens, rather than a political party or organisation.
In a post on Facebook, organisers stated, “we cannot remain silent following the destruction that left homes burnt, properties destroyed and critical questions unanswered about causes and responsibilities.”
A promotional poster circulated online features the phrase: “My homeland burns, my soul bleeds, my house is charcoal, the vineyard, my child,” calling on citizens to take to the streets demanding answers.
Organisers included an emotional appeal in their announcement: “Who should I call, what should I say? Someone to help me, to explain to me – to tell me how and why this happened…”
The Limassol fire is the largest natural disaster in the modern history of Cyprus. It burned over 120km2 of land, damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and cars and killed a couple who had been trying to evacuate their home.
The government and state authorities have drawn criticism for their perceived delayed response to the fire. Critics have also pointed out the “chronic underfunding” of the Fire Service and the Department of Forests, which resulted in a lack of equipment and human resources able to manage natural disasters in a heating world.
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