The fire in Limassol destroyed 4,353 individual land plots covering 13,667 decares of agricultural land, affecting approximately 1,000 farmers eligible for compensation, according to Andreas Kyprianou, Commissioner of the Cyprus Agricultural Payment Organisation.
The affected plots include applications submitted to the organisation for agricultural subsidies covering olive groves, orchards and other farming operations.
Within the fire zone, 1,712 vineyards spanning 5,215 decares sustained damage alongside 1,509 arable crop plots covering 5,150 decares. Tree cultivation areas, including olive groves and orchards, accounted for 778 plots across 1,730 decares, whilst 96 pasture areas covered 523 decares.
The blaze affected a zone of approximately 125 square kilometres and killed around 100 animals from livestock operations within the fire perimeter. Fourteen livestock facilities operate within the damaged area.
“The possibility of fire extension was one of the major concerns of those affected and myself,” Kyprianou said, noting that large livestock units with capacity for 2,000-3,000 animals each faced potential destruction.
Government support programmes for agricultural and livestock sectors, including beekeepers, are estimated at €30 million. The funding is expected to incorporate elements of a broader €67 million rural development investment programme under consideration.
The agricultural payment organisation maintains detailed recording systems tracking subsidy applications, providing precise damage assessments following the fire incident.
(Picture: Romos Kotsonos/Cyprus From Above)
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