The amounts of compensation that will be granted to those affected by last Saturday's bad weather, and which were approved by the Cabinet during its meeting, have been announced by the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou.
As the Minister stated, during the Cabinet meeting, the policy to be followed for the provision of financial assistance was determined, with Ioannou emphasising that "the severe weather events caused extensive material damage, among other things, to homes, business premises, agricultural and livestock facilities, vehicles and photovoltaic systems."
He noted that "the Ministry of Interior, through the District Administrations, immediately took the necessary actions to record and assess the damage to homes, business premises and vehicles. Most reports of damage were recorded in areas of the Nicosia District, while isolated damage was reported in the remaining Districts. Since the preliminary recording, so far, damage has occurred to homes, business premises and vehicles, as follows:
- 183 residences in the Nicosia District,
- 12 residences, one livestock property and two vehicles in Larnaca District,
- 12 residences and one commercial property in the Paphos District,
- 11 residences in the Limassol District, and
- Two residences and a church in the Famagusta District.
Furthermore, he said that "the registration process by the District Administrations continues until next Monday, and then we will be able to give the final number of affected premises and vehicles."
He pointed out that "according to a 2004 Ministerial Decision, financial assistance for managing the consequences of catastrophic events is granted only to special groups of citizens such as low-income pensioners and recipients of public assistance. However, in the event of a large-scale catastrophic event and upon a recommendation from the Minister of the Interior, the Council of Ministers may determine specific criteria for the granting of financial assistance to those affected."
Therefore, Ioannou continued, taking into account the extent of the damage and the Government's will to immediately support those affected, the Cabinet decided today the following criteria for the granting of financial assistance to those affected by the 29 August natural disaster:
- Privately owned permanent residences without insurance: financial assistance equal to 80% of the estimated damage with a maximum amount of €20,000 for damage to the building and financial assistance equal to the estimated damage, with a maximum amount of €15,000 for damage to equipment.
- Photovoltaic system in privately owned permanent residences without insurance: financial assistance equal to 80% of the estimated damage, with a maximum amount of €7,000.
- Uninsured commercial premises: financial assistance equal to 70% of the estimated value, with a maximum amount of €30,000 for damage to the building and financial assistance equal to the estimated damage, with a maximum amount of €10,000 for damage to equipment.
- Vehicles without insurance: financial assistance equal to 75% of the estimated damage, with a maximum amount of €5,000 per vehicle, provided that it has a registration certificate, third-party insurance and a valid MOT or is legally immobilized.
He also indicated that "affected homes, business premises and vehicles with insurance will receive financial assistance equal to the estimated damage, up to the deductible amount of the insurance."
In conclusion, he noted, "it goes without saying that ex-gratia financial assistance is granted only to buildings that have a building permit from the competent Authority and to permanent and licensed constructions."
(Source: InBusinessNews)
