Limassol Fire: Reactions to Civil Defense and Psychological Support

A joint session of parliamentary committees highlighted reactions regarding the effectiveness of Civil Defense during the deadly fire in the semi-mountainous region of Limassol. Community leaders gave shocking testimonies, while MPs focused on disputes and the trip of the Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Andreas Grigoriou, to Australia.

The community leader of Koilani, Kyriakos Kyriakou Hatziharalambous, stated that Civil Defense would send residents directly into the fire, while the community leader of Pano Kyvides, Konstantinos Papatheodorou, spoke about his decision to evacuate the community without the presence of Civil Defense. Despite the testimonies, the Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, argued that the community leaders were able to act due to the "Polyvios" plan.

Meanwhile, the head nursing officer of the Mental Health Services of OKYpY, Anthos Giannapis, referred to the psychological support provided to fire victims, with 50 people having requested help and 20 having received support. Testimonies indicate that a teenager wakes up with nightmares and many fear for their future.

Opposition MPs raised questions about the responsibility of Andreas Grigoriou and his absence during the fire, with the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, stating that he is not an operational director in the fires.