Cyprus: Ministers Acknowledge Weaknesses in Limassol Fire Response

During a parliamentary session on the devastating July fires in Limassol, the four Ministers acknowledged the need to address weaknesses in fire response. Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, expressed the government's condolences and stressed the need for a more effective response to such events.

Mr. Ioannou mentioned the increase in human resources and aircraft, but also the need to identify weaknesses through reports and the assistance of experts from the USA. He also referred to the measures taken to prepare the services of the Ministry of Interior, including the POLYVIOS plan for the evacuation of citizens.

Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, admitted that despite the improvements, the response was not as desired. She stated that 14,000 decares of agricultural land were burned and that actions are being taken to revise the primary sector strategy. Plans worth €25.5 million have been approved to support those affected and for environmental restoration.

Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis, stated that the staff of the Fire Service and the level of surveillance of the territory of the Republic have increased. Weaknesses were identified during the implementation of the IKAROS 2 and PYRSOS plans, which should be studied.

Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas, referred to the subordination of aircraft to the National Guard. He stressed that self-criticism on the part of the government is a given and that the essence is parliamentary control and the opportunity for community leaders to hear constructive proposals.