The Council of Ministers has approved ex gratia financial assistance for people affected by the severe weather that struck Cyprus on 29 August 2026, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced.
According to the minister, preliminary damage assessments have so far recorded:
- 183 homes in Nicosia district
- 12 homes, one livestock unit and two vehicles in Larnaca district
- 12 homes and one business premises in Paphos district
- 11 homes in Limassol district
- Two homes and one church in Famagusta district
Ioannou said the recording process will continue until Monday, when authorities expect to have a fuller picture of the scale of the damage.
Compensation for uninsured homes
Taking into account the extent of the destruction, the Cabinet approved special criteria for financial assistance.
For owner-occupied primary residences without insurance, financial aid will cover:
- 80% of the assessed damage
- Up to €20,000 for building damage
- Up to €15,000 for damage to equipment and contents
Support for photovoltaic systems
For uninsured photovoltaic systems installed on owner-occupied homes, assistance will cover:
- 80% of the assessed damage
- Up to €7,000
Assistance for businesses
For uninsured business premises, the scheme provides:
- 70% of the assessed damage
- Up to €30,000 for building damage
- Up to €10,000 for equipment damage
Vehicle compensation
For uninsured vehicles, compensation will amount to:
- 75% of the assessed damage
- Up to €5,000 per vehicle
To qualify, vehicles must:
- Hold a valid road licence
- Be insured against third-party liability
- Have a valid MOT certificate
or be legally declared off the road.
Help for insured properties
For homes, businesses and vehicles covered by insurance, government assistance will be limited to the amount corresponding to the policy excess (deductible).
Eligibility requirements
The Interior Minister clarified that ex gratia financial assistance will be granted only for:
- Buildings with a valid building permit
- Licensed permanent structures
A detailed table outlining all eligibility criteria is expected to be published on the Ministry of the Interior's website.
Source: CNA
