Damage to 183 homes, mainly in the Nicosia district, has been recorded following the severe weather that hit Cyprus last Saturday, the interior ministry said on Monday.

It said that local district government organisations (EOA) teams had also recorded damage to public infrastructure following the storm.

The ministry said its jurisdiction covers damage to homes, business premises and vehicles, and urged those affected to submit their name, address, contact telephone number and photographs to the relevant EOA by next Monday.

The recording and assessment of damage will prioritise cases where losses are greater and more serious, while the criteria and amount of any financial assistance will be determined by the cabinet.

The agriculture ministry has meanwhile deployed inspectors to assess damage to crops caused by Saturday’s storm and determine compensation for affected farmers.

“We live in a country where extreme weather events often occur throughout the year,” agriculture ministry permanent secretary Andreas Gregoriou said.

Gregoriou said the damage was caused by hail and strong winds and primarily affected vineyards and seasonal crops.

In the Paphos district, Polis Chrysochous mayor Yiotis Papachristofi said the main damage was recorded in the area between Argaka and Pomos, where a greenhouse and photovoltaic installations were affected.

Ayia Marina Chrysochous deputy mayor Patroklos Evangelou said the rainfall had been beneficial for farmers and the natural environment, but strong winds had caused serious problems in the area.

He said the storm had damaged homes, photovoltaic installations, around six greenhouses and crops including avocados and mangos, leaving farmers facing significant losses.

Evangelou called on the government and the district local government organisation to immediately assess and record the damage so those affected could receive compensation.

Larnaca EOA has likewise sent damage assessment teams to the city and surrounding areas following the storm, with complaints recorded in Pervolia, Kiti, Athienou, Kalo Chorio and Livadia.

In Famagusta, district officer Flora Georgiou said two cases had been reported in Avgorou and Frenaros after lightning struck and damaged both properties.

The latest assessments come as authorities continue to record the wider impact of the severe weather across the island, with the extent of damage to agricultural production expected to become clearer as inspections continue.

Source - https://cyprus-mail.com