The Department of Agriculture has begun immediate efforts to document damages across 28 communities in Limassol, Savvas Hadjimichael, Head of the department told CNA on Friday referring to the devastating wildfires that hit Cyprus this week. The Ministry’s goal is to expedite compensation payments, aiming to provide relief faster than usual.

“We are setting up the mechanism so that we can start as early as tomorrow morning,” he said in response to a question from CNA. He clarified that this depends on political decisions following a briefing scheduled for this afternoon, convened by Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou.

The upcoming meeting is expected to determine the specific details of the damage assessment process.

Hadjimichael explained that various scenarios are being considered to ensure more flexible procedures, so that those affected will not have to wait months for compensation.

He noted that once damage documentation starts, the process should be completed within 15 days. Inspectors and assessors will work daily, including this weekend, to ensure the timeline is met.

In this context, Hadjimichael said personnel on leave had to return to meet the increased needs.