EU to aid Cyprus after blast and blackout, says Hahn

The EU will do its utmost to help Cyprus through the difficult period it is facing, following a blast at the naval base “Evangelos Florakis”, near Limassol, and the subsequent destruction of the nearby power plant at Vassiliko, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said at the site of the disaster.
“You can be assured that Europe will assist and will help you, wherever it is possible” he said.
Thirteen seamen and fire fighters were killed and dozens injured on July 11 when 98 containers, most packed with arms confiscated on their way from Iran to Syria, exploded, causing extensive damages to Vassiliko that produced more than half of the island’s energy n needs.
Hahn said he had seen many disasters in his career, but nothing like the one at Vassiliko. The EU will help Cyprus to recover, he said, adding that an extensive report will be submitted to the Commission concerning the destruction at the station.
“Within the EU, we are a big family and if somebody has problems and difficulties we have to stay together, work and try to overcome the difficulties as quick as possible” he added.
The kind of help the EU might provide through the Solidarity Fund is an issue to be examined, the EU Commissioner said, adding that there is community funding available, dedicated to development of infrastructure.
Hahn said moreover, that it is necessary to have an assessment of the whole damage and cost, not just at the power station, but all over the country.
Hahn said that he will await the insurance company’s report, adding that it is too early to estimate the cost and how long it will take to reconstruct the site.
He noted that the government of Cyprus has ten weeks from the accident to apply for funding and added that “for the moment is too early to have a full picture of the damage, and in particular of the cost”.