The deadly wildfire that broke out in July 2025 in the mountainous region of Limassol caused extensive damage, including loss of life, destruction of property and farmland, and severe environmental degradation. Beyond the emotional toll, affected citizens now face the challenge of seeking compensation. The article explores whether and under what conditions the state bears legal responsibility for compensating victims. While state liability in the face of natural disasters is not automatic, it may arise if public authorities acted negligently, such as by failing to prevent, respond to, or manage the risk appropriately. Legal bases for such claims include the law of torts, constitutional protections of life and property, and Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights, which obliges states to protect life proactively in situations of foreseeable danger. Victims may seek compensation either through out-of-court procedures or by initiating legal action, provided they can prove damages and a causal link to state negligence. Importantly, legal action can coexist with any governmental aid, and the right to seek justice is framed not only as a legal entitlement but as a civic duty to uphold accountability and the rule of law.
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For more information, please reach out to Antonis Glykis and Filippos Neocleous
