yermasoyia building — A residential building in the Yermasoyia area of Limassol is scheduled to be evacuated due to security concerns, following an alarming report from local media.
- yermasoyia building — A residential building in the Yermasoyia area of Limassol is scheduled to be evacuated due to security concerns, following an alarming report from local media.
- While a request for evacuation has been made, Tsouloftas cautioned that if compliance is not met, the legal process to obtain a court order could take time.
According to Phileleftheros, this apartment complex is one of 780 buildings in Limassol identified as dangerous by the Limassol district government (EOA), with around 80 reportedly on the verge of collapse. Tenants received notification late this week that they must vacate the premises by Monday, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Yermasoyia building: Authorities Respond to Safety Risks
Deputy mayor of Yermasoyia, Christos Papamichael, described the building as “the most dangerous building in Yermasoyia,” referencing previous incidents where balconies had collapsed. He noted that the owner has repeatedly ignored warnings from municipal authorities regarding the building’s deteriorating condition.
“He had stated that he was not going to repair it unless a building permit was issued for the modifications he is requesting,” Papamichael explained, mentioning that the proposed changes may involve adding another floor to the building. Furthermore, the property has attracted attention for housing illegal migrants, prompting previous police interventions.
Legal Procedures and Enforcement Issues
The Limassol EOA issued a letter to the owners of the dangerous apartment, demanding evacuation by Monday or else authorities would seal it off. However, EOA president, Yiannis Tsouloftas, clarified that enforcement of the evacuation will require a court order, stating, “the evacuation of buildings deemed dangerous can only be carried out after obtaining a relevant court order.”
While a request for evacuation has been made, Tsouloftas cautioned that if compliance is not met, the legal process to obtain a court order could take time.
Tragic Collapse Highlights Urgent Need for Action
This evacuation order comes in the wake of a tragic incident last Saturday when a residential building in Yermasoyia collapsed, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries. Civil Defence spokesperson Panagiotis Liasidis confirmed that nine displaced residents are currently being accommodated in a hotel at the state’s expense while alternative arrangements are sought.
Investigations into the collapse are ongoing, with authorities attempting to identify one of the victims through DNA and fingerprint testing. Reports indicate that this individual had recently booked accommodation in the building before the incident occurred.
Widespread Concerns Across Limassol and Beyond
Authorities have begun to expedite the public disclosure of unsafe structures as they explore preventive measures. In Limassol alone, estimates suggest that around 780 buildings are considered dangerous, with approximately half located in urban areas. Among these, 80 are identified as posing an immediate risk of collapse. Officials are preparing a list for public release.
Concerns regarding building safety are not limited to Limassol. In Nicosia, 268 buildings have been marked as unsafe, with four requiring immediate evacuation. The costs to address these unsafe structures are estimated to exceed €2 million. Paphos has also identified 226 dangerous buildings, including 71 within municipal boundaries.
Challenges in Addressing Building Safety
In a joint statement released by district EOAs, which have been responsible for dangerous buildings since April 2025, officials acknowledged the challenges posed by the existing legislative and administrative framework. They stated that “experience from the implementation of this specific competence has shown that, in certain cases, the existing legislative and administrative framework does not allow for immediate and rapid measures.”
Evacuating residential buildings has proven to be a complex and time-consuming process, primarily because it necessitates a court order. Delays in staffing and funding have further exacerbated the situation. The statement indicated that positions necessary for handling these issues were only approved in July 2025, causing significant setbacks.
While the primary responsibility for building safety lies with property owners, the EOAs have acknowledged practical hurdles, especially in cases where owners lack the financial means to undertake necessary repairs. The fragmented framework governing dangerous buildings complicates the administrative and legal responsibilities that fall on various bodies.
Looking Ahead
Limassol has been particularly affected by unchecked development, often using substandard materials, a legacy of the effects from the Turkish invasion of 1974. In Nicosia, the presence of abandoned structures near the Green Line adds to the challenges authorities face.
Authorities are determined to address this critical situation, emphasising the need for rapid inspections and the publication of dangerous buildings, as well as the posting of warning signs. However, the practical implications of evacuating residents who resist such requests remain to be seen, with legal proceedings expected to prolong the resolution of these ongoing safety concerns.
