Damage To Vasiliko Estimated at 700 mln eur

Damage caused to Vasiliko electricity plant by the explosion at Mari naval base on July 11th is estimated in the region of 700 million euros, said EU experts in the 15-member Civil Protection Team.

It is possible that the power station could be partially repaired within two to three months and be supplying 38 megawatts of electricity. This scenario is subject to the availability of spare parts needed to repair the damage. Another scenario is that Unit 5 of the facility could be up and running in six months' time, said the experts, who also noted that there were some parts of the plant that they couldn't examine because of all the rubble blocking access to them.

It is up to the Cyprus authorities to take the necessary steps recommended in the 120-page report which was submitted today after a two-week investigation, said the experts.