The Government has declared three days of mourning for the deadly explosion at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari, expressing sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims.
Speaking after an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said the dead from the tragedy have reached twelve and the wounded 62, including two seriously injured.
Furthermore, President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has accepted the resignations of Minister of Defence Costas Papacostas and National Guard Chief of Staff Petros Tsalikides.
The Government has called on the people to cooperate in order to overcome the difficulties arising from the reduced supply of energy and water.
The Government has declared three days of mourning, from Monday till Wednesday. During this time, all flags on state buildings are flying half mast, and all public events are postponed. The funerals of the victims will be held at state expense.
Investigations are being carried out at the spot of the massive blast at the “Evangelos Florakis” Naval Base in Mari, near Limassol, which resulted in the death of 12 men and left 62 wounded, two of which in a serious condition.
Police forces, firemen and military staff are around the area, while at the blast spot men are looking for new elements that would help investigations.
The roads have been cleared of shrapnel from Monday`s explosion.
The area around the Naval Base remains blocked.
Trucks have entered the nearby power station at Vassiliko, which was destroyed by the explosion`s shock wave, to clear the area.
A C-27 military plane from Greece landed in Nicosia with 10 experts from the Greek armed forces aboard, who will help determine the cause of the deadly explosion at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base.
Meanwhile, President of the Hellenic Republic Carolos Papoulias has contacted President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias to extend his condolences regarding the explosion and to express the readiness of the Government to provide any necessary assistance.
(source: cna)
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