Amid a relentless heatwave gripping the region, a devastating wildfire swept through southern Cyprus, leaving two people dead and forcing the evacuation of hundreds. The fast-moving blaze destroyed several homes and posed a serious threat to multiple communities, as firefighters battled to bring the flames under control.
Firefighters were struggling to contain the blaze after it erupted in mountainous terrain north of the southern city of Limassol midday Wednesday, driven by strong winds and searing temperatures.
Overnight, two people were found dead in a burned-out vehicle, while authorities continued to struggle to evacuate people trapped in the village of Lofou, about 26 kilometres (16 miles) from Limassol.
‘Very Difficult’ Situation
“The situation is very difficult and the fire front is huge. All forces have been mobilised,” Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told reporters from the scene earlier.
Temperatures across the island soared to a scorching 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, prompting the Cyprus Meteorological Department to issue an amber weather alert.
Authorities have warned that conditions are expected to deteriorate further on Thursday, with forecasts predicting a blistering high of 44 degrees Celsius — potentially making it the hottest day of the year so far. The extreme heat has added to the challenges faced by emergency services battling wildfires and has heightened concerns over public safety, especially among the elderly and vulnerable sections of society.
Firefighting aircraft were expected to be redeployed at first light after darkness forced a pause. Homes were burning in the Souni-Zanakia communities early Thursday, the fire brigade said.
Cyprus Asks For EU’s Help
Cyprus has requested help through the European Union’s civil protection mechanism, with Spain expected to send two aircraft on Thursday, government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. Jordan has also pledged assistance.
Cyprus has struggled with a protracted drought, pushing scarce water resources to critically low levels. The affected area sits just north of Cyprus’s Kouris reservoir, the island’s largest. It was at just 15.5% of its capacity on Wednesday.
(With inputs from Reuters)
