A devastating wildfire continues to burn out of control in the Limassol district of Cyprus, prompting large-scale evacuations and the tragic discovery of at least two charred bodies inside a burned vehicle near the village of Lania. The blaze began in the community of Mallia and quickly spread to nearby villages, driven by strong winds and record-breaking temperatures.
Homes Burned, Villages Cleared, Lives at Risk
Homes and vehicles have been destroyed, and multiple residents have been rescued from the flames. Two people were hospitalized with burns, while at least ten others received treatment for breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Emergency crews are working on the ground under intense conditions, with local officials describing the scene as “dramatic.”
In the village of Silikou, three homes were engulfed by flames. “We’re fighting this alone,” said the village head, as elderly residents were evacuated and others gathered in the town square seeking safety.
More Than Ten Villages Ordered to Evacuate
Authorities ordered the evacuation of over a dozen communities. A children’s summer camp near Lofou was also evacuated, with children relocated by parents’ associations to safe locations.
President Nikos Christodoulides visited the affected areas and emphasized that preventing further loss of life remains the top priority. “Weather conditions are not on our side,” he said, urging the public to follow emergency instructions.
Record Heat and Drought Fuel the Crisis
The fire comes amid record heat, with temperatures soaring to 43°C (109°F) on Wednesday and forecast to climb higher. The country is facing one of its most severe droughts in years, with water reserves at dangerously low levels. The Kouris Dam, Cyprus’s largest reservoir and located near the fire zone, is currently just 15.5% full.
Cyprus has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, requesting urgent international help. Spain is expected to send two firefighting aircraft, while Jordan has also expressed readiness to assist.
