Two people have died, dozens have been hospitalized with burns and respiratory issues, and hundreds have fled their homes due to a wildfire burning since yesterday afternoon in the mountainous region north of Limassol, according to Kathimerini.
The fire broke out in the area of Malia, at the foothills of the Troodos mountains—part of Limassol’s so-called “wine villages”—and has reached as far as Lofou, 20 kilometers away. The two unidentified bodies were found in a burned vehicle near Lofou. Local media report they may belong to an elderly couple who had been reported missing.
Cyprus has not activated its “112” emergency warning system.
The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and high temperatures, burning around 10,000 hectares and destroying at least 20 homes, with more under threat. At least 14 villages and a children’s summer camp have been evacuated, though reports suggest evacuations were carried out without central coordination—mainly through the initiative of residents and local leaders. Meanwhile, 17 settlements near Limassol are without power after wooden electricity poles were burned.
There are widespread complaints about a lack of coordination, with the Fire Department’s spokesperson admitting that an hour passed before the first firefighting aircraft dropped water. Thirteen aircraft from the Republic of Cyprus were operating this morning, with more reinforcements expected from abroad.
Cyprus has requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Spain is expected to send two aircraft today, and Jordan has also expressed willingness to help. Greece said it is currently unable to offer aerial resources due to its own domestic needs.
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