Two people have died in a massive wildfire sweeping across southern Cyprus, with hundreds evacuated as the blaze destroys homes and threatens communities amidst an intense heatwave.
Extensive Damage and Ongoing Battle
At least 100 square kilometers have been scorched in the wine-producing region north of Limassol since the fire erupted yesterday around noon. Several hotspots remained active as of Thursday morning.
The two victims were found dead in a burnt vehicle engulfed by flames. At least ten people have been injured, two of them severely, according to police. Early Thursday, the fire continued to threaten Limassol, a sprawling coastal city whose development has expanded into the surrounding mountains in recent years.
Firefighting aircraft were redeployed at dawn, with strong winds complicating efforts to contain the blaze. Authorities stated it’s too early for a precise damage assessment or to determine the cause of the fire.
Heatwave Exacerbates Conditions, International Aid Sought
The island experienced temperatures up to 43 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, triggering a yellow weather alert that remains in effect for Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius – the highest recorded this year.
Cyprus has requested assistance through the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, and Spain is expected to send two aircraft on Thursday, said government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Jordan has also pledged support.
Cyprus is grappling with a prolonged drought, which has brought its scarce water resources to critically low levels. The affected area is north of Cyprus’s Kouris Reservoir, the island’s largest, which on Wednesday was at only 15.5 percent of its capacity, Reuters reports.
