Newsroom
The deadly wildfire in Cyprus' Limassol district has claimed at least two lives, forced mass evacuations, and scorched approximately 100 square kilometers of land as firefighting crews continue battling persistent flare-ups under extreme weather conditions.
Authorities confirmed Thursday morning that two charred bodies were discovered late Wednesday night in a burned vehicle on the Monagri–Alassa road. Civil Defense personnel made the grim discovery around 9 p.m., with police later confirming both victims were inside the same vehicle. Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased.
The fire, which erupted Wednesday, has devastated the Souni–Zanatzia region and surrounding communities. According to Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis, though there are no active fire fronts as of Thursday morning, flare-ups continue to challenge firefighters on the ground and in the air. Aerial units began water drops early Thursday, with additional aircraft arriving from Spain and Jordan to bolster operations.
Twelve communities, as well as campsites and picnic areas, were evacuated Wednesday as strong winds reaching Force 5 on the Beaufort scale and searing temperatures up to 44°C (111°F) fueled the blaze. The Department of Forests has declared a “Red Alert” for forest fire risk, warning that any act of arson is punishable by severe penalties under Cypriot law.
Power outages continue to plague 15 communities after flames destroyed poles and electrical infrastructure. According to Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou, restoration work has been delayed by ongoing hazards and inaccessible areas.
In Kyvides, local leaders described scenes of desperation as flames surrounded homes and water supplies were depleted. "Fires like these don’t start on their own," the community leader said in an emotional radio interview, highlighting resident frustrations over delayed assistance.
The nearby village of Souni–Zanatzia also suffered property losses. Residents were forced to evacuate without official orders, according to the village’s leader. “Homes have been destroyed,” he confirmed Thursday morning.
Health services are responding to the crisis, with 16 individuals treated at Limassol General Hospital’s Emergency Department. Two burn victims have been transferred to Nicosia General Hospital for specialized care, according to OKYPY spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou.
More than 100 people displaced by the fire are currently being housed in community centers, with Justice Minister officials stating they are expected to be relocated to hotels later today.
To aid ongoing operations, an emergency coordination center has been set up at Ypsonas Town Hall, and an ambulance station has been established at the Erimi community football field.
Road closures remain in effect, including the Trimiklini–Lania–Alassa and Vouni–Agios Ambrosios–Kyvides routes. Drivers traveling from Limassol to Troodos are advised to use the Palodia–Paramytha–Gerasa–Kalo Chorio–Agros route, while those heading in the opposite direction should take the Saittas–Agios Mamas–Apesia–Korfi route.
Authorities continue to urge the public to follow all emergency directives to ensure their safety and support firefighting efforts. Patrols remain active in affected areas to monitor for flare-ups and assist residents.
