Authorities in Cyprus have managed to get a devastating wildfire under control after three days of relentless firefighting efforts in the island’s southern mountainous region.
Sadly, the blaze has claimed two lives and destroyed numerous homes, as reported by AFP.
Nikos Longinos, the head of the local fire service, shared on Friday that the situation was “very, very good,” noting that the fire had been contained. However, he cautioned that fire crews are still on high alert, as small flare-ups persisted overnight and conditions remain unpredictable.
Firefighters Remain on Standby
Longinos stressed that firefighting efforts will need to continue in the coming days due to the extreme weather conditions. “Temperatures are still dangerously high, humidity is low, and the terrain in the affected area is particularly challenging,” he explained.
The fire ignited on Wednesday around midday in the hills north of the port city of Limassol. According to the Cyprus University of Technology, the blaze has scorched about 125 square kilometers of vegetation, marking it as one of the most destructive wildfires the island has ever faced.
Extreme Conditions and Tragic Losses
Cyprus has been dealing with a prolonged drought, and this week saw temperatures spike to 44°C (111°F), which only intensified the wildfire. Strong winds further fanned the flames.
Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of an elderly couple who were trapped in their car while trying to escape near Limassol. Seven others were hospitalized with injuries; two of them are in serious condition but are expected to pull through.
At least 72 homes have been damaged, with 43 completely destroyed. Police are now investigating the cause of the fire and are looking into evidence that suggests it may have been intentionally set.
