On Thursday, Cyprus police discovered two bodies in burned-out cars amidst a vast wildfire that has ravaged about 38.6 square miles of forested hillside. The fire has led to the destruction of numerous homes and forced 12 villages on the south side of the Tordos Mountains to evacuate.
Initially, officials reported that the burnt body of an individual was found in a vehicle along the main road leading to a village affected by the blaze. Later that morning, authorities located a second body, and processes for identification began.
Images shared on social media depicted the damaged vehicle on the side of Main Monagliarassa Road.
Firefighter spokesperson Andreas Kettis indicated that there’s currently no active frontline, though crews are managing multiple flare-ups. The forecast suggests wind conditions will intensify later in the day.
As part of the firefighting efforts, up to 14 aircraft are strategically dropping water on hard-to-reach areas.
Cyprus’s Justice Minister, Marios Hartsiotis, told state media that over 100 people evacuated from the fire-affected regions are currently being accommodated in temporary shelters.
The fire has already led to the evacuation of 14 villages spanning around 8.7 miles of mountainous terrain.
Reports have shown houses smoldering as flames encroached on the outskirts of several villages. In Lofou, for instance, at least 20 homes were lost when the fire endangered evacuees there.
Media footage aired late Wednesday displayed flames consuming trees and brush against the backdrop of the night sky.
Authorities are still restricting road access to certain communities, as local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as an inadequate response to the devastating fire.
Government spokesman Constantinos Retinbiotis announced that Spain would be sending two firefighting aircraft to aid local teams. Additionally, Jordan has sent two helicopters for firefighting efforts, along with RAF Chinook helicopters from UK bases in Cyprus.
In response to the crisis, the city of Limassol and the Apollonas soccer club have opened up apartments and basketball courts to assist evacuees. This summer, Cyprus is particularly on edge about fire risks after enduring three successive dry winters.
