2 dead, 26 injured in largest wildfire in 50 years in Greek Cyprus

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus / ISTANBUL

Forest fires raging in the Limassol and Paphos provinces of the Greek Cypriot Administration have killed two people and injured 26, marking the largest wildfire in the past 50 years.

Firefighting efforts have been ongoing in Limassol's rural areas since Wednesday noon, and the fire in Paphos has been partially contained, according to media reports.

Police are investigating arson as a possible cause of the Limassol fire, while Greek Cypriot Administration spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis stated that the investigation into the fire’s origin is ongoing.

Power outages have affected large parts of rural Limassol and Paphos, while satellite data indicate that approximately 120 square kilometers of forest in Limassol have been destroyed by the flames.

Rescue teams evacuated villagers trapped by fire in Limassol's Lofou region, where two charred bodies were discovered inside vehicles on the Monagri-Alassa road, believed to be victims fleeing the flames. Their bodies were sent for identification.

In total, 26 people were injured in the Limassol rural fire, including 10 firefighters and 16 villagers who were taken to various hospitals for treatment.

Southern hospitals were put on alert this week due to a "Yellow Code" warning that forecast temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Greek Cypriots are fighting the Limassol fires with nearly 300 firefighters, volunteers, and 18 aircraft, and the fires have caused increased traffic and flight disruptions at Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Firefighting aid

Following an international appeal to combat the Limassol fires, Spain, Jordan, Egypt, the US, the EU, and Israel sent firefighting aid and support to Greek Cyprus.

Israel confirmed it would provide aerial assistance under the direction of Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, with aid aircraft scheduled to depart on Thursday evening.

Greece faced criticism for its delayed response, with Greek Cypriot Justice Minister Marios Hartsioti explaining that ongoing fires in Greece limited its ability to assist.

Helicopters from the British Royal Air Force, operating out of UK bases in the Greek Cypriot Administration, are participating in firefighting operations in Limassol and Paphos.

Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office issued a travel advisory for those planning to visit the Greek Cypriot, highlighting the island's high risk of forest fires during the summer months.