Raging Wildfires Devastate Cyprus, Killing Two 

Cyprus is facing its worst wildfires in years, as two massive blazes tear through the Limassol and Paphos districts, leaving a trail of destruction, two dead, and hundreds evacuated. The fires, fueled by a blistering heatwave with temperatures hitting 43°C (109.4°F) on Wednesday and expected to climb to 44°C today, have razed over 100 square kilometers of wine-producing regions north of Limassol, destroying homes, cars, and livestock facilities. The *Cyprus Mail* and *Reuters* report that the fires, which erupted around noon on Wednesday, are being driven by strong, shifting winds up to 5 Beaufort, complicating firefighting efforts.

In Limassol, villages like Malia, Omodos, Kilani, Vasa Kilaniou, Potamiou, Arsos, Vouni, Pera Pedi, and Koilani have been evacuated, with residents of Lofou forced to return after flare-ups blocked escape routes. A tragic scene unfolded when two people were found dead in a burned-out vehicle on the Monagri-Alassa road, trapped by the flames. At least 10 others were injured, two seriously. In Paphos, the fire started in Ayia Marinouda’s dog field, spreading to Agia Varvara, Marathus, Natas, and Episkopi, where locals are aiding firefighters. The *Cyprus Mail* notes one serious injury in the region, with Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis urging residents to cooperate with evacuation orders.

Firefighting efforts involve over 250 personnel, 10 fire engines, and 14 aircraft, including six from Cyprus, one from the British bases, and support from Jordan, Greece, and Spain via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. *Euronews* reports that Icarus II, a coordinated response system, is in play, but high winds and dense vegetation are hampering progress. The fires, described as a “huge ecological disaster” by Paphos district governor Charalambos Pittokopitis, follow a prolonged drought that left the Kouris reservoir at just 15.5% capacity. Fire brigade chief Nikos Longinos confirmed the Limassol fire was arson, sparking outrage as authorities investigate.

The *Daily Mail* paints a grim picture of luxury villas reduced to ash and tourist areas under threat, with a red hue hanging over Limassol’s skyline. Power outages have left elderly residents in the dark, with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) scrambling to restore services. X posts, including from @InfoR00M, highlight the crisis’s scale, noting the record 45°C heat and international aid. Some, like @lefycodes, lament Cyprus’s lack of firefighting gear, blaming EU sanctions on Russia for equipment shortages. This follows a deadly 2021 fire that killed four and a 2023 blaze in Limassol that burned 8.8 square kilometers, underscoring Cyprus’s vulnerability to climate-driven wildfires.