Tragedy Strikes as Wildfires Rage in Cyprus Amid Record Heat

As Cyprus battles a fierce wildfire fueled by extreme heat, two people tragically lost their lives in a vehicle caught in the blaze. Firefighters actively combat the flames while neighboring nations offer assistance.

In a heartbreaking incident, two individuals have died in a vehicle engulfed by a wildfire that has swept through southern Cyprus amidst soaring temperatures projected to reach 44 degrees Celsius this Thursday. Cypriot authorities discovered two charred bodies in a burned-out car after the fire ignited in Malia village located in the Limassol district on Wednesday afternoon. Although the victims have not yet been formally identified, reports suggest the car belonged to a 77-year-old woman who was reported missing, with the deceased thought to be an elderly couple from the region.

The fire has resulted in injuries to over a dozen individuals and has devastated extensive areas, destroying homes and scorching approximately 100 square kilometers of land. Over 250 firefighters are currently fighting the blaze, which has been intensified by strong winds and extreme heat. An extreme temperature alert has been issued by the Department of Meteorology, predicting highs of 44 degrees in inland areas.

Cyprus Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis stated that while there are "no active fronts" in the fire, flare-ups continue to pose threats in various areas. Residents like Antonis Christou from Kandou have expressed their horror at the destruction, stating, "When I entered my house, I saw the mountain and the valley full of flames. I cried, really I cried, because people got burnt."

In response to the crisis, Cyprus has sought assistance from neighboring countries, utilizing the European Union's civil protection mechanism. Spain is set to dispatch two firefighting aircraft on Thursday, and two additional aircraft are on standby in Jordan. There is ongoing speculation regarding the fire's origin, with witness accounts suggesting it may have been deliberately set.

This summer has seen Europe grappling with extreme temperatures, frequently resulting in wildfires in places like the Greek island of Crete, Turkey, and Spain. Cyprus routinely faces wildfires amid drought conditions during the summer months, raising concerns about the growing frequency and intensity of such disasters. In a tragic incident from 2021, four Egyptian farm workers lost their lives due to a wildfire that engulfed 55 square kilometers in the same Limassol district.