The wildfire prompted authorities to evacuate residents of 14 villages spread across a 14-kilometre stretch of mountainous terrain in Cyprus
Cyprus has been on high alert for fires this summer after three consecutive arid winters Representational image
Two bodies were discovered by police in Cyprus on Thursday inside a burned-out car, following a massive wildfire that ravaged around 100 square kilometres of forested hillsides. The blaze destroyed several homes and led to the evacuation of a dozen villages on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, reported AP.
Initially, police reported late on Wednesday that Civil Defence teams had discovered the charred remains of one person inside a vehicle on a main road linking several wildfire-affected hillside villages. However, a second body was found early on Thursday morning. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are currently underway to identify the bodies.
Photos shared on social media appeared to show the victims’ burned-out vehicle on the shoulder of the main Monagri-Alassa Road.
Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis told the state-run Cyprus News Agency that while there are no active fire fronts at the moment, crews are still tackling multiple flare-ups. He also warned that winds are expected to strengthen later in the day. Up to 14 aircraft have resumed water drops over areas that remain difficult to access, reported AP.
Cyprus' Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis told the state broadcaster that more than 100 people evacuated from fire-affected areas are currently being housed in temporary shelters.
The wildfire prompted the evacuation of 14 villages spread across a 14-kilometre stretch of mountainous terrain. Media footage captured smouldering, gutted homes and flames sweeping through village outskirts. In Lofou village alone, at least 20 homes were destroyed. A group of evacuees faced a terrifying moment when their police-escorted buses were forced to turn back after the fire front suddenly shifted, cutting off their route, reported AP.
Late Wednesday, dramatic images aired by local media showed a vast wall of fire engulfing trees, brush, and vegetation, its intense orange glow lighting up the night sky.
Police continued to block road access to the fire-affected communities as area residents Frustration grew among some residents, who vented against what they described as a disorganised response to the massive wildfire, reported AP.
Government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis announced that Spain would be sending two firefighting aircraft on Thursday morning to support local efforts. Jordan is also aiding with two helicopters already stationed in Cyprus for firefighting missions. Additionally, a Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter based at one of the British military installations on the island has joined the operation.
To support displaced residents, Limassol Municipality has offered apartments, while local football club Apollonas has opened its basketball court to serve as temporary shelter for evacuees, reported AP.
Cyprus has been on high alert for fires this summer after three consecutive arid winters, as reported by AP.
(With inputs from AP)
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