A devastating wildfire in southern Cyprus has claimed the lives of two people and forced the evacuation of hundreds, as extreme heat and strong winds fueled the spread of the blaze.
The fire erupted on Wednesday near the wine-producing region north of Limassol, destroying homes and threatening entire communities.
Authorities confirmed that at least 100 square kilometers of land have been scorched. The bodies of two individuals were discovered inside a burnt-out vehicle, apparently trapped by the advancing flames. Police reported that at least 10 others have sustained injuries, including two in critical condition.
The blaze comes as Cyprus faces one of its most severe heat waves in recent years. Temperatures peaked at 43°C (109.4°F) on Wednesday, prompting a red weather warning. A further alert was issued on Thursday, with forecasts predicting a high of 44°C, the hottest temperature recorded in the country so far this year.
Fire Department spokesperson Andreas Kettis highlighted the challenging conditions faced by emergency services, stating that intense and unpredictable wind gusts have significantly hindered firefighting efforts.
While the exact cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, Cypriot officials say it is still too early to provide a detailed assessment of the full extent of the damage.
Cyprus has formally requested international assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
Spain is expected to deploy two firefighting aircraft on Thursday, according to government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Jordan has also pledged support in battling the rapidly spreading fire.
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