A massive wildfire tearing through the southern slopes of Cyprus’ Troodos mountains has left two people dead, destroyed homes, and forced the evacuation of at least 14 villages. The fire, which began earlier this week, has scorched over 100 square kilometers of dense forest and hillside terrain, making it one of the worst wildfires to hit the island in recent years.
Tragic discovery amid charred wreckage
Late Wednesday, authorities found a burned-out vehicle on the Monagri-Alassa road with one charred body inside. A second body was discovered in the same vehicle Thursday morning, police confirmed. Identification efforts are underway, but officials have yet to release the victims’ identities.
Images shared online show the gutted car on the roadside, bearing silent witness to the devastation. Police suspect the victims may have been attempting to escape the advancing flames when they were overtaken by the fire.
Dozens of homes destroyed, evacuees stranded
The fire triggered panic as entire villages were evacuated. In Lofou village, media reports show at least 20 homes destroyed. One group of evacuees had to retreat mid-evacuation as shifting winds drove flames back onto their escape route.
While fire fronts were reportedly under control Thursday morning, Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis warned that flare-ups continue and strong winds could reignite fresh outbreaks.
Over 100 residents from fire-hit areas are currently being sheltered in temporary accommodations, including apartments offered by Limassol Municipality and indoor spaces provided by local sports clubs like Apollonas FC.
Anger over emergency response
As roads remained blocked and smoke blanketed the region, many residents voiced frustration, calling the response “disorganized” and “unprepared” for a fire of this scale. Social media videos captured the towering flames raging through forests, engulfing brush and trees with terrifying speed.
International support arrives
Cyprus has called in reinforcements. Spain has sent two firefighting aircraft, while Jordan’s helicopters, already stationed in Cyprus, are assisting. The UK’s Royal Air Force also deployed a Chinook helicopter from its base on the island to help douse flames in remote areas.
Government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that the fire remains under high alert status. He emphasized that three consecutive dry winters have left the country highly vulnerable, and emergency plans are being reviewed as a precaution for future events.
As fire crews continue to battle flare-ups and flying embers, the people of Cyprus now face the long road to recovery—and demand answers for how this tragedy unfolded.
