A massive wildfire scorched 100 square kilometers (38.6 square miles) of forested hillsides in Cyprus, destroyed numerous homes and forced the evacuation of a dozen villages
Two bodies have been discovered in burnt-out cars in Cyprus after ferocious wildfires broke out on the holiday island.
The massive wildfire has ravaged 100 square kilometres (38.6 square miles) of forested hillsides, destroyed several homes and led to the evacuation of a dozen villages on the southern side of the island nation’s Troodos mountain range. The range covers about a third of Cyprus and is where dozens of small villages and resorts are located.
Late on Wednesday, police initially reported that Civil Defense personnel had found the charred body of one individual inside the vehicle on a main road linking the fire-affected hillside villages. However, a second body was found early on Thursday morning. Identification efforts are ongoing.
Images shared on social media appeared to show the victims’ incinerated vehicle on the side of the main Monagri-Alassa road.
Here is our guide on what you need to know if you’re on the island or have a holiday booked there.
Have you been impacted by the wildfires? If you’re in a safe position to do so and would like to talk, please email webtravel@reachplc.com
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Where are the wildfires centered?
Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis told the state-run Cyprus News Agency that there are currently no active fronts, but fire crews are still tackling numerous flare-ups, and winds are expected to intensify later in the day. Up to 14 aircraft are set to resume water drops over areas that are difficult to access.
The wildfires have been centered on the southern side of the island nation’s Troodos mountain range. While there are resorts and holiday lets here, most holidaymakers are likely to stay at resorts in Paphos in the southwest or Ayia Napa in the southeast, as opposed to one in the central mountain range.
How bad have the fires been so far?
Cyprus’ Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis told the state broadcaster that more than 100 people who were evacuated from the fire-stricken communities are being accommodated in temporary shelters. The blaze forced the evacuation of 14 villages along a 14-kilometre (8.7-mile) stretch of mountainous terrain. Many homes have been reduced to ashes, smouldering as the fire engulfed the outskirts of some villages.
In Lofou village, at least 20 homes were obliterated by the fires that threatened a group of stranded evacuees whose police buses had to retreat when the shifting fire front obstructed their exit. Late Wednesday broadcasts showed images of flames devouring trees, brush and other vegetation along a vast front, burning bright orange against the backdrop of a nighttime sky.
Police maintained roadblocks to the fire-stricken communities while local residents expressed their frustration over what they perceived as a disorganised response to the massive fire.
How long will the threat of wildfires continue?
While this is a very difficult question to answer, there are signs that the risk will remain high for days to come, despite the efforts of firefighters.
The island has had a characteristically dry summer so far, with temperatures forecast to hit a dangerous 45C this weekend. Cyprus has been on high alert for fires this summer following three consecutive dry winters.
I’m on holiday in Cyprus – what should I do?
If a wildfire starts near you, you should follow any and all instructions given to you by local authorities. Whether that’s staying put or preparing for an evacuation.
Keep essentials such as passports, keys, and medication in an accessible place at all times in case you need to leave quickly.
If you have booked your break with a tour operator or airline, they should be your first port of call if you need to find alternative accommodation or flights. Check your emails and any related apps for updates from them.
It is worth calling your travel insurance provider (if you have one) to see if they can assist you if you need to move or arrange a new flight.
Keep a record of any extra expenses you have to make due to the wildfire. This could prove very useful if you need to make a claim with your insurance provider.
Can I cancel my Cyprus holiday because of the wildfires?
Certain criteria make cancelling a trip possible in such circumstances. These include a Foreign Office update warning Brits not to travel. There has not been one of these yet, but you can check its website for updates. The Foreign Office advice so far reads: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.”
Other reasons include if there’s a wildfire within a certain radius of your booked accommodation or if your accommodation or flights are cancelled as a direct result of the wildfire. Contact your travel provider to check before you decide not to travel.
