Disaster in the Limassol area, dozens of villages have been evacuated, and casualties reported

On Wednesday, July 23, a disaster unfolded in Cyprus when a large-scale fire broke out in the village of Malia and spread over hundreds of kilometers in a matter of hours. Temperatures reached 38.3°C, and strong, dry winds with gusts up to 8 on the Beaufort scale made extinguishing the fire extremely difficult.

Nearly a day later, the fire remains uncontained and continues to threaten new areas. More than 14 settlements have been evacuated, including the popular mountain villages of Vasa, Kilaniou, Omodos, Lofou, and Arsos. Thick smoke has spread to the northern outskirts of Limassol, covering the sky above the city with a dark cloud.

Losses include human lives, homes, and infrastructure

The fire has already left widespread destruction in its wake. In Vouni, the chapel of St. John burned down completely. In Vasa Kilaniou, the fire destroyed residential buildings and a hotel and disrupted electricity and water supplies. In Lofou, flames spread from roof to roof. According to the village head, up to 12 buildings were destroyed. The fire that broke out on Wednesday at a landfill in Ayia Marinouda, in the Paphos district, was contained shortly before midnight. It covered an area of 1.5 km². The village of Suni suffered significant damage when a pine forest burned down.

Unfortunately, there were casualties. A burned-out car with two bodies inside was found on the road between Monagri and Alassa. Authorities are working to identify the victims.

Rescue operation: evacuation and assistance

The evacuation is complicated due to rapidly changing situation. In Lofou, for example, a bus carrying 36 residents was forced to turn back because all evacuation routes were cut off by fire. Many people spent the night in school buildings, still in potential danger.

The injured were taken to hospitals: one person had burns, and two had breathing problems. All medical facilities in the region are on high alert, with ambulance crews and air ambulances on standby.

Air operations are being carried out to the maximum extent possible. However, flights by planes and helicopters were suspended after dark, and the operation resumed in the morning. A joint headquarters comprising firefighters, forestry services, EMAK units, volunteers, and the army is operating on the ground. The "Ikaros II" plan is being implemented to provide for the full mobilization of emergency services. Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides and his cabinet arrived at the scene to coordinate efforts. You can follow the spread of the flames online on the NASA website.

Electricity, road, and logistical challenges

According to the latest data, 19 villages in the Limassol district and 10 in the Paphos district are currently without electricity. The fire has damaged at least 20 poles and three transformers. Repair work will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.

Many roads remain closed, including the Trimiklini-Lania-Alassa and Vouni-Ayios Amvrosios-Kivides routes. Police are urging drivers to avoid all travel to the affected areas and follow official instructions.

Learn where to find shelter and how to help.

Local authorities and volunteer organizations have opened temporary shelters for evacuees. People are being taken in by municipal centers, trade union buildings, supermarkets, private homes, taverns, and even libraries. Food, water, medicine, generators, and air conditioning are available on site.

All reception centers are accepting donations from the public. The most needed items are bottled water, food, personal hygiene products, first aid supplies, and bedding. For more details and a complete list of needed items, please call the numbers published on the official channels of the municipalities and volunteer groups. Addresses and contacts for assistance:

1. The Social Services Center is located in the Ploutis Servas residential complex at the intersection of Misiaouli and Kavazoglou streets. Contact number: 25 348 040.
2. The PEO trade union branch in Pelendri can accommodate over 100 people.
3. The Alphamega supermarket in Trimiklini is open to temporarily accommodate people and provide essential items.
4. The Trimiklini municipal building is functioning as a reception center.
5. The banquet hall in Polemidia Park has also been converted into a shelter.
6. The DIKO political party office in Limassol, on Saloniki Street, is accepting people and providing necessary assistance. Phone numbers: 25 360 223 and 99 313 066.
7. The Maximos Michailidis Regional Medical Center in Pachna has rooms equipped with air conditioning and an independent power supply.
8. The Markantonis Library Hall in Pachna is ready to temporarily house residents.
9. The local club café in Pachna provides access to water and refreshments.
10. The LINOS tavern is providing free meals to those in need.
11. The F.P.K. Protoporia TEPAK organization (20 Kouriou Street) is taking in victims. Contact numbers: 99 594 656 and 96 313 308.

Registration of fire damages

The Limassol District Administration has announced the start of the procedure for recording damage caused by the devastating fire. Starting today, special commissions will inspect residential buildings, commercial properties, and vehicles in the affected mountain villages. If you have been affected and wish to report damage, please contact the specialists at one of the following numbers: 25 806 405, 25 806 459, 25 806 426, or 25 806 422. Teams will only be dispatched to settlements that have received official access approval from the relevant services.

International reaction and solidarity

Cyprus has appealed for international support. Help from Jordan and Spain came quickly. The Turkish Cypriot side has also offered assistance. TRNC leader Ersin Tatar said he has conveyed the offer through the UN and the Intercommunal Committee. Additional resources are expected to be mobilized in the coming days.

The Limassol mountain fire could be one of the most devastating in Cyprus's history. Despite all efforts, the fire has not yet been extinguished. The losses — both human and material — are enormous, and recovery will take months. The most important thing now is to come together and help those in need. Stay tuned for updates, follow the authorities' instructions, and support those affected if possible. Even a simple bottle of water or a warm blanket can save a life for those who have lost their homes.