MWE Correspondent
A devastating wildfire has swept through southern Cyprus, claiming the lives of two people and destroying dozens of homes as temperatures soar to an expected 44°C (111°F).
The blaze began Wednesday afternoon near the village of Malia in the Limassol District, rapidly spreading across the dry, hilly terrain and overwhelming firefighting efforts.
Cypriot police discovered the charred remains of two individuals inside a burnt-out vehicle believed to belong to a 77-year-old woman who had been reported missing. While official identification is pending, local media reports suggest the vehicle was hers, highlighting the tragedy of residents caught off guard as flames advanced quickly with little time to escape.
The fire has scorched more than 120 square kilometers (over 46 square miles) of forest, farmland, and natural habitat, making it one of the worst wildfires Cyprus has faced in decades. At least 53 homes have been damaged or destroyed, forcing evacuations in over a dozen villages, including Vouni and Lofou, and leaving hundreds displaced.
The Mediterranean heatwave fueling the wildfire has brought unprecedented heat and dry conditions, with many parts of southern Europe facing similar crises this summer. Experts link these extreme weather events to the broader impacts of climate change, which is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in the region and around the world (wildfire trends).
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In response to the emergency, Cyprus has requested international assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Support arrived from neighboring countries including Greece, Israel, Spain, and the United Kingdom, which deployed firefighting aircraft from its base on the island. Despite the reinforcements, flare-ups continue in areas like Omodos and Mandria, making containment a challenge.
The disaster has prompted calls for improved wildfire prevention measures and early warning systems, as communities seek to better prepare for the increasing risks posed by hotter, drier summers. Authorities continue investigating the cause of the fire, including the possibility of arson.
President Nikos Christodoulides expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the government will provide support to those displaced and affected by the wildfire.
