Two bodies have been discovered in a charred car following a devastating wildfire in Cyprus that has forced the evacuation of 14 villages and destroyed multiple homes across 100 square kilometres of forested hillsides. The blaze, which erupted on the southern flank of the Troodos mountain range, saw temperatures soar to 44C as fire crews battled to contain the inferno.
Police initially found one set of remains late on Wednesday before a second body was uncovered on Thursday morning. Identification efforts are under way, with images on social media showing the incinerated vehicle parked on the main Monagri-Alassa road.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis confirmed that over 100 evacuees are being housed in temporary shelters, while media footage captured rows of smouldering homes in villages such as Lofou, where at least 20 houses were razed. Flames threatened a group of evacuees whose police buses were forced to retreat as the fire front shifted.
Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis said no active fronts remain, but crews are tackling numerous flare-ups. Up to 14 aircraft, including an RAF Chinook from the British Bases on Cyprus, are conducting water drops over difficult terrain. Spain is sending two firefighting aircraft, and Jordan has contributed two helicopters already stationed on the island.
The government has faced criticism from residents over the response, which they described as disorganised. Limassol Municipality and local football club Apollonas have offered accommodation for evacuees. Cyprus remains on high alert following three consecutive dry winters, with wildfires continuing to flare up across the island.
