Chaos has erupted in Cyprus as ferocious wildfires tear through the popular tourist region of Paphos, leaving devastation in their wake. Two victims tragically perished after their vehicle was engulfed in flames during a desperate escape attempt.
Tourist Paradise Turned Inferno
The normally idyllic resort area now resembles a warzone, with luxury villas reduced to smouldering ruins and thick smoke blotting out the Mediterranean sun. Emergency services report the fire is "completely out of control" as 60mph winds create terrifying firestorms.
Mass Evacuations Underway
Authorities have launched one of the largest evacuation operations in recent memory:
- Over 500 tourists airlifted to safety via emergency flights
- Coastal hotels transformed into makeshift shelters
- British holidaymakers among those receiving emergency consular assistance
Climate Crisis Fuels Disaster
Fire experts point to the deadly combination of a record-breaking heatwave and prolonged drought that has turned the landscape into a tinderbox. Temperatures have consistently exceeded 40°C (104°F) for weeks, with no significant rainfall in months.
Local resident Maria Petrou described the scene: "The sky turned black by midday. We could hear explosions as gas tanks ignited. Everyone was running towards the sea - it was like the end of the world."
International Response
The Cypriot government has requested urgent assistance from EU neighbours, with firefighting aircraft arriving from Greece and Israel. The UK Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for British nationals in the region.
