Cyprus wildfire in Troodos mountains destroys homes and cars, two bodies found
Share this @internewscast.com

Authorities in Cyprus discovered two bodies in a charred vehicle on Thursday following a devastating wildfire. This blaze consumed 38.6 square miles of forested terrain, destroyed multiple residences, and led to the evacuation of twelve villages on the southern flank of the island’s Troodos mountain range.

Initially, on Wednesday night, police had reported that Civil Defense teams found the body of one individual in the scorched vehicle along a main road that links the affected hillside villages.

But a second body was discovered early Thursday morning and police said identification efforts are ongoing.

Photos posted on social media purported to show the victims’ gutted vehicle on the shoulder of the main Monagri-Alassa road.

Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis informed the state-controlled Cyprus News Agency that although there are no active fire fronts at the moment, firefighting teams are still contending with several flare-ups, with winds anticipated to intensify later in the day.

Up to 14 aircraft are resuming water drops over hard-to-reach areas.

Cyprus’ Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis told the state broadcaster that more than 100 people who were evacuated from fire-hit communities are being hosted in temporary shelters.

The fire forced the evacuation of 14 villages along a 8.7-mile stretch of mountainous terrain.

Media reports showed gutted homes smoldering as flames swept through the outskirts of some villages.

In the village of Lofou, at least 20 homes were destroyed as fires threatened a group of stranded evacuees whose police buses had to turn back as the fire front shifted to block their exit.

Images broadcast on media late Wednesday showed flames consuming trees, brush and other vegetation along a huge front burning bright orange against the backdrop of a nighttime sky.

Police continued to block road access to the fire-afflicted communities as area residents vented against what they called a disorganized response to the huge fire.

Government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis said Spain would be sending two fire-fighting aircraft Thursday morning to assist local crews.

Jordan is helping with two of its own helicopters, which had been deployed in Cyprus for firefighting.

An RAF Chinook helicopter that operates from one of two British Bases on Cyprus is also assisting.

Limassol Municipality and the local soccer club Apollonas offered apartments and a basketball court respectively to temporarily house evacuees.

Cyprus has been on high alert for fires this summer after three consecutive arid winters.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago CTA riders deal with weekend work halting trains on elevated Loop tracks on Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines

Weekend CTA Maintenance Disrupts Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Line Services in Chicago’s Loop

In an unexpected twist for many Chicago commuters, the CTA announced a…
Jackson Chance Foundation to raise money for NICU families at 11th annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago in River North

Join the 11th Annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago to Support NICU Families with Jackson Chance Foundation

CHICAGO — The Jackson Chance Foundation is gearing up for its 11th…
NFL news: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson out for Chicago Bears Week 8 matchup on Sunday

Lamar Jackson to Miss Week 8 Showdown: Ravens Face Bears Without Star Quarterback

BALTIMORE — The upcoming weekend marks a pivotal moment for the Baltimore…
Investigators uncover possible serial killer linked to women’s murders, missing TV anchor

Investigators Discover Potential Serial Killer Connection to Women’s Murders and Disappearance of TV Anchor

This week, officials disclosed that a man once considered a key figure…
Sea & Sky Air Show powers through impacts from government shutdown, windy conditions

Sea & Sky Air Show Triumphs Over Government Shutdown and Challenging Winds

The Sea and Sky Air Show at Jacksonville Beach wrapped up earlier…
Dems Cry ‘Voter Intimidation’ as DOJ Deploys Election Monitors to CA, NJ

DOJ Sends Election Monitors to California and New Jersey Amidst Voter Intimidation Concerns

The Department of Justice revealed on Friday its plan to deploy election…
June Lockhart, beloved TV mom from ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space,’ dies at 100

TV Icon June Lockhart, Star of ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space,’ Passes Away at 100

LOS ANGELES (AP) — June Lockhart, a beloved figure for many television…
Progressive Zohran Mamdani taking his case directly to Fox News’ conservative viewers

Progressive Powerhouse Zohran Mamdani Faces Fox News: A Bold Move to Connect with Conservative Viewers

Zohran Mamdani, a leading Democratic mayoral candidate known for his democratic socialist…
Historic libraries bring modern comfort to book lovers and history buffs in New England

New England’s Historic Libraries Blend Timeless Charm with Modern Comfort for Book Lovers and History Enthusiasts

In the heart of Boston, David Arsenault experiences a sense of reverence…

Ex-LAPD Officer Faces Murder Charges in Shocking 2015 Unarmed Homeless Man Shooting

In a significant legal development, a grand jury indictment was revealed on…
Study links TikTok use to Gen Z women’s attraction to criminals

New Study Reveals Surprising Connection Between TikTok Use and Gen Z Women’s Interest in ‘Bad Boys

Gen Z Women Are Swooning Over These Men! A recent study reveals…
GIF of agents clashing with protesters in Portland at an ICE facility

Protesters Captured on Video Clashing with Federal Officers at Portland ICE Facility, Leading to Arrests

A woman was taken into custody outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs…