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
Pig kidney trasnplant: Bill Stewart of Dover, New Hampshire is 2ns Mass General patient to get surgery in new clinical trial

New Hampshire Man Becomes Second Patient at Mass General to Receive Pig Kidney in Groundbreaking Trial

WASHINGTON — An individual who identifies as a science enthusiast has recently…
Police: Ocala 9-year-old arrested for bringing loaded gun onto school bus

Police Report: 9-Year-Old in Ocala Arrested for Carrying Loaded Gun on School Bus

The police report that the 9-year-old is charged with several offenses, including…
DOJ hits train stabbing suspect with federal charge as FBI investigates on-camera attack

Federal Charge Filed Against Train Stabbing Suspect as FBI Proceeds with Investigation

The Department of Justice revealed on Tuesday that Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr.…
Who is Iryna Zarutska, Ukrainian refugee killed in Charlotte train attack?

Family of Iryna Zarutska Calls for Justice Following Tragic Stabbing Incident

For the first time since the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska, her…
Chief Justice John Roberts keeps in place President Donald Trump funding freeze that threatens billions in foreign aid

Chief Justice John Roberts Maintains Trump’s Funding Freeze, Risking Billions in Foreign Aid

WASHINGTON — Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday temporarily maintained the Trump…
Federal agents forced to retreat on slashed tires after immigration raid confrontation in sanctuary city

Federal Agents Withdraw After Immigration Raid in Sanctuary City Leads to Tire Slashing

A dramatic standoff in upstate New York between immigration agents, roofers and…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Springfield Man Shot After Declining Request for Money

A gunman shot a man in Downtown after asking for money, leaving…
Qatar threatens to 'retaliate' against Israel for Doha strike on Hamas

Qatar Warns of “Retaliation” Against Israel Following Doha Strike on Hamas

Qatar threatened to “retaliate” against Israel in the wake of an airstrike…
Iconic athletes Carl Lewis, Jerry Rice and Nadia Comăneci reveal how they stay strong as they age

How Legendary Athletes Carl Lewis, Jerry Rice, and Nadia Comăneci Maintain Their Strength with Age

Inspired by the popular series “Limitless: Live Better Now” featuring Chris Hemsworth,…
Containers falling off a cargo ship in California

Watch: Shocking Footage of Shipping Containers Falling from Cargo Ship in California

A dramatic video captures the incident where almost 70 shipping containers tumbled…
Authorities reveal cause of death in killing of retired college professor

Officials Disclose Cause of Death in Murder of Retired Professor

Authorities suspect that the individual charged with murdering a retired Auburn University…
Apple's iPhone 17 line-up includes a new ultra-thin model and $100 price hike for Pro model amid Trump's trade war

Apple Introduces Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 and Raises Pro Model Price by $100 in Response to Trade Tensions

Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is here. The tech giant on Tuesday unveiled…