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
Third Afghan national from Biden-era program arrested in a week by ICE agents in Virginia: DHS

Third Afghan National from Biden-Era Program Apprehended by ICE in Virginia This Week: DHS Reports

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have apprehended…
Actress Sarah Paulson gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Sarah Paulson Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Renowned actress Sarah Paulson, celebrated for her…
Weezer bassist Scott Shriner's wife files for divorce after attempted murder arrest 

Shocking Turn: Weezer Bassist’s Wife Files for Divorce Amidst Attempted Murder Scandal

Scott Shriner, the bassist for Weezer, is facing a significant life change…
Illegal immigrant with prior DUIs, deportation order, suspected in crash killing 8-year-old California girl

Suspect in Fatal Crash Involving 8-Year-Old California Girl Identified as Undocumented Immigrant with Prior DUIs and Deportation Order

An unfortunate tragedy unfolded over the weekend when an illegal immigrant, previously…
Dozens of tenants in South Shore, Chicago building Customs and Border Protection raided being evicted: 'We don't deserve this'

South Shore Residents Face Eviction After Controversial CBP Raid: Community Demands Justice

CHICAGO (WLS) — Residents of a Chicago apartment building, which gained notoriety…
Faulty glucose sensors used by diabetes patients linked to 7 deaths, hundreds of medical issues

Defective Glucose Sensors for Diabetes Patients Tied to 7 Fatalities and Numerous Health Complications

Approximately 3 million glucose sensors across the United States are at the…
Maya Lupian: 8-year-old victim killed in Stockton, California mass shooting identified; was 2 weeks away from 9th birthday

Heartbreaking Loss: 8-Year-Old Maya Lupian Identified as Victim in Stockton Mass Shooting Just Weeks Before 9th Birthday

In a tragic turn of events at a child’s birthday celebration in…
‘Show me your phone:’ End of cash bus fares to expedite MTA fare enforcement

MTA to Enhance Fare Enforcement with Shift from Cash to Digital Payments on Buses

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) anticipates that the complete transition to a…
Top Republican Accuses Mike Johnson of Blocking FBI NDAA

Prominent Republican Criticizes Mike Johnson for Obstructing FBI NDAA Legislation

A provision aimed at increasing congressional oversight of FBI counterintelligence investigations into…
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Files Paperwork for Potential Minnesota Governor Run to Unseat Tim Walz

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Eyes Minnesota Governorship: Challenges Tim Walz in 2024 Bid

Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, is contemplating a campaign for Minnesota’s…
UFO clues emerge in decades-old images showing strange bursts over nuclear testing sites: report

Newly Unearthed Photos Reveal Mysterious Flashes Over Historic Nuclear Test Sites

Photographs captured over seven decades ago could unlock new insights into the…
New Zealand man accused of eating Faberge egg pendant inspired by James Bond 'Octopussy' movie as police wait for evidence

New Zealand Man Allegedly Swallows Faberge Egg Pendant in Bizarre Incident Mirroring James Bond’s ‘Octopussy

In a bizarre turn of events in Wellington, New Zealand, authorities are…