A major wildfire in the Limassol district has forced mass evacuations across 16 communities whilst 36 residents remain trapped on a bus in the village of Lofou, awaiting police escort to safety.
Two people have been hospitalised with severe burns, whilst emergency services have treated at least 10 others for breathing difficulties and eye problems caused by smoke inhalation. The fire has destroyed homes and vehicles across the region.
Trapped residents await rescue
The 36 trapped residents boarded a police bus in Lofou after village leader Giannos Neofytou called for emergency evacuation assistance. Despite early warnings to the community’s approximately 230 residents, some remained in the village before it became surrounded by flames.
“I reported we had a problem and police sent a bus from Agios Amvrosios, before that community itself came under threat,” Neofytou said. Police and civil defence personnel are accompanying the trapped residents, with army vehicles expected to assist in the evacuation.
Access remains severely limited as the Lofou-Pera Pedi road has been closed due to fire damage to electricity authority infrastructure.
Medical response
The first burn victim, suffering extensive injuries, was stabilised and transferred to Limassol General Hospital’s accident and emergency department. A second patient, a woman with burns, was later admitted and is being assessed by specialists from multiple medical disciplines. She may require transfer to Nicosia’s specialist burns unit.
Health Minister Michalis Damianos confirmed a new first aid centre has been established in Erimi community after the initial facility at Kyvides football ground was evacuated. Approximately 15 people have required medical attention, whilst the first seriously injured patient remains in serious but stable condition.
Widespread evacuations ordered
Civil defence authorities have issued immediate evacuation orders for 16 communities and recreational areas across mountainous Limassol, including:
- Agios Ambrosios, Kyvides, Souni-Zanatzia
- Agios Therapon, Potamiou, Mallia
- Vasa, Vouni, Koilani
- Lofou, Pera Pedi, Monagri
- Multiple camping sites at Platres, Pera Pediou, and Agia Mavri
- Additional recreational areas in surrounding regions
The fire service and police coordination centre has been relocated from Agios Ambrosios due to safety concerns as flames encircled the area.
Aerial firefighting units completed their final water drops of the day, with operations set to resume tomorrow morning. Residents remaining in evacuation zones are urged to follow official guidance for their safety.
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