Two people remain in serious but stable condition at Nicosia General Hospital’s Burns Unit following extensive burns sustained during the major wildfire affecting Limassol District.
The patients are not on ventilators and do not require mechanical support, but have sustained large burn areas, and their condition is considered serious, according to State Health Services Organisation spokesman Charalambos Charilaou.
A total of 16 people received medical care at Limassol Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, presenting symptoms of respiratory difficulties, burns and other injuries.
Five were admitted to hospital wards, whilst the remainder were discharged. The two most seriously injured were transferred to Nicosia.
Two additional admissions were recorded at Troodos Hospital due to respiratory problems.
A First Aid Station has been established in Erimi community, where approximately 40 people have been examined, Charilaou said. The station remains active today to provide immediate medical support and, if necessary, transfer patients to Limassol Hospital.
Civil Defence operational response
Civil Defence spokesman Panagiotis Liasidis said the situation “was extremely difficult”, with the service participating in firefighting efforts using 16 vehicles and 36 personnel.
Civil Defence established temporary accommodation centres in Erimi, Episkopi, Trimiklini and Pachna, providing basic equipment and essential supplies. The Trimiklini unit has closed as residents returned to their homes, whilst the remaining centres remain operational.
Liasidis said damage assessment is expected to take place today to determine which houses are habitable. Where properties are found to be uninhabitable, state support options will be sought.
Responding to criticism of Civil Defence over lack of resources, he noted that fire fronts were numerous and mobilisation involved resources and personnel from all districts.
“We tried to do the best we could, but the situation was extremely difficult. The wind intensity and rapid spread of the fire seriously hampered our work,” he said.
Liasidis said no Civil Defence members were trapped, although access to critical points was often impossible due to conditions.
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