Fire-stricken communities across Limassol remain without electricity or water supply as damage assessments reveal 191 homes damaged, with 93 completely destroyed across fifteen villages, whilst police patrol areas reporting theft from abandoned properties.
The deadly wildfire shows no active fronts but maintains a significant risk of flare-ups across its entire perimeter, according to the Limassol Operations Coordination Centre.
Overnight patrols by police targeted fire-damaged areas following looting reports, particularly around Souni-Zanakia village.
Deputy Limassol District Officer Electra Panayiotou confirmed damage assessment teams will continue cataloguing destruction, with reports by 5pm yesterday showing 120 vehicles of various types destroyed alongside 31 caravans, warehouses, outbuildings and one restaurant. Officials expect these figures to increase over coming days.
Fire Chief Nikos Longinos acknowledged public concerns about emergency response whilst defending service efforts. “Could local government, district administration, community leaders or citizens have done something different? Could we have cleared all vegetation? We will study these questions and provide answers,” Longinos stated.
The Electricity Authority reports 400 power poles destroyed, with generators installed to supply seven communities and consideration of two additional installations. Nine communities have largely restored electricity supply, though repair work remains challenging for technical crews.
Telecommunications provider Cyta announced support measures including suspension of disconnections for unpaid July bills and waived August charges for mobile, fixed telephone, television and internet services in affected communities, excluding roaming and premium rate services.
The Souni-Zanakia, Agios Therapon, Lofou and Vouni communities sustained the heaviest damage from the unprecedented blaze that claimed two lives earlier this week.
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