The wildfire raging in Paphos has intensified significantly, triggering the full activation of the National Fire Plan (“Pyrsos”).
An eyewitness reported a delayed response from aerial firefighting resources, resulting in the complete destruction of three homes and extensive damage to at least ten others. The resident recounted the harrowing escape of locals from the fast-moving flames.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Nikos Christodoulides is cutting short his attendance at the Dead Sea Summit in Jordan to return to Cyprus. He will head to the Crisis Management Centre in Larnaca for immediate updates on the situation.
The devastation caused by the fire is evident in footage obtained by philenews.
Following a request from Cyprus, Greece is mobilizing two Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft for deployment through the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism. This rapid response follows a call from Greece’s Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vasilis Kikilias.
Homes, animals, and buildings in the Psathi area have been consumed by the blaze. Residents expressed their relief over the absence of casualties thus far, attributing it solely to luck. Efforts are ongoing to secure additional aerial support from Jordan, Israel, and the EU.
The Fire Service Spokesperson, Andreas Kettis, confirmed extensive property damage sustained by residents, with a significant number of homes protected by firefighters. The fire continues to spread eastward across a vast front, prompting the evacuation of Polemi and Psathi communities.
Υπεράνθρωπες οι προσπάθειες που καταβάλλονται από όλες τις αρμόδιες υπηρεσίες, για κατάσβεση της πυρκαγιάς στην επαρχία Πάφου. Η Αστυνομία προχώρησε σε ανάκληση προσωπικού. pic.twitter.com/iSWqbL8v70
— Αστυνομία Κύπρου (@Cyprus_Police) June 11, 2024
A livestock farmer trapped within his Psathi buildings was successfully rescued by firefighters and emergency responders. He is currently receiving first aid for minor external injuries.
Driven by strong winds, the fire now threatens Kourdaka, Choulou, and Lemona. Following a thorough assessment, Civil Defense and Police are evacuating these communities. The challenging terrain necessitates extensive support from the entire state apparatus and dedicated volunteer groups.
Furthermore, the National Fire Plan has been fully activated. A ministerial team, including the Justice Minister, Agriculture Minister, Fire Service Chief, and Forestry Department Director, is convening at the Crisis Management Centre.
