Significant destruction has occurred in Malia village, Limassol province, where a large wildfire has entered the community and damaged homes, forcing residents to evacuate their properties as the blaze spread through residential areas.
Community leader Marilena Athini confirmed that residents have been forced to leave their homes as the fire damaged residential properties. “The situation is extremely critical,” she told Philenews, describing how the blaze has been out of control for over an hour.
Emergency response criticism
“We are pleading for help from aircraft and the Fire Service. The situation has been uncontrolled for an hour,” Athini stated, whilst acknowledging that Civil Defence has been supporting the community from the outset.
Local resident Myroula Athini, whose home was reportedly the first to burn in Malia village, criticised emergency response times. “The Fire Service took an hour to arrive,” she claimed, describing the incident to Philenews.
The fire, which began near the river according to the community leader, has spread through the village affecting residential areas.
Fire spread through village
“The fire came down from the river and spread around the village,” she explained, providing an account of how the blaze moved rapidly through the community.
Emergency shelter established
For residents forced to evacuate their homes in Malia, Pachna Community Council has opened the “Georgios Markantonis” Multi-Purpose Hall as an emergency shelter. The facility is equipped with air conditioning and is providing refreshments and water to displaced families.
The fire’s entry into the village has affected residential areas, with the community’s proximity to the river, where the fire reportedly originated, making it particularly vulnerable to the spreading flames.
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