The intervention of the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, was prompted by the shocking image of the disabled person who was forced to travel in the car garage of a ferry.
Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias today unveiled a sweeping set of reforms to the structure and operations of the Hellenic Armed Forces, including significant pay increases for conscripts, the consolidation of military bases, and major changes to national service procedures.
After 14 years, Greece has returned to the top of the world in women’s water polo. The national team defeated Hungary 12–9 in the final held in Singapore, making history once again.
Firefighting teams in Cyprus are facing small outbreaks and flare-ups following the large wildfire that broke out yesterday in Limassol and Paphos, threatening residential areas amid an intense heatwave.
Two people lost their lives, and hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate their homes.
Two bodies have been found in the same area where a person was discovered dead on Sunday. The charred remains were located inside a completely burned-out vehicle on the Monagri–Alassa road in the Limassol district. Authorities believe the victims were trying to escape the fire but got trapped in their car.
The identities of the two victims are being investigated through the vehicle’s registration details.
Dozens Trapped in Village School
The fire started in the village of Mallia and spread rapidly due to high temperatures and strong winds. In the village of Lofou, residents were temporarily trapped in the community school. Attempts to evacuate them failed because the roads were blocked by fire. Eventually, they returned to their homes and officials have confirmed they are now safe.
So far, 12 communities, as well as campsites and recreation areas, have been evacuated. Several roads have been closed.
Aerial firefighting operations resumed at dawn as winds calmed, making conditions slightly more manageable.
Around 15 villages have lost power after the fire damaged electrical networks and substations.
Overnight, firefighters worked to prevent the flames from reaching the Ypsonas industrial area near Limassol, which hosts major factories. Despite their efforts, the fire reached the village of Souni, where homes are burning.
Situation Better in Paphos
In Paphos, the fire situation is more under control. The blaze there began at a landfill site in Agia Marinouda and spread to nearby farmland, causing damage to crops.
Residents Battle Fire Without Enough Equipment
Residents spent the night fighting the fire themselves, with many complaining about a lack of firefighting resources.
Two people have been hospitalized with burns, and at least 10 others have experienced breathing problems or eye irritation due to smoke.
About 70 people have been relocated from their homes to safe areas.
Communities Affected
Communities affected by the wildfire include Mallia, Omodos, Vasa, Arsos, Potamiou, Lofou, Agios Georgios Sylikou, Vouni, Agios Ambrosios, Kyvides, Souni, and Kantou.
Firefighting forces are deployed at multiple fronts, and 14 aircraft provided aerial support until sunset. Ground crews continue to fight the fire throughout the night, with aerial efforts resuming at first light.
Evacuation Orders Issued
Cyprus’s Civil Defense has ordered the evacuation of several communities and recreational areas in mountainous Limassol. These include Agios Ambrosios, Kyvides, Souni-Zanatzia, Agios Therapon, Potamiou, Mallia, Vasa, Vouni, Koilani, Lofou, Pera Pedi, Monagri, and campsites in Platres and Agia Mavri.
Authorities are urging anyone remaining in the affected areas to follow official instructions for their safety.
Spain Sends Support – Turkish Cypriot Leader Offers Help
Spain has agreed to send two firefighting aircraft following a request from the Republic of Cyprus under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, according to government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar also offered support, saying equipment and personnel could be provided through UN channels and technical committees. He expressed concern over the destruction and evacuations and said he hoped the situation would be brought under control quickly.