Four Dead As ‘most Destructive’ Infernos In Cyrus History Burn Down Homes (pix) - Foreign Affairs

Four Dead As ‘most Destructive’ Infernos In Cyrus History Burn Down Homes (pix) - Foreign Affairs - Nairaland

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Four Dead As ‘most Destructive’ Infernos In Cyrus History Burn Down Homes (pix) by Holiness2100(op): 6:12pm On Jul 04, 2021

FIRE & BRIMSTONE:
DEVASTATION has swept across Cyprus as the "most destructive" forest fires in the island's history burned down houses and scorched the landscape.

At least four people have died in the raging infernos which covered 19 square miles in the foothills of the Trodos mountain range in the west of popular holiday island in the Mediterranean.

"We are experiencing the most destructive fire since the founding of the Cyprus republic in both material damage, but also unfortunately in terms of human lives," said interior minister Nicos Nouris.

The fire began Saturday afternoon and has swept through districts in the southern foothills of the mountains as the country grapples with a blistering heatwave.

Pictures show the horrifying wall of fire burning across the hills as brave fire crews desperately tried to bring the inferno under control.

They were successful in bringing the main fire under control on Sunday as dawn broke over the charred landscape.

However, it is feared strengthening winds could yet propel a resurgence and once again whip up the flames.

The bodies of four people, since identified as Egyptian nationals, were found were found outside the village of Odos.

Phileleftheros newspaper reported their charred remains were found about 400 metres from their burnt-out vehicle.

"It is a tragedy," President Nicos Anastasiades said on Twitter.

He described it as "the largest fire since 1974" when the island was divided after Turkey occupied its northern third.

The cause of the fire remains unclear - but it comes as Cyprus recorded temperatures of up to 40C last week and there has been very little rain since mid-April.

Police said they are also questioning a 67-year-old person in connection with the blaze on suspicion of arson.

British forces have also been deployed from military bases on Cyprus - including two search and rescue helicopters - to help fight the disaster.

Major General Rob Thomson said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Republic of Cyprus as we work together to overcome this tragedy."

President Anastasiades visited a crisis management centre in the village of Vavatsinia, located a few miles east of the blaze.

"The high temperatures and the wind are our biggest dangers," he said.

"The whole situation is under partial control. What worries us is the possible increase of the winds at noon."

He added: "We will not leave anyone abandoned in the destruction of the fire."