Emergency crews are continuing to respond to a wildfire that broke out in the central Paphos District. Evacuations and road closures are ongoing.
The fire ignited in the early afternoon of June 11 at an illegal rubbish dump between the communities of Polemi and Psathi. It is currently out of control and moving eastward. Approximately 250 firefighting personnel and five aerial craft are on-site tackling the blaze.
The fire erupted amid an ongoing heatwave in the region, with the Department of Meteorology issuing yellow extreme temperature warnings across Cyprus. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 41°C (106°F). Strong winds and inaccessible terrain are complicating firefighting efforts, and further wildfire growth is possible.
Authorities have evacuated the surrounding villages of Choulou, Kourtouka, Lemona, Polemi, and Psathi due to the wildfire threat. The fire has destroyed three buildings and damaged at least six others. Several roads in the area, including those linking Lemonari to Polemi and Agios Demetrios to Psathi, have been closed.
(Source: Crisis 24)