The Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its advice for anyone travelling to Cyprus. Wildfires have ravaged the southern Mediterranean island and visitors are warned to remain vigilant, as they can spring up very quickly.
The FCDO has said on its Cyprus travel advice page: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires: follow the guidance of the emergency services; call the Cyprus emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger”.
Two people were killed and hundreds evacuated after a devastating wildfire ripped through southern Cyprus on Wednesday, destroying homes and threatening a dozen surrounding villages.
A minimum of 39 square miles was burned to the ground in a wine-producing area north of the city of Limassol after the fire broke out around midday, with several fronts still burning on Thursday.
Two people were found dead in a burned-out vehicle and at least 10 people were injured, two of them seriously, police reported.
“I want to make a public appeal to all. I completely understand the issue with property, but people must follow the instructions from those who know best and evacuate their homes,” the Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said.
Authorities said it was too early to know what started the fire or how big an area is damaged.
“We are talking about very strong winds, with gusts, which were constantly interchanging,” fire brigade spokesperson Andreas Kettis said.
Hot weather continues to batter the country, with amber weather warnings in place, as the mercury hit 43C yesterday, with 44C possible today.