Fire-affected person moved to tears: “The children were saved… the dogs found – A true oasis”

A package of 12 immediate support measures for fire victims was announced yesterday by the President of the Republic, following the deadly wildfire that left two people dead and caused vast destruction to property and the environment.

Speaking to RIK, Ilias Menelaou, a resident of Koilani, recounted the traumatic moments his family experienced. “These are very difficult times, there is a lot of physical and emotional exhaustion,” he said. He was at work in Limassol when the fire broke out, while his eldest son was home alone.

“My wife finished work and got home at 3pm. A little later, we heard that homes in Vouni were on fire. Ours is located between Vouni and Koilani. She called me and asked what to do – I told her to leave immediately. The village head also called her and told her the same thing,” Mr Menelaou said.

“I thought I would make it back in time to grab a few things,” he said poignantly.

The family’s two younger children were in Agios Therapon, at their grandmother’s house. “We felt they were safe. Thankfully they listened to us and left – because in the end, that house also burned down,” he added.

Amid the despair, a sign of hope came from their pets. “Thankfully our dogs were found – it was like an oasis. The children smiled, we were truly overjoyed,” he said.

Mr Menelaou also highlighted the moving public response. “The support has been incredible. It’s given us so much hope that we’re no longer worried. Our eyes well up from everything we hear and see – from the acts of kindness from our fellow human beings.”

Also read: Limassol wildfire: President apologises and announces measures