Limassol fire: Risks of flare-ups – Arson investigated

Date:

Sigma TV in Omodos (20:30)


Sigma TV at the Coordination Centre (20:20)


Call for accountability over the Limassol tragedy by Koinoniki Allileggyi (20:15)

Koinoniki Allileggyi describes the wildfire that struck mountainous Limassol as “the greatest disaster in the last 30 years” and “the third largest in area in the last 50 years,” calling for accountability in relation to the fire that left 2 dead and dozens of homes destroyed.

“We demand accountability, transparency, and for everyone to finally take responsibility for their actions. We owe it to the victims, the volunteers, the firefighters, and to our country,” the announcement states.

“After we pick up the pieces from the destruction of our scorched land, after we take care of those who lost everything in the fires, we must seek responsibility — and we must finally get answers,” it says, demanding that “accountability be assigned where it is due.”


Greatness of spirit: Offers his home to a family – “We lived through displacement” (20:10)

A remarkable act of compassion by our fellow citizen, Andreas Athanasi, who, in these difficult times, is offering his home to host people who lost theirs in the deadly Limassol wildfire.


Damage to Mosque in Malia to be repaired, says Tuncay (20:05)

The mosque in the village of Malia suffered serious damage in the wildfire, and the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage took immediate action following the fire, assessing the situation and deciding to begin restoration work on the mosque, according to a post on social media by the Turkish Cypriot co-chair of the Committee, Ali Tuncay.

As reported by Turkish Cypriot media, Mr Tuncay expressed condolences to all those affected by the wildfire and to the families of those who lost their lives.

Meanwhile, the “prime ministry” in the occupied north issued a statement reiterating the Turkish Cypriot side’s offer to provide assistance in fighting the fires in Limassol and Paphos, which included both ground crews and aerial support with firefighting helicopters.

The proposal, the statement added, was rejected while the fire continued to rage. “As communities that share the same geography and the same nature, we have shown a humanitarian stance without political expectations,” it said.

The “prime ministry” stated that it considers it a humanitarian duty to help its “neighbours” in times of natural disasters and crises and will continue to act in this direction.

A Turkish Cypriot youth, Emre Deliceirmek, has drawn attention on social media, according to Turkish Cypriot media, after he travelled alone to the fire-stricken areas of Limassol to deliver water and food to people and volunteers helping with firefighting efforts. He wrote that it was the longest solo trip he had ever taken, but it was easy, and he offered instructions on how others could get there.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “most people pray via their keyboards, waiting for the destruction to end.” He noted that although the Greek Cypriot side did not accept help from the Turkish Cypriot side, there was still much that individuals could do.

“The citizens, police, gendarmerie, soldiers, and firefighters there were devastated. The fire zone is far from the markets. No one refused the help I offered simply because I was a Turkish Cypriot. Many even thanked me with words like ‘Amigo,’ ‘Bravo,’ and ‘Bro’. The situation was so dire that everyone was in despair.”

He explained that he followed a mountainous road to reach the village and said he would do it again the next day, inviting anyone who wants to help to message him on social media.


Limassol Wildfire: Damage claims open from tomorrow – All the information (19:53)

The Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment announces that, as of 26 July 2025, it will be accepting Damage Declaration applications for losses caused by the wildfire that affected the listed communities.

The Damage Declaration forms are available at the Limassol District Agricultural Office, as well as on the Department of Agriculture’s website:
👉 http://www.moa.gov.cy/da under the section “Schemes and Applications.”


OAY: Access to GeSY specialists without referral for wildfire victims (19:51)

The Health Insurance Organisation (OAY) has announced that individuals affected by the wildfires in the Limassol district will have access to GeSY (GHS) specialist doctors without a referral.

Specifically, the announcement states that beneficiaries of the General Healthcare System who have been impacted by the fires in the Limassol district may visit a GeSY Specialist Doctor with or without a referral. If they have not obtained a referral, they will not be required to pay the €25 fee.

This arrangement will remain in effect until the end of August 2025.

Earlier, the HIO had issued guidelines to facilitate access to medication and medical supplies for wildfire-affected beneficiaries.

“The HIO continues to closely monitor developments and remains on standby, aiming to provide immediate service and support to those affected,” the statement added.


Protest over deadly Limassol wildfire – “My land is burning” (19:10)

A protest demonstration is being organised for Thursday, 31 July 2025, at 18:30, at the First Car Park of the Limassol Promenade (Molos), in response to the deadly wildfire that struck the mountainous region of Limassol, leaving behind burned homes, destroyed property, and unanswered questions about its causes and accountability.


Material aid for those affected (18:47)

The Civil Defence Force extends its sincere thanks to the public for their willingness to offer material aid to our fellow citizens affected by the wildfire in the mountainous region of Limassol.

At this stage, sufficient quantities have been collected, and citizens are kindly asked to wait for further announcements from the relevant authorities should any additional needs arise. This will help ensure proper management and avoid waste.

It is also reminded that the General Accounting Office of the Republic, following numerous requests from citizens wishing to contribute financially, has opened a donation account with the following details:

  • Beneficiary: Republic of Cyprus
  • Account Name: Wildfire Support Account
  • Bank: Central Bank of Cyprus
  • Account Number: 6001027
  • IBAN: CY42 0010 0001 0000 0000 0600 1027
  • SWIFT (BIC) Code: CBCYCY2N

Video of fire retardant drop over the fire fronts by Israeli aircraft (18:43)


AKEL’s response to the government (18:23)

The Christodoulides government may lack the ability to govern the country and be unfit for the circumstances, but it certainly has no shortage of arrogance and audacity. Shame!
What else can one say about a government that fails to understand the meaning of responsibility and accountability?


DISY: The government’s responsibility is overwhelming – They should at Least offer an apology (17:26)

A statement was issued by Onoufrios Koullas, Spokesperson and MP of the Democratic Rally (DISY), in response to the Government.

He said:

“The Government, through the Director of the Presidential Press Office, Mr Viktoras Papadopoulos, appears to have lost touch with reality.
The harsh questions raised by the Democratic Rally are the same ones being asked by society as a whole.
Citizens demand answers and accountability—now.”

“Instead of responding to the public, the Government chooses to respond to DISY.
They truly seem unaware of what has happened—unless, of course, the loss of two of our fellow citizens, the injury of dozens more, the massive environmental destruction, and the loss of a lifetime’s work and livelihood hold no particular significance for those in power.”

“The Government’s responsibilities are overwhelming.
Tactical manoeuvring and media spin have their limits.
They should at least offer a simple apology.”


Efforts continue to provide temporary shelter for wildfire victims (16:46)

Efforts to provide temporary accommodation for wildfire victims in apartments or houses are ongoing, said Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasides in a statement to CNA.

Responding to a question, Mr Liasides stated that members of the Civil Defence Force are stationed at the Firefighting Operations Coordination Centre in Ypsonas, while other members are also active in securing the affected areas.

“We are working with the National Guard and the Red Cross to provide meals,” he said, adding that they are receiving messages from communities about their needs and are delivering food, water, and other essentials.

He also mentioned that temporary shelters in Erimi and Trimiklini have now closed.
Twelve individuals were hosted in Trimiklini last night, while 38 people are currently being accommodated at Episkopiana, he added.

Mr Liasides explained that the Themistokleio facility was also prepared for temporary housing but ultimately was not needed.

“We are now placing people in homes and apartments offered by private citizens.
As of this morning, we had 60 individuals accommodated, and that number has definitely increased,” he said, noting that if needed, accommodation provided by PASYXE (the Cyprus Hotel Association) will also be used.

He also said that Civil Defence is responsible for supporting the host nation obligations, specifically managing the reception of foreign crews who have arrived in Cyprus to assist with firefighting.

“We currently have around 86 personnel:

  • 26 forest firefighters from Greece’s Special Forest Operations Units (EMODE)
  • 32 Egyptians
  • 17 Jordanians
  • 11 Lebanese,” he concluded.

Reports of 50 charred animals – “Around 15,000 goats and sheep in the area” (16:08)

There are farm animals confirmed dead as a result of the wildfires in mountainous Limassol, according to Apostolos Mazeris, Senior Veterinary Officer.
He stated that 50 dead animals have been located so far, and that the counting is ongoing.

In comments to CNA, Mr Mazeris noted that the fire-affected area is home to significant livestock farming, primarily goats and sheep, with an estimated population of around 15,000 animals.


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