Wind gusts reaching up to 8 Beaufort in the wildfire areas (10:35)
Swearing-in ceremonies for 2025 ESSO conscripts postponed to 29 July (10:32)
The scheduled swearing-in ceremonies for conscripts of the 2025 ESSO intake have been postponed to Tuesday, 29 July, due to the ongoing wildfire situation in the mountainous region of Limassol.
The ceremonies were originally planned for Friday, 25 July.
The Ministry of Defence has announced that the new date for the ceremonies is Tuesday, 29 July at 8:00 a.m.
According to the Ministry’s statement, conscripts and invited guests will be informed of the details through their respective Units.
The Israeli aircraft carried out a single drop of fire retardant and then departed for Israel without landing in Cyprus. (21:56)
The retardant is loaded exclusively in Israel, which is why no stopover is planned in Larnaca or any other Cypriot base.
If deemed necessary, their return may be requested tomorrow for additional drops.
Civil Defence caring for 80 people in temporary shelters (21:20)
Civil Defence has ensured that approximately 80 people displaced from their homes by the wildfire in Limassol and currently being housed in temporary shelters in Erimi, Episkopi, and Trimiklini, are receiving all necessary support, according to Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasides, speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
Camp beds, sheets, and pillows were provided for sleeping, and today, residents were offered breakfast, lunch, and dinner, he added.
He noted that Civil Defence will continue to ensure that they receive everything they need in the coming days, until the damage assessment process is complete and the suitability of their homes is confirmed for a safe return.
Mr Liasides also stated that Civil Defence is actively involved in managing the wildfire’s impact with a team of 42 personnel, deployed across:
- Temporary accommodation centres
- The coordination centre
- Evacuation support teams
- A firefighting unit
- Drone surveillance teams
- And staffing Civil Defence offices in Limassol.
European Commission President expresses support for Cyprus in firefighting efforts (21:05)
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has expressed the EU’s support for Cyprus in combating the wildfires.
“The EU stands with Cyprus in fighting the large-scale wildfires.
The EU has urgently mobilised support through the Civil Protection Mechanism,” she stated in a post on ‘X’.
The Commission President also noted that this summer, nearly 670 firefighters from 14 countries, along with a fleet of 22 aircraft and 4 helicopters, have been deployed to countries in need.
“The situation is clear” in the fire fronts of Pachna and Mandria, according to community leaders (21:00)
The flare-ups in Pachna and Mandria appear to have been extinguished, according to statements made to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) by the community leaders of the two villages.
The community leader of Mandria, Renos Moiseos, said that the fire in Mandria has been extinguished and that the “situation is clear”, though he expressed concern about the fire in Omodos.
He noted that in Mandria, the fire did not affect the village itself but was burning higher up in the mountains, consuming wild vegetation in a shrubby area.
“The wind keeps changing direction,” he said, adding that this could potentially work in their favour if it shifts toward already burned areas.
The fire in Pachna also appears to have been extinguished. The community leader, Andreas Savva, told CNA that “things are calm at the moment.”
“We had some small flare-ups. They’ve been put out,” he noted.
He mentioned that the damages have yet to be fully assessed, but there are many issues, particularly with electricity poles owned by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). As president of the local community cluster, he said there was severe damage in Mallia, Vasa, Arsos, Vouni, Agios Therapon, Agios Ambrosios, and Souni.
In Lofou alone, he said, 25 homes were destroyed.
Mr Savva was visibly moved, highlighting the tremendous response from the public, who brought essential supplies, water, food, and clothing to all communities in the region.
“We don’t even know where to put it all,” he said, noting that the supplies will be distributed to those in need.
He added that in Pachna, some houses bordering the wildlands were evacuated as a precaution in the early hours, but ultimately were not affected.
The Pachna Health Centre hosted around 30 people yesterday, including some from neighbouring communities.
The community leader praised the doctor at the health centre and the police, who, he said, went above and beyond the call of duty.
President: Our priority is the protection of human life (20:45)
In statements made from the coordination centre, the President of the Republic said:
“Our foremost priority is the protection of human life.
There will be full restoration of material damage. I have spoken with the Minister of Finance.”
Regarding the issue of accountability, he noted:
“Everything will be investigated and made public.”
Police announcement on fake news related to the wildfire (20:30)
In recent hours, there has been a noticeable circulation and reproduction of false news that does not reflect reality.
Some of these posts concern the fire fronts, flare-up locations, and alleged police instructions for citizens to remain in their homes and attempt to extinguish fire outbreaks themselves.
The public is urged not to be misled by fake news and not to adopt or share unverified information.
It is recommended that information be obtained only from official sources and announcements from the relevant state authorities.
Citizens are also advised that, for any questions or support needs, they should contact the appropriate authorities directly.
Video from the aid collection at Makarios Stadium (20:05)
UK Travel Advisory for Cyprus (20:00)
Guidance for travellers:
If you are planning to travel to an affected area, contact your travel agent or accommodation provider before departure, and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
If you are near a wildfire, follow the instructions of local authorities, call 112 in case of immediate danger, and get in touch with your airline or travel agent regarding your return to the United Kingdom.
British nationals in need of consular assistance can call the 24-hour helpline on +44 20 7008 5000.
Winery at risk in Omodos, says village leader (17:41)
“A living hell” is how Omodos village leader, Evgenios Michael, described the situation as wildfires continue to threaten the area. Speaking to CNA, he said a winery located at the village entrance is currently at risk from the flames.
Although the Omodos community has been evacuated, Michael remains on site. He reported that while one fire front was extinguished, a new blaze has now broken out above the winery. He stressed that “superhuman efforts” are being made to save it, given its strategic location at the village entrance.
Both ground and aerial firefighting forces are active in the area, but strong winds are making efforts increasingly difficult.
Although homes have not been threatened so far, the village leader confirmed that the damage to crops is extensive.
Earlier on X, Fire Service Spokesperson Andreas Kettis also confirmed that Omodos was under threat and said the main fire front is advancing south. “Tremendous efforts are being made to contain it with both ground and aerial units,” he noted.
