XM Commits €5 million to support fire-affected areas (18:00)
Fully aware of the severity of the situation, XM has announced its commitment of €5 million to support the regions and residents affected by the devastating wildfires.
According to the official statement, “The financial support will be directed towards critical frontline needs as well as long-term recovery efforts, based on a documented needs assessment that will be conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities and through on-site evaluations, to ensure the targeted, transparent, and effective use of resources.”
The initiative will be implemented in coordination with trusted partners and mechanisms to ensure the aid reaches those who truly need it—quickly and efficiently.
In addition to the €5 million, XM is launching wildfire prevention initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness and resilience, and at actively preventing future disasters. These efforts will also be implemented in collaboration with appropriate partners.
“When society is under pressure, the business community can and must remain present. In times of crisis, what truly matters is meaningful support.”
XM stands responsibly and respectfully by those in need.
Public warned to stay away from fire by Fire Service (17:52)
The Fire Service has urged the public to avoid approaching the wildfire—either individually or in groups—under the guise of volunteering, as it poses a serious danger.
In a post on X, Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis stated that those attempting to get close to the fire are at risk from both aerial water drops and the lack of personal protective equipment and proper training.
He emphasised that the Fire Service cooperates only with certified and organised volunteer groups.
Solidarity expressed by RTK leader during visit to crisis coordination centre (17:45)
The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (RTK), Tufan Erhürman, along with a party delegation, visited the Crisis Coordination Centre in Limassol to express sorrow over the devastating fires.
“We are here,” he said, “to express our sorrow and solidarity.”
He stated they are ready to offer any assistance needed “for our shared island.”
Mr Erhürman and the RTK delegation were accompanied by representatives from AKEL, with AKEL’s Parliamentary Representative Giorgos Loukaides stating that all Cypriots feel the same pain over the environmental disaster.
Readiness from T/C side to assist in combating fires (17:35)
Several Turkish Cypriot (T/C) mayors, political parties, and organisations have expressed readiness to assist the Republic of Cyprus in fighting the wildfires in Limassol and Paphos.
- The “mayor” of occupied Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı, contacted the Limassol mayor, offering support and emphasising the shared natural heritage of the island.
- The “mayor” of occupied Kyrenia, Murat Şenkul, stated that trained disaster response teams are on standby to help if needed.
- T/C political figures, including leaders from the Democratic Party (DP) and the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), expressed sorrow over the destruction and urged the Republic of Cyprus to accept the offered assistance.
The community of Omodos was threatened, says Fire Service (17:30)
The community of Omodos was under threat, according to a post on X by Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis.
As he noted, Civil Defence and the Police had already proceeded with the evacuation of the community some time ago.
“Both ground and aerial firefighting units are operating in the wider area near the community of Omodos. Rekindlings continue in various locations,” he added.
At the mercy of fate: Animals in fire-stricken areas left without support – “No organisation in place” (17:26)
The risk to human lives, property, homes, and crops is tragic, which has resulted in a complete lack of organisation for the animals, stated the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou.
Two helicopters from Egypt have arrived (17:08)
The two helicopters from Egypt have arrived in Cyprus, according to an update from the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
“We have just been informed that the two firefighting helicopters which took off from Egypt about two hours ago have now landed at ‘Andreas Papandreou’ and are awaiting instructions and coordination from local authorities before commencing operations,” the Ministry’s statement says.
The Ministry was informed of the development by the Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and the Ambassador of Egypt to Cyprus.
The deployment of the two specialised helicopters from Egypt to assist in the ongoing firefighting efforts in Paphos and Limassol, which began yesterday, was announced earlier in a joint statement from the coordination centre in Limassol by Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Giorgos Papanastasiou, and Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum, Karim Bandawi.
The fires today according to a FIRMS map (16:51)
Israel sends Air Force Aircraft to assist with wildfires in Cyprus (16:38)
Israel will send assistance to Cyprus in battling the wildfires, deploying aircraft from the Israeli Air Force, according to a statement from the spokesperson of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aircraft are expected to depart tonight.
According to the announcement posted on platform X, and following instructions from Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar—in coordination with the relevant security and emergency authorities—Israel “is preparing to provide aerial support to Cyprus in its fight against the wildfires raging on the island.”
Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos remain in close and ongoing communication to ensure the aid is delivered and utilised as quickly as possible, the statement noted.
“The State of Israel stands by Cyprus” and “remains committed to providing assistance in times of emergency,” the announcement concluded.
“Fire surrounded Omodos – Aerial units have done an incredible job” (16:33)
The head of the Omodos community spoke about the current situation in the village.
Speaking to RIK, he stated that the community was evacuated as a precaution. “A fire rekindled from Potamiou and another from Arsos. It has surrounded us,” he said.
He emphasised that the fire has now been contained and the situation has improved. “There are forces in the village assisting. The aerial firefighting units have done an incredible job,” he noted.
He added that no houses were burned, except for one located near the boundary with Vasa.
