Two months before the disaster, the Audit Office warned of unpreparedness (16:19)
“The inability to properly manage such a critical issue, despite the lessons of 2021, constitutes a serious administrative failure. Immediate corrective action and institutional accountability are required,” stressed the Auditor General of the Republic of Cyprus, Andreas Papakonstantinou, two months ago in the Audit Office’s report on the management of aerial firefighting contracts for the period 2021–2024.
Eyewitness account: “The wildfire is outside Mandria, we are on our own” (16:16)
According to a witness speaking to RIK, “The fire is very close to Mandria. There are no fire services or aerial units. Platres and Troodos will burn too.”
Roberta Metsola’s post about the wildfires (15:45)
In her post, she mentions, among other things, that “EU firefighting aircraft have already been deployed and are ready to assist.”
Heartbreaking to see the people of Cyprus face yet another wildfire emergency.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) July 24, 2025
EU firefighting planes have been deployed and ready to assist.
With homes and livelihoods under threat, European solidarity must remain swift and strong 🇪🇺🇨🇾
Large-scale food collection at Themistokleio (15:36)
It is reminded that following an initiative by the organised supporters of Anorthosis, from 14:00 onwards, anyone wishing to contribute may deliver food (non-perishable), water, and clothing to Themistokleio. At the same time, donations will also be accepted at the club shop in Larnaca, which will remain open on a continuous schedule from now.
Any water tankers currently at the front line and in need of refilling can call 96114241 for free water supply.
Civil Defence instructions for the evacuation of all campsites in the wider Troodos area for precautionary reasons (15:36)
Due to the ongoing wildfire and following the recommendation of the Fire Service, Civil Defence advises the evacuation of all campsites in the wider Troodos area as a precautionary measure.
All relevant authorities, organised groups, trade unions, and others involved are urged to follow the instructions and evacuate the camping sites immediately.
Opening of bank account for financial support to the wildfire victims of rural Limassol (15:26)
Due to the kind request of many of our fellow citizens and organised groups for financial contributions to support those affected by the wildfire in the rural region of Limassol, the Treasury of the Republic announces the bank account details opened at the Central Bank of Cyprus for this purpose:
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
Support for wildfire victims provided by the Cyprus Red Cross (15:24)
A team of volunteers and staff from the Cyprus Red Cross (CRC) in Limassol and Nicosia were present from the very first moment, on 23 July 2025, in the affected areas, providing essential supplies to residents of the communities of Agios Ambrosios, Pachna, Trimiklini, and Episkopi, the CRC said in a statement.
It added that its teams also visited the fire-stricken areas again today to provide humanitarian aid in the communities of Episkopi, Erimi, and Pachna.
A coordination meeting was held by the CRC involving its Crisis Management Teams, First Aid Teams, Psychosocial Support Services, and the Restoring Family Links Service, to better organise and respond to the needs of those affected.
The CRC also noted that many members of the public have contacted them offering assistance. However, they stated that, at this stage, needs are being covered through their own resources. Should additional support be required, a relevant appeal will be issued.
Finally, the CRC noted that those wishing to contribute as volunteers to the organisation’s efforts can contact the Cyprus Red Cross Administration Offices at 22504400.
Kettis: All battles are difficult — multiple flare-up fronts remain (15:19)
He noted that, for the time being, the Souni area has been secured, while flare-ups continue in Mandria and Kyvides.
Kettis: Greece sending forest firefighters to Cyprus (15:15)
The Hellenic Republic is set to dispatch a team of 26 forest firefighters (specialised wildland fire units) to support ground forces battling wildfires in Cyprus.
According to a post by Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis on X, the Civil Defence has informed that the Greek Republic intends to proceed with the deployment of 26 forest firefighters to assist Cyprus’s ground forces at the wildfire fronts. The team is expected to depart from Elefsina Airport via a transport aircraft at approximately 16:00.
Limassol Municipality Announcement
The Municipality of Limassol expresses its deep solidarity with our fellow citizens affected by the recent wildfires.
As part of its support for wildfire victims, the Municipality is accepting donations into the special account of the Social Grocery, aiming to raise financial aid to cover immediate needs.
Those who wish to contribute can make their donations to the following account:
Hellenic Bank
Account Holder: Municipality of Limassol
IBAN: CY43 0050 0214 0002 1401 G431 6907
BIC: HEBACY2N
Reference: Donation for Wildfire Victims
The Social Grocery of the Municipality of Limassol will also be collecting essential items, such as:
- Water / Juices
- Canned goods (tuna, meat, tomato sauce)
- Rusks
- Cereals
- Long-life milk
- Personal hygiene products (shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, sanitary pads)
- Baby food and formula
- Baby and adult diapers, baby wipes
- Biscuits, chocolates, sweets
- Coffee
- Multi-purpose cleaning liquids
- Toilet paper
- Kitchen paper
Items will be collected at the Social Grocery location (corner of Filellinon & Mouson Streets) from 24/7/2025 until Sunday 27/7/2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Aid will be distributed through the Community Councils of each affected village.
For more information, please call 99728871.
Fourlas: A permanent and enhanced presence of RescEU in Cyprus is imperative (15:01)
In light of the devastating wildfires in mountainous Limassol, MEP Loucas Fourlas (DISY & EPP) submitted an urgent question to the European Commission, denouncing the inability of the RescEU mechanism to respond promptly and effectively to natural disasters in Cyprus.
As highlighted in the question, Cyprus’s geographic isolation makes it vulnerable and operationally disconnected from the broader European civil protection mechanism, resulting in the country being treated as a “second-class member state” by the Union itself.
Gate 7 Paphos announces that for the second consecutive day, it is actively participating in the collection of aid for our fellow citizens affected by the wildfires. (15:00)
Pera Pedi to Lofou road (14:52)
The moving post by volunteer Michalis Theodoulou (14:50)
Assistance from a restaurant in Akrotiri (14:49)
Mandria on standby in case evacuation is needed, says Community Leader to CNA (14:46)
The community of Mandria in semi-mountainous Limassol is on standby in case an evacuation becomes necessary, said the President of the Community Council, Renos Moiseos, speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). He clarified that the village is not currently under threat.
He explained that a flare-up of the wildfire north of the community of Koilani is located at the summit of Afamis hill, where aerial units are operating to contain the fire front. He also noted that favourable winds around midday helped prevent the fire from spreading towards Mandria.
When asked whether residents had to be evacuated, he said that some people left voluntarily but stressed that, for now, there has been no need for a mass evacuation. He reassured that the community remains on full alert and ready to evacuate if needed.
Many reports have emerged about the placement of mobile cameras on roads near the fire-stricken areas, which are being used by citizens either to escape or to go and offer help. (14:46)
Difficult situation in Omodos (14:42)
Reports indicate that the village is on standby for evacuation.
“We saved a family using bedsheets – Their house was completely destroyed” (14:17)
A testimony was given by the community leader of Vasa Koilaniou, Michalis Mosfylis.
“A bedridden family was in danger, and we managed to save them at the last minute. We went outside with bedsheets to rescue them,” he said.
He noted that the aerial firefighting aircraft did not make a drop, resulting in the family’s house being completely destroyed.
Hotel rooms offered to wildfire victims by PASYXE member hotels (14:10)
Hotel rooms are being made available to wildfire victims by members of PASYXE (Cyprus Hotel Association), which states that it is in constant communication and coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and the Crisis Management Centre of Civil Defence.
“The Cyprus Hotel Association expresses its deep sorrow for the tragic wildfires that have affected the Paphos district and continue to rage in the mountainous areas of Limassol, resulting in the loss of two human lives, injuries to dozens of fellow citizens, and extensive destruction of homes, infrastructure, and other property,” the announcement says.
PASYXE also expresses its full solidarity with the fire victims as well as with frontline responders — firefighters, rescuers, volunteers, and personnel of the relevant services — who are battling the flames and working to protect lives and property.
“PASYXE member hotels across all districts of Cyprus responded immediately by offering rooms to those affected by the wildfires and remain at the disposal of the authorities to continue providing shelter and relief to those in need,” it continues, thanking its members for their swift action. At the same time, it calls on any other hoteliers wishing to assist further to do so through the Association.
PASYXE states that it remains at the disposal of the authorities and the state to support those affected. It also urges anyone in need of help to contact the Crisis Management Centre of the Civil Defence and the Ministry of the Interior at the following phone numbers:
📞 22-403450
📞 22-403451
📞 22-403452
ELAM collecting essential supplies (14:06)
The National Popular Front (ELAM) announces that at our offices in Limassol, we are collecting food, clothing, and other essential supplies to support our fellow citizens affected by the wildfires who are in need.
We invite anyone in need of assistance to reach out to us to receive food or other basic necessities. At the same time, those who wish to contribute can deliver essential items to our offices.
Our office address is:
Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 228, Limassol
Agios Pavlos Building, Block B, 4th floor
(Above “Diomidis” grill house)
Contact numbers:
📞 96869996
📞 97642851
Aerial forces are battling wildfire flare-ups. (13:50)
