Fire destroyed more than 1.3% of Cyprus territory

The forest fire that broke out on July 23 in the mountainous areas of Limassol covered more than 120 square kilometers — about 1.3% of Cyprus’s total area. According to the Eratosthenes Remote Sensing Center, the tragedy has become one of the largest environmental disasters on the island in recent decades.

Satellite data analysis (PlanetScope, July 26) shows that the burned area consisted mainly of grass cover (51%), shrubs (31%), and forests (15.5%). Around 1.1% of the area affected were residential zones. Of particular concern is that about 21% of the affected lands are protected Natura 2000 areas, including the Paramalius River valley, Limnatis valley, and the Cha-Potami region.

The fire spread rapidly due to extreme heat, strong winds, and drought. It swept through villages such as Malia, Vasa Koilaniou, Vouni, Souni, Zanakia, Lofou, and others. Dozens of homes were destroyed, thousands evacuated, and infrastructure damaged. Many areas were left without power and water.

Residents criticized the slow emergency response: although flames were first spotted around 12:20, firefighters arrived nearly an hour later, and aircraft even later. Eyewitnesses said pilots were unfamiliar with the terrain, making water drops ineffective. Locals also claimed the forestry department did not deploy sufficient ground forces.

Smoke covered much of the Limassol district, reducing visibility and air quality. Despite international assistance from Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, the fire was only brought under control after several days.

The authorities declared a state of emergency and began aiding victims. Volunteers, organizations, and communities actively joined recovery efforts. The government pledged compensation and reconstruction, but environmentalists warn that nature recovery could take decades.