Horrifying footage of the burnt-out wreckage of a house in Cyprus sheds light on the terrible toll of a blaze which has ripped across the beautiful island nation, destroying homes and resulting in tragedy
After a wildfire wreaked destruction across Cyprus, a local woman has shed light on the devastating impact the catastrophe has had on those who continue to suffer through it.
Yesterday, occupants of a dozen hillside villages on the southern flank of the island’s Troodos mountain range were forced to flee, as scenes of chaos unfolded.
Images show ferocious wildfire ripping through 100 square kilometres (38.6 square miles) of forested hillsides, decimating a number of homes as it scorched everything in its path. Tragically, it’s understood that one elderly couple was burned to death in their car as they desperately tried to escape the flames.
One of the hardest hit areas is the picturesque village community of Souni-Zanakia in the Limassol District, a place loved for its quaint charm, romantic ocean views, and peaceful nature trails.
Today, the area looks barely recognisable. Luxurious villas have been reduced to charred ruins, while the once soothing green trees that lined the narrow streets are left blackened and stripped of leaves. The air, usually filled with fresh sea breezes, is choked with smoke, as locals survey the grim remains of their once idyllic homes.
One video shared via TikTok illuminates the reality of walking through the streets of Souni after the blaze.
The sad clip, uploaded by TikTok user @anjanaa611, shows the burnt-out wreck of what would have once been a large and handsome-looking house, complete with a spacious balcony and a neat hedge.
Although the stone walls are still standing, the smoke damage is extensive, while the window frames lie empty and open to the elements. Where the ceiling once was, there is now only blue sky.
In the caption of her post, the content creator reflected that the situation could have been worse, writing: “Very difficult situation for us hope everything will fine thank god all people are safe.”
Many of those in the comments section offered their best wishes, urging her to “stay safe”. One person sympathised: “Firstly, they lost their houses after the war, now fire.” Another said: “So sad, may god be with you all.”
Cyprus’s temperatures are forecast to hit a worrying 45C this weekend. After three consecutive dry winters, the island nation has been on high alert for fires this summer.
Cyprus’ Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis previously told state-run Cyprus News Agency that over 100 individuals evacuated from the communities ravaged by flames are now being accommodated in temporary shelters. A total of 14 villages across a 14-kilometre stretch of mountainous landscape had to be evacuated.
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