Updated Cyprus asks EU, Israel for help fighting huge forest fire
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) Cyprus asked fellow European Union nations on Saturday to help battle a huge forest fire in a mountainous region of the east Mediterranean island nation that has forced the evacuation of at least seven villages.
Cypriot Environment Minister Costas Kadis told state broadcaster CyBC that the fire has claimed “huge tracts of forest” and private property near the village of Arakapas in the Troodos mountain range.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said on Twitter that this was “a very difficult day for Cyprus” and that the “entire state apparatus” has been mobilized to assist in fighting the blaze which strong winds have fanned across multiple fronts in difficult, hilly terrain.
The fire has cut power to at least eight villages.
Cyprus government spokesman Marios Pelekanos that Greece is sending two firefighting planes. He said another four aircraft have been requested through the EU s civil protection mechanism.
Pelekanos said that fire crews will remain on duty throughout the night when winds are expected to die down, easing fire fighting efforts.
He said Cypriot National Guard drones are mapping the entire expanse of the blaze in order to identify which fronts fire crews will prioritize. Authorities will provide accommodation to people who have lost their homes.
Greek official Nicholas Hardalias posted on his Twitter account that Greece “stands by Cyprus” and that two Canadair CL-415 are on their way.
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