Filenews 3 July 2021
Images of chaos and panic prevailed for a long time in the community of Arakapas in Limassol, after the uncontrolled fire passed through the village, burning houses and cars in the wake. According to the latest update, the fire, after passing through Arakapas, extends to the mountain slopes, while the villages of Melini, Eptagonia and Sykopetra have been evacuated. Instructions were also given to evacuate the villages of Odos, Ora, Pharmaka and Agios Vavatsinias. In the meantime, the Republic of Cyprus has requested assistance from neighbouring states.
There are two fire fronts: in the area of Arakapas - Eptagonia and Dierona for the province of Limassol and in the area of Odos - Melini - Agios Vavatzinias for the province of Larnaca.
Ten vehicles of the Department of Forestry, 7 of the fire brigade, 4 tankers, 5 bulldozers are operating in the area. Two police helicopters, two army helicopters, two British bases and four planes.
The houses in Arakapas were evacuated, while the residents are concentrated in the church of the village.
As the community leader Vasos Vassiliou initially told F, residents are experiencing moments of panic and chaos. "The fire is uncontrollable inside the village. We're trying to evacuate the community. Some residents refuse to leave, they want to save their property. I hope they don't get any worse. The fire one minute is at one point and in seconds, it's flying in the other. Chaos prevails," Mr Vassiliou said, stressing that strong winds were blowing in the area to prevent the work of extinguishing it.
Residents who have seen their property destroyed protest while talking about malicious action.
