Filenews 7 August 2023
The aerial mapping of the fire situation in the Limassol district was completed, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and coordinator responsible for the immediate activation of the mechanisms for the prevention and response to fires, Andreas Gregoriou stating that it is estimated that between 7.5 and 10 square kilometers of land have burned.
According to Mr. Gregoriou, who was on board the helicopter that flew over the area in the morning, along with Chief Marshal Nikos Longinos, to map the situation, "it seems that at the moment there are no active outbreaks, but the flying means continue to operate where there is smoke to prevent resurgences, while there are enough personnel from all services around the fire. with fire trucks and excavators, to create fire lanes".
Asked about the extent of the destruction, he said that "the estimate they give us is around 7.5 to 10 square kilometers" and that "it is a great sadness, anger and disappointment to see large areas being a barren place, only black and without greenery."
He clarified that the first Greek Canadair firefighting aircraft is expected around 10 a.m. and the second later, in the afternoon, while according to the latest briefing he received, "an understanding was made not to bring the helicopter from Lebanon and consultation with Israel is ongoing."
At the coordination center, between Paramytha and Fasoula, Mr. Grigoriou continued, are the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Deputy Minister of Welfare and the Chief of Police, while in the community of Apsiou, where there is also a coordination center, the Minister of Agriculture is located.
CNA
