In a collaborative response to the ongoing wildfire crisis, Lebanon has announced its intention to dispatch two helicopters to assist Cyprus alongside Greek and Jordanian aircraft. The initiative aims to curb the extensive blaze that has ravaged acres of mountainous terrain, causing distress to the European Union member nation.
A spokesperson for the Cyprus Foreign Ministry, Theodoros Gotsis, conveyed to The Associated Press that Lebanon, a neighbouring nation, is poised to contribute two helicopters to aid the firefighting operations as the fire persists, sporadically rekindling across various fronts.
In a concerted effort, two Greek Canadair aircraft have already been dispatched to the scene, endeavouring to quell the flames that have swept through the mountainous expanse located approximately 17 kilometres north of the coastal town of Limassol. Further assistance is being provided by Jordan, which is deploying three of its aircraft, including two Super Puma helicopters and a Russian-manufactured Mi26 helicopter. This collaborative endeavour unites these nations against a fire that has consumed up to 10 square kilometres of land.
As Environment Ministry Secretary Andreas Gregoriou coordinates firefighting operations, discussions are actively underway with Israel to secure additional air support should the need arise.
The response from Greece's Civil Protection Ministry includes the provision of 20 tons of fire retardant, which is en route to Cyprus to bolster the firefighting efforts.
Andreas Kettis, the Fire Department's spokesperson, communicated through the platform formerly known as Twitter (now referred to as X), detailing that despite partial control being achieved over the fire on Monday morning, the resurgence of flames occurred in various regions, prompting both aerial and ground teams to re-engage in the mission.
Kettis had earlier shared that ground crews were diligently working to encircle the inferno by creating firebreaks, a crucial tactic in the battle against the wildfire's advance.
Officials expressed concerns that the fire could rekindle because of expected strong winds later in the day.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou tweeted on X that he has given instructions for an initial estimate of the damage to private and state-owned property.
Officials said the residents of three villages have returned to their homes after being instructed to evacuate as a precaution.
Gregorio, who surveyed the area by helicopter and the country’s fire chief, told state broadcaster CyBC that “hundreds” of firefighters, including volunteers, managed to contain the fire overnight because winds had died down considerably.
The fire started Friday, but authorities said it had been contained a day later. Gregoriou said the blaze apparently reignited on its own, dispelling suggestions that it could’ve been the work of arsonists.
