A fireplace in Cyprus is engulfing forests and orchards, killing 4 individuals
Dozens of homes and forest farms were destroyed in the fire, which officials called the worst ever recorded, Reuters reports.
The citizens of Egypt were killed, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that country stated that they were informed about it by the Cypriot authorities.
The fire, fueled by strong winds, affected at least ten communities in an area of more than 50 square kilometers at the foot of the Trodos mountain range and an area of pine forest and dense vegetation.
“It is one of the most devastating (fires) we have experienced, unfortunately, with the victims,” said Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades.
“Be sure that the state will help all the victims,” Anastasiades said.
Witnesses said that the slopes with pine forests and orchards were turned into smoldering black stumps and a barren gray landscape.
Farmer Andreas Costa believes that it will take at least ten years to restore the orchard.
Greece and Italy have so far provided support in extinguishing the fire, and Israel has also promised assistance.
The cause of the fire that broke out on Saturday around noon is still unclear.
Cyprus suffers from high temperatures in the summer months, in recent days higher than 40 Celsius.
Police said they were questioning a 67-year-old man in connection with the fire.
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