Limassol: Vouni is reeling from devastating wildfires that erupted on Wednesday, resulting in the destruction of nearly 100 houses and leaving a resident hospitalized with severe burns. The President of the Community Council, Matheos Protopapas, reported the extensive damage to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), emphasizing the significant impact on the village.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Protopapas detailed the scale of destruction, noting that the fire broke out in the Limassol district and wreaked havoc on Vouni, with estimates suggesting the number of burned houses could reach 100. The affected resident is currently being treated at Nicosia General Hospital. Damage assessments are set to begin on Thursday, with initial reports indicating that around 15 houses have been recorded as burned in the less affected areas, and many more expected on the eastern side of the village. The chapel of Agios Ioannis Rossos also fell victim to the flames.
The blaze engulfed Vouni on Wednesday afternoon, and the community leader expressed concerns over the delayed response from the fire service. Residents were evacuated, and the village remains without electricity. Efforts are underway to operate generators to meet immediate needs. Currently, only Community Council members remain in Vouni.
In nearby Alassa, a house was destroyed on the outskirts, as confirmed by Community Council President Xenia Constantinou, who highlighted the successful efforts to prevent the fire from reaching the village center. The village was evacuated, and some residents have returned, though elderly and sick individuals are staying with family in Limassol. In addition to the house, animal farms and orchards with fruit trees were also destroyed in the fire.