Cyprus is one of Europe’s sunniest places, and so has long been a go-to for those beachy summer holidays. But its Mediterranean climate also makes it a hotbed for the extreme heat that the continent has begun to experience regularly over the last few years, making it highly prone to wildfires.
A wildfire broke out yesterday (Wednesday July 23) in the south of the island, and has led to hundreds of people being evacuated. This is obviously worrying news if you’re headed to Cyprus soon, so we’ve rounded up all the latest information on whether it’s safe to travel.
Where are the wildfires in Cyprus?
At midday yesterday, a fire broke out on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus in the wine region north of the coastal city of Limassol. At the time of writing, several fronts are still active, and at least four villages in the affected region have been evacuated.
Is it safe to travel to Cyprus?
While northern Cyprus isn’t affected by the wildfires, those with stays planned in the Limassol region should monitor local news and consider rescheduling.
Hundreds have been evacuated from the affected area in Cyprus, tragically with reports of two fatalities who seemed to have been trapped in a vehicle. There have also been 10 other people injured so far, two of these seriously, according to Reuters.
An estimated 100 square kilometres of land have been scorched, and Andreas Kettis, a spokesperson for the fire service, said ‘I can confirm that there is considerable damage to some homes,’ according to euronews. It’s too early to confirm the full extent of the damage.
Are flights still running to Cyprus?
Both Larnaka and Paphos airports remain open and no flights have been cancelled so far. However, some flights to and from Larnaka Airport have been delayed, according to FlightRadar24.
What caused the Cyprus wildfires to spread so quickly?
Extreme heat. Temperatures on the island reached a ferocious 43C on Wednesday, and are set to soar to 44C today, making it Cyprus’s hottest day of the year so far and leading to the issue of amber warnings.
It’s also been suffering with a drought over recent weeks, meaning already scarce water resources have been stretched even further, making wildfire response difficult. To tackle the fire, Cyprus has called on the European Union’s civil protection mechanism, with Spain and Jordan both pledging assistance.
What’s the latest UK Foreign Office travel advice?
The FDCO’s travel advice page acknowledges the high likelihood of wildfires in the summer season in Cyprus, and its safety and security page reads: ‘There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires: follow the guidance of the emergency services; call the Cyprus emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger. Get more information on wildfires from the Department of Forests website.’
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of wildfires?
This will depend on your provider, as will your eligibility for compensation if you choose to cut your trip short. You may be able to return home early at no extra charge, but there’s no guarantee that the rest of your holiday will be refunded.
Travellers who get evacuated will likely be able to seek compensation for their trip if the provider fails to proactively offer vouchers or a refund, according to the Package Travel Regulations.
As the FCDO has not officially issued ‘do not travel’ advice for Cyprus, those planning to travel to the island won’t necessarily be entitled to a refund if they decide to cancel.
Where else in Europe has been affected by wildfires and heatwaves?
As has sadly become the new normal for the summer season in southern Europe, much of the continent has suffered with extreme temperatures this year. Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Türkiye all issued red alerts for weather conditions earlier this month, and wildfires have already scorched the likes of Madrid, Marseille, Crete and İzmir.
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