Two found dead in burned car as horror fires ravage Brit holiday hotspot
Police discovered two bodies in a charred car on Thursday following a colossal wildfire in Cyprus that ravaged 100 square kilometres (38.6 square miles) of forested hillsides, obliterated several homes and led to the evacuation of a dozen villages on the southern flank of the island's Troodos mountain range.
Late on Wednesday, police initially reported that Civil Defense personnel had found the burnt remains of one person inside the vehicle on a main road linking the fire-stricken hillside villages. However, a second body was unearthed early on Thursday morning, with police stating that identification efforts are underway.
Images shared on social media appeared to show the victims' incinerated vehicle parked on the side of the main Monagri-Alassa road.
Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis informed the state-run Cyprus News Agency that while there are currently no active fronts, fire crews continue to tackle numerous flare-ups, and winds are forecast to strengthen later in the day.
Up to 14 aircraft are set to resume water drops over areas difficult to access.
Cyprus' Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis told the state broadcaster that over 100 individuals evacuated from the fire-affected communities are being accommodated in temporary shelters.
The blaze necessitated the evacuation of 14 villages spanning a 14-kilometre stretch of mountainous landscape.
Media footage revealed charred homes smouldering as the fire engulfed the outskirts of several villages.
In Lofou, no less than 20 houses were razed as the flames threatened a group of evacuees who were stranded when their police buses had to retreat due to the shifting fire front.
Late Wednesday broadcasts showed images of the inferno devouring trees, shrubs and other vegetation along an extensive front, casting a bright orange glow against the night sky.
Police maintained roadblocks to the fire-stricken communities while local residents expressed their frustration at what they perceived as a disorganised response to the massive fire.
Government spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis announced that Spain would be dispatching two firefighting aircraft on Thursday morning to aid local teams. Jordan is contributing with two helicopters, already stationed in Cyprus for firefighting purposes.
An RAF Chinook helicopter, operating from one of the two British Bases on Cyprus, is also lending a hand.
Limassol Municipality and local football club Apollonas have offered apartments and a basketball court respectively to temporarily accommodate evacuees.
Cyprus has been on high alert for fires this summer following three consecutive dry winters.
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