Public anger grows over wildfire response as Cypriot government faces mounting criticism

Sothern Cyprus government is facing intense public backlash over its response to the massive wildfires that have ravaged the mountainous Limassol region. According to Politis and other local outlets, residents of the affected villages accuse authorities of inadequate preparedness and delayed intervention, despite earlier government assurances that the island was fully ready for wildfire season.

The current toll stands at two confirmed deaths, 124 square kilometers of scorched land, and severe damage to at least 32 homes. Seventeen villages have experienced prolonged power and water outages, and entire communities report receiving no official evacuation warning.

Several villagers told local media they were only alerted to the fire by neighbors honking car horns or shouting. In Malya, 12 homes were destroyed while residents claim no firefighting response came until hours after their initial calls. In Souni, Lofou, and Agios Therapon, residents say no firefighting aircraft or vehicles ever arrived.

Despite government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis insisting that "all available resources" were activated immediately, criticism intensified following reports that the director-general of the Agriculture Ministry—responsible for forest fire coordination—was abroad on an official visit during the crisis.

Adding to public frustration, Cyprus has not yet implemented the EU-wide 112 emergency alert system, leaving many residents to rely on church bells or whistles for evacuation signals.

Local media also covered visits by Turkish Cypriot opposition leader Tufan Erhürman and offers of help from Turkish Cypriot authorities, which were acknowledged by Letymbiotis, who stated the main need was aerial—not ground—support.

Amid growing calls for accountability, some citizens have demanded resignations. Headlines in major newspapers read “Apologize and Resign” and “The Government Failed Again,” while others decried the lack of planning, prevention, and immediate response.

The government has since announced three initial support measures for wildfire victims and opened a bank account to receive public donations.