Is It Secure To Travel To Cyprus? Newest Recommendation After Wildfire Evacuations

Cyprus is one in all Europe’s sunniest locations, and so has lengthy been a go-to for these beachy summer season holidays. But its Mediterranean local weather additionally makes it a hotbed for the acute warmth that the continent has begun to expertise usually over the previous few years, making it extremely susceptible to wildfires. 

A wildfire broke out yesterday (Wednesday July 23) within the south of the island, and has led to tons of of individuals being evacuated. This is clearly worrying information in the event you’re headed to Cyprus quickly, so we’ve rounded up all the newest data on whether or not it’s secure to journey. 

Where are the wildfires in Cyprus?

At noon yesterday, a hearth broke out on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus within the wine area north of the coastal metropolis of Limassol. At the time of writing, a number of fronts are nonetheless energetic, and no less than 4 villages within the affected area have been evacuated. 

Is it secure to journey to Cyprus?

While northern Cyprus isn’t affected by the wildfires, these with stays deliberate within the Limassol area ought to monitor native information and think about rescheduling.

Hundreds have been evacuated from the affected space in Cyprus, tragically with experiences of two fatalities who appeared to have been trapped in a car. There have additionally been 10 different individuals injured up to now, two of those significantly, in keeping with Reuters. 

An estimated 100 sq. kilometres of land have been scorched, and Andreas Kettis, a spokesperson for the hearth service, stated ‘I can confirm that there is considerable damage to some homes,’ in keeping with euronews. It’s too early to substantiate the complete extent of the harm. 

Are flights nonetheless working to Cyprus?

Both Larnaka and Paphos airports stay open and no flights have been cancelled up to now. However, some flights to and from Larnaka Airport have been delayed, in keeping with FlightRadar24. 

What induced the Cyprus wildfires to unfold so rapidly?

Extreme warmth. Temperatures on the island reached a ferocious 43C on Wednesday, and are set to soar to 44C at present, making it Cyprus’s hottest day of the 12 months up to now and resulting in the difficulty of amber warnings. 

It’s additionally been struggling with a drought over current weeks, that means already scarce water sources have been stretched even additional, making wildfire response tough. To deal with the hearth, Cyprus has referred to as on the European Union’s civil safety mechanism, with Spain and Jordan each pledging help. 

What’s the newest UK Foreign Office journey recommendation?

The FDCO’s travel advice page acknowledges the excessive probability of wildfires in the summertime season in Cyprus, and its security and safety web page reads: ‘There is a excessive danger of wildfires in the course of the summer season season from April to October. Ensure that your cell phone is registered to obtain emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires close to your location. 

Wildfires are extremely harmful and unpredictable. The state of affairs can change rapidly. Be cautious if you’re in or close to an space affected by wildfires: comply with the steerage of the emergency providers; name the Cyprus emergency providers on 112 if you’re in quick hazard. Get extra information on wildfires from the Department of Forests website.’

Can I get a refund if I select to not journey due to wildfires? 

This will rely in your supplier, as will your eligibility for compensation in the event you select to chop your journey quick. You could possibly return residence early at no additional cost, however there’s no assure that the remainder of your vacation will probably be refunded. 

Travellers who get evacuated will doubtless be capable to search compensation for his or her journey if the supplier fails to proactively provide vouchers or a refund, in keeping with the Package Travel Regulations.

As the FCDO has not formally issued ‘do not travel’ recommendation for Cyprus, these planning to journey to the island gained’t essentially be entitled to a refund in the event that they resolve to cancel.

Where else in Europe has been affected by wildfires and heatwaves?

As has sadly change into the brand new regular for the summer season season in southern Europe, a lot of the continent has suffered with excessive temperatures this 12 months. Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Türkiye all issued crimson alerts for climate circumstances earlier this month, and wildfires have already scorched the likes of Madrid, Marseille, Crete and İzmir.

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