5 Minute News

The situation in Cyprus is tragic due to the recent wildfire that has resulted in loss of life. Marios Hartziotis, the responsible official, faces harsh criticism for his handling of the situation, as his statements are seen as disrespectful. Many believe that political responsibilities have not been adequately taken on. The public expects politicians to show respect for the tragic consequences of the fire.

Justice Minister Marios Hartziotis sparked controversy with his comments about the recent wildfires in Limassol. He stated that despite the evacuation of 16 villages, there were no fatalities, a comment seen as unfortunate by the public, especially following the tragic death of an elderly couple. He also highlighted the positive aspects of the firefighting efforts and expressed gratitude to the employees involved.

The heatwave has serious health implications for the public. An 88-year-old man was hospitalized due to heat exhaustion, and other citizens are showing mild symptoms. Authorities warn that the risk of heat-related illnesses is increasing, especially for the elderly. It is crucial to take precautions during these extremely high temperatures.

The First Aid Stations continue to provide services to those affected by the fire in Limassol. Seven individuals remain hospitalized, with two in serious condition due to burns, although they are now stable. OCYPP is ready to respond to any potential needs. Access for ambulances to the affected areas has been restored.

The Examination Service of the Ministry of Education announced the General Access Grade for candidates wishing to enter universities in Greece. Applicants can submit their applications online until July 30, 2025. The process is exclusively electronic, and late applications will not be accepted. Information about grades and applications can be found on the Ministry of Education's website.

The Chief Fire Officer of the Cyprus Fire Service, Nikos Longinos, apologized to the victims of the deadly fire in Limassol, explaining the challenging conditions that led to the evacuation of 13 communities. He mentioned that the firefighting resources were not unlimited and priority was given to those in need. Longinos emphasized that the fire was caused maliciously and that the area posed significant challenges for firefighting. He stated that he took action immediately upon being informed of the difficult weather conditions.

The Limassol Permanent Criminal Court sentenced a 45-year-old driver to 10 years in prison for four counts of manslaughter resulting from a serious traffic accident. The accident occurred shortly after the arrival of 2024 in the area of Polemidia. The defendant did not admit to the manslaughter charges but acknowledged four other charges related to reckless driving. All witnesses were deemed credible by the Court.

Cyprus mourns an elderly couple who were found charred in their vehicle while trying to escape a fire in Limassol. According to the community leader of Sylikou, there were significant communication failures during the evacuation. The couple did not receive the alert in time and took a dangerous route. Unfortunately, they were found dead inside their vehicle.

Cypriots are gradually using less cash and prefer card payments. In the first half of 2024, card transactions increased by 9%, with total value rising by 8%. The most common payments include those to payment institutions, the government, and grocery shopping. Card payments are mainly made in physical stores rather than online.

The new grant scheme for solar water heaters provides financial incentives for home upgrades. Applications will be accepted until December 20, 2025, with subsidies ranging from €500 to €900 per household. The aim is to reduce energy consumption and enhance environmental sustainability. The scheme only covers legal and inhabited residences.

The recent fire in Cyprus has resulted in severe damage, including loss of life and destruction of homes. There are contradictions regarding the timing of the fire outbreak and the response from authorities. Despite government claims, citizens are complaining about the delays in intervention. Analyzing the circumstances that led to this tragedy could help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The ADEDHE is attempting to convince the public that RAEK and the Cypriot government are refusing to pay for the electrical interconnection. However, RAEK is proceeding with the payment process and is awaiting a check from an independent associate. The Ministry of Finance will cover the expenses that are expected to recur from 2025. RAEK emphasizes that delays are due to the provision of invoices by ADEDHE.

Ersin Tatar insists on creating a crossing point in Lurucina, claiming it will benefit the area's development. Despite the UN Secretary-General's proposals, no agreement was reached due to Turkish resistance. Tatar emphasizes that the Turkish side would approve the Lurucina gate if the Greek Cypriot side's objections are overcome. The intervention of the Turkish Foreign Minister, who supported Tatar's positions on the construction of the road, was also significant.

The intense wildfire in Limassol is now entering its third day, causing significant damage and loss for local residents. The fire has spread over an area greater than 120 square kilometers, with smoke reaching as far as Lebanon. Authorities report that flare-ups are being controlled and the situation is improving. Aerial assistance from various countries is being deployed to fight the blaze.

A fire broke out in areas around Limassol, resulting in two people losing their lives and several others hospitalized. The damage included burned houses, vineyards, and olive groves as the flames continued to destroy the natural beauty of the region. Firefighting teams were deployed to contain the blaze. The situation was dramatic, with many villages affected by the devastation.

The Police have begun investigations into the fire that broke out in Malaya, which may be due to arson or the operation of a landfill. Eyewitnesses report that the fire started from two locations. The Police spokesperson stated that all possibilities are being examined, including arson. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fire.