MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Saturday, a huge forest fire swept through a mountainous area in the east of Cyprus, with firefighters only managing to contain it by late evening. The authorities requested assistance under an existing agreement to cooperate in emergency situations, and Israel dispatched three planes on Sunday to help put out the fire. Earlier in the day, media reported that two Greek planes were also helping on site.
"I want to cordially thank Prime Minister of Israel [Benjamin Netanyahu] and Prime Minister of Greece [Alexis Tsipras]. We have already been in contact, and two more Super Pumas [helicopters] will be sent, which I believe will contribute significantly to the work being performed," Anastasiades wrote in a statement on his Facebook page.
The president said that there were 66 fire engines with 314 firefighters at the scene, and thanked the emergency workers for performing "their duty even when their lives are endangered" in what they see as their obligation to the state.
Anastasiades added that measures had been taken to limit the threat to local residents, and wished those affected by the "tragic situation" a speedy recovery.
