Souni-Zanakia, Cyprus. A wildfire last July swept through hills above Souni-Zanakia, destroying homes, killing two people and disrupting a residential community. Months later, residents of the Country Rose estate say the area still shows damage as recovery continues.
Fire impact and residents’ experiences
Iain Dell, a retired crisis response planner, said the fire was both personal and professional as he followed events online while abroad. He said public information is critical during emergencies and that people need timely, accurate updates to take action to protect themselves.
As the fire spread, some residents fled while others stayed. Ohad Golan said he spent the night defending his home and those of neighbours using a pump and water from his swimming pool in darkness, without electricity or running water. He said the most vivid memory was the sense that everything around them was under threat and that, for a long time, it felt like they were completely alone.
Dell and his wife received word at 4am that their property had survived, although their garden was destroyed. Residents of the estate include Cypriots, Israelis, Russians, Ukrainians, British, Lebanese and Germans.
Mutual aid and community response
Dell said differences were set aside during the crisis, describing Israelis working with Arabs and Russians with Ukrainians. He said people did not focus on politics or backgrounds and instead helped each other.
In the months after the fire, residents organised clean-ups, planted trees, painted walls and cleared litter. They held community gatherings for Halloween and Christmas, including hot wine, and continued small activities as part of returning to normality.
Security measures and ongoing restoration
After fire-damaged homes were repeatedly raided, residents established a Neighbourhood Watch to monitor properties and alert police when necessary. Last month, residents gathered to restore a local park, which they described as a symbol of recovery and pride.
How has your community responded to a local emergency or disaster?
