Two dead as Cyprus battles wildfire in searing heat

Nicosia: Two people have died in a wildfire outside Cyprus s second city of Limassol fanned by strong winds and temperatures that were forecast to rea...

Nicosia: Two people have died in a wildfire outside Cyprus's second city of Limassol fanned by strong winds and temperatures that were forecast to reach 44C, authorities said on Thursday.

Police said two charred bodies were found in a burnt out car believed to have been caught up in the blaze that erupted on Wednesday afternoon.

Health authorities said two people were admitted to hospital with severe burns while another 16 were treated for less serious injuries.

Fire service spokesperson Andreas Kettis said the blaze, which started in the village of Malia in the hills above Limassol, ravaged 100 square kilometres (nearly 40 square miles).

He said there were "no active fronts" in the fire but intense "flare-ups" continued in the area.