Cyprus` Interior Ministry has expressed its deep gratitude to the European countries which are sending aircraft to assist the local services to put out the massive fires in the Solea region.
France and Italy are sending aircraft which are expected to land at the “Andreas Papandreou” Base in Paphos, on the western coast, at around 1900 hours local time (16.00 GMT).
France is sending three aircraft (two Canadair and one supportive aircraft) while Italy is sending one CANADAIR. Cyprus turned to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism yesterday and Paris and Rome promptly replied.
Greece and Israel have already sent aircraft which are operating with local fire-fighting forces. Greece has sent two CANADAIR, one C-130 and two helicopters SUPER PUMA while Israel has sent four aircraft AIR TRACTOR, three supportive aircraft, two C130 and one BOEING 707.