A Cypriot civil defence officials says fire-fighting efforts are continuing in Israel after the island responded to help from its neighbour to send over air assistance.
For the second day in a row, Cyprus is assisting Israel in its battle against wildfires that have broken out in central and northern Israel. The Cyprus Civil Defence sent a fire fighting Air Tractor plane on Thursday, following a phone conversation between President Nicos Anastasiades and Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahou.
Civil Defence Press Secretary Olivia Michaelidou said that “under the coordination of the Civil Defence forces, and after speaking with the Police, the Fire Fighting Service, the Forestry Department and the Foreign Ministry, the Cyprus Republic responded immediately to the request of the Israeli state for aid.”
Michaelidou said that Cyprus’ aid effort included one Air Tractor plane, two pilots, and a supporting crew of four people, adding that planes of the same type had been sent by Israel during the recent fires in Cyprus in the Argaka and Solea areas.
“The cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the State of Israel is a continuation of the excellent relations maintained by the governments of both countries”, added Michaelidou.