Early reports said a fire broke out near the Evangelos Florakis naval base at Zygi at 0600 (local time).

The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but it is being treated as an accident.

Two containers of explosive caught fire, a police spokesman said.

There were 98 containers in the depot. They are thought to have been part of a shipment of arms seized two years ago from a vessel travelling from Iran to Syria.

The fire spread to the nearby Vassilikou power station, causing widespread electricity cuts. It is the largest power station on the island.