Cyprus Battles Severe Weather: Floods, Damage, and Power Outages Reported

A powerful storm system is currently battering Cyprus, bringing intense rainfall and strong winds that have caused widespread disruption. Limassol has been particularly hard-hit, with numerous central roads becoming submerged due to heavy accumulations of water, severely impacting traffic.

In Larnaca, the extreme weather has put municipal services and the Provincial Organization of Local Government (POAL) on high alert. Reports indicate fallen trees across various districts, including Drosia and the city center, as well as displaced objects in the Faneromeni area. A coordination center has been established with local municipalities to manage the escalating incidents effectively.

The storm's impact extends to other areas, with fallen trees reported in Kofinou, Athienou, and Lympia. Several parts of Larnaca are experiencing power outages, as emergency crews from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) work to restore electricity. In the Agios Nikolaos area of Avgou, a lightning strike sparked a fire in a home storage unit, causing a power interruption. Firefighters and police responded promptly, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Further north, in mountainous Nicosia, landslides have occurred on several roads, complicating travel. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. The Polis Chrysochous municipality has also reported damage in areas stretching from Argaka to Pomos, including a greenhouse and photovoltaic installations. Coastal areas like Pomos, Argaka, and Agia Marina have seen damage to beach umbrellas and sunbeds due to strong winds.

Local authorities are urging the public to limit non-essential travel and seek safe shelter during the ongoing adverse weather. The intense downpours and gales, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, have caused considerable damage and inconvenience across the island.