Authorities admit major drainage failures across Engomi as residents report persistent flooding

Local climate crisisEACNicosiaTop NewsWeather Authorities admit major drainage failures across Engomi as residents report persistent flooding Floodingfeature Relevant News Driver hits railing in Larnaca, cut free by Fire Service 10 September 2026 No breakthrough as Christodoulides, Erhurman meet again before New York 10 September 2026 Herzog visits Cyprus for third time amid Turkey-Israel strain 10 September 2026 Sophia Neophitou 10 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) has admitted that existing stormwater infrastructure in Engomi is “insufficient”, while revealing that surrounding areas have “no system at all” following severe flooding that inundated an underground parking facility twice in late August. In a statement to en.philenews, the authority conceded that adjacent drainage systems are “not properly constructed” and actively hinder overall flow capacity. Inspections conducted after recent severe storms identified a range of “problematic, poorly drained areas” across Engomi, leading officials to label the situation as “extremely serious.” In response, the DLGO confirmed it is updating its hydrological study—or preparing a new one if required—to redesign the network. To offer immediate relief, the authority plans to implement small-scale drainage relief works at four key locations, including Zisimopoulou Street, though it emphasized these measures are strictly a temporary fix pending permanent solutions. The admissions come as residents of a flat situated at the base of a 400-metre downhill slope pursue legal options against the authority. The property’s basement flooded on 17 and 29 August—marking the sixth incident in three years—trapping an estimated 60 tonnes of water up to half a metre deep. The standing water repeatedly submerged Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) equipment, raising severe risks of fire and electrocution, the residents told en.philenews. According to the Department of Meteorology, this August has been recorded as the wettest since 1901, with August 29’s storm establishing itself as the most severe episode of the month. The storm brought intense sea disturbance that proved fatal. The average rainfall for the month was 1,034 per cent of the normal amount for August, measured against the 1961-1990 reference period used for rainfall comparisons. “We are not asking for preferential treatment,” the residents said, noting they have received no substantive updates despite support from the Deputy Mayor of Engomi. “We are asking for fair and reasonable treatment, appropriate intervention and protection from further damage to our property.” The homeowners maintain that topographical runoff from surrounding streets overpowers public drains, which clog with leaves and debris within minutes. While the building uses an internal discharge pump, residents reported it fails during heavy rainfall, forcing the Fire Service to carry out pumping operations lasting up to four hours. Previous drainage provisions at a nearby bend were reportedly removed when the flat was constructed. Addressing the specific property damage, the DLGO recommended that the residents install a barrier gate at the basement entrance to delay incoming stormwater, while stressing that internal pumps and discharge pipes must be kept in working order. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Driver hits railing in Larnaca, cut free by Fire Service No breakthrough as Christodoulides, Erhurman meet again before New York Herzog visits Cyprus for third time amid Turkey-Israel strain Erini Loucaides on award-winning fiction, diaspora and the ‘wounded’ Cyprus that shapes her work Binge it or skip it: Can This Love Be Translated? – Learning each other’s language Things to do on Thursday, September 10 Temperatures to reach 37 degrees on Thursday Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.