**Power Cuts Leave 14 Individuals Trapped in Lifts Across Cyprus**
Cyprus experienced significant power outages on Wednesday night, resulting in 14 individuals becoming trapped in lifts across various cities. The fire brigade undertook multiple rescue operations in response to the incidents, highlighting the challenges posed by the rolling electricity cuts.
According to fire brigade spokesman Andreas Kettis, the emergency services received a total of 14 calls related to people trapped in lifts during the outages. The incidents occurred in several locations, with five rescues taking place in Nicosia, four in Limassol, four in Larnaca, and one in Paphos.
Kettis explained that the power outages can severely impact lifts that do not have automatic emergency evacuation systems. In such cases, when electricity fails, passengers can find themselves stranded until help arrives. "When this power outage occurs in a specific city or area, all elevators that are in operation may require evacuation by the fire department," he stated.
The fire brigade's response was complicated by the simultaneous nature of the incidents. Kettis noted that multiple calls for assistance could stretch the department's resources thin, potentially delaying response times. He emphasized the importance of having adequate lift maintenance and the role of lift maintenance companies in preventing such situations.
Under current regulations, the responsibility for rescuing individuals trapped in lifts primarily falls on lift maintainers and installers. Kettis urged these companies to ensure that their systems are equipped with emergency protocols to minimize risks during power failures.
The incidents underscore the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the face of electricity outages, as well as the importance of regular maintenance checks for lifts to ensure passenger safety.
As the situation unfolded, the fire brigade managed to successfully rescue all individuals trapped in lifts, ensuring their safety without any reported injuries. The recent power cuts have raised concerns among residents regarding the reliability of the electricity supply and the implications for public safety.
Authorities are expected to review the incidents and consider measures to enhance the resilience of lift systems against future power outages.