**Severe Storms Cause Damage Across Cyprus**
Cyprus experienced severe storms on Saturday around noon, leading to significant damage in various regions of the island. The adverse weather conditions resulted in fallen trees, disrupted roadways, and damage to photovoltaic installations and greenhouses.
Strovolos Mayor Stavros Stavrinidis reported several incidents involving fallen branches, which he noted could pose risks to both residents and motorists. He stated that the municipality was actively monitoring the situation and was on high alert for any weather-related emergencies. “The municipality’s crews are on standby to deal with the problems,” he emphasized, encouraging residents to report any incidents by calling the designated emergency number.
In the Larnaca district, local authorities also remained vigilant as the severe weather persisted. The district government, known as EOA, indicated that heavy rainfall and strong winds had caused two trees to fall—one in Drosia and another along the road connecting Athienou and Lympia. EOA President Angelos Hadjicharalambous confirmed that the fallen tree in Drosia had been removed by the local municipality and assured that the fire service was on standby for any further emergencies.
Aradippou Mayor Christodoulos Partos reported power outages affecting several areas within the town. He reassured residents that municipal crews were prepared to respond to any incidents arising from the storm.
In Polis Chrysochous, Mayor Yiotis Papachristofis noted that the storms had inflicted damage on greenhouses and photovoltaic installations, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas on beaches in Pomos, Argaka, and Ayia Marina, which were particularly affected by the strong winds.
The fire service also faced challenges during the storm, with spokesman Andreas Kettis reporting that lightning struck a wooden electricity pylon in Kokkinotrimithia, igniting a fire. “We are attempting to extinguish the fire with five staffed fire trucks,” Kettis stated in a post on social media platform X.
The storm's impact extended to road conditions as well. The section beneath the Aleppiana bridge near Nicosia was temporarily closed due to water accumulation on the roadway, although it has since reopened. Police issued warnings about water pooling on various highway sections and debris, including fallen branches, obstructing the roads. Motorists were advised to exercise caution, particularly on mountain roads where landslides had deposited stones and soil onto the road surface.
As the island continues to assess the damage and respond to the aftermath of the storms, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any further incidents. The situation remains fluid as weather conditions evolve, and municipalities are prepared to address any additional challenges that may arise.