Filenews 20 July 2023
Suffocating heat and heatwave conditions are expected to bake Cyprus until the end of the month, causing problems for citizens and infrastructure.
The mercury has skyrocketed and is not expected to fall even next week from 40 degrees Celsius, estimates the director of the Department of Meteorology, Kleanthis Nikolaidis. A new yellow warning for high temperatures comes into effect for today, while the Department of Forests warns of an increased risk of fires.
Yesterday, another elderly man was admitted to hospital with heat stroke. At the same time, EAC spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulou warns that as long as the heatwaves last and the network is strained, power cuts will occur.
In particular, Nicolaides noted that the region remains under the influence of the high pressure system of the Azores. "By the end of the month it seems to last 40 years," he said, warning of heatwave conditions and intense discomfort. The temperature is expected to rise slightly further over the weekend. At the same time, the Department of Meteorology issued a new yellow warning for extremely high temperatures, which comes into effect at 11:00 and ends at 18:00. The maximum temperature is expected around 41 degrees in the interior and around 33 degrees in the mountains.
The Department of Forests has again issued a "red alert" for the risk of explosion and expansion of forest fires. It is forbidden to light a fire without permission and is an offence that carries heavy penalties.
Meanwhile, another elderly man, 89 years old, was taken yesterday to Nicosia General Hospital with heat stroke, while one of those already hospitalized with heat stroke was discharged. The number of these patients remains at six, two at Nicosia Hospital and four at Limassol Hospital, including an 80-year-old man who remains intubated in critical condition.
Despite recommendations to keep people cool and air-conditioned, power cuts continue. Many areas were left without power yesterday morning, while problems during the day were attributed to damage and yesterday's fires. EAC spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulou told "F" that the power cuts are caused by damage to the joints of the underground cables. He also clarified that extreme temperatures are due to the problems as the equipment contracts and expands. In addition, he said, the system is strained and stressed due to the sharp increased demand due to the use of air conditioners.
Regarding the electricity problems in Astromeritis and Orounta, he noted that these arose after the fire that broke out yesterday.
