in -cyprus 9 September 2024
Authorities are considering the possible relocation of the Pissouri community as a last resort if ongoing landslides prove unstoppable or if mitigation costs become prohibitively high, Fileleftheros reported on Saturday.
Experts studying the region’s geological data suggest that even if relocation is avoided, further development in certain areas should be restricted to prevent exacerbation of the problem.
The decision hinges on the results of an ongoing comprehensive investigation, initiated after the Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) recommended suspending a €35 million retaining wall project. The first phase of the project, costing €8.5 million, has been completed.
Recent findings reveal that the landslide’s slip surface is approximately 40 metres deep, far beyond the initial estimate of 7 metres, complicating potential solutions.
Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, Director of the Geological Survey Department, told Fileleftheros that they will take action to identify what is causing the landslides, to enable the government to make informed decisions.
The investigation includes a 3D modelling study, the first of its kind in Cyprus, with participation from geological services of the United Kingdom, Austria, Greece, and Spain.
Hadjigeorgiou added that the department is considering extending studies beyond Pissouri to determine if similar problems exist in the wider area. He also expressed concern about the potential impact of strong earthquakes on the region’s complex geology.
