Filenews 3 November 2024
Destruction and extensive damage were left behind by the bad weather that hit Limassol and Paphos on Saturday afternoon (02/11). In Limassol, trees fell and shop windows were broken by strong winds, while there were also reports of a turbine in areas of West Limassol. Falling trees have caused serious problems on key roads, hampering traffic and threatening road safety. At the same time, the competent authorities proceeded to the opening of wells in various areas to prevent flooding, while in several communities there was a power cut.
In the Municipality of Kouri, roads were flooded, trees were uprooted, tin was removed and cut electricity cables fell on the road. Speaking to philenews, Mayor Pantelis Georgiou said that the severe storm initially hit the Municipality, causing big and serious problems. He said the situation was chaotic as many trees fell and blocked roads, while flooding created serious problems in access.
It is noted that a team of the Ministry of Agriculture will record the damage to livestock premises in the Limassol district. An announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture states that following a relevant consultation with the Deputy District Officer of Limassol, damages have been recorded so far in 4 livestock establishments in the Limassol district.
In Paphos, the General Hospital was flooded, resulting in small pools of water. The roof of the hospital seems to have been covered from several points, as evidenced by the extensive damage to the chairs, beds, and equipment inside the hospital building.
According to the information provided by the Police and the Fire Brigade, rescue operations were carried out and people were rescued from private vehicles. Paphos' main avenues were literally turned into rivers with huge volumes of water rushing down, sweeping away all kinds of materials from sidewalks and open spaces.
The damage to the hospital caused intense mobilization, since after the on-site visit to the hospital of the Government Spokesman, the Minister of Health Michalis Damianou posted on social media that he gave instructions to the SHSO to inform him about the damage. At the same time, the SHSO in an announcement estimates that from the first indications the problem resulted from the closure of gutters on the terrace of the fourth floor, where work is being done.
