MVP

Tag: safety

  • Heat warning: Met Department Warns of Extreme Heat on Friday

    Heat warning: Met Department Warns of Extreme Heat on Friday

    heat warning — The Met Department has issued a yellow heat warning for extreme maximum temperatures set to impact the region on Friday, 22 August 2025. Effective from 12:00 noon until 17:00, this warning highlights that inland areas could reach a scorching 41°C.

    Heat warning: Temperature Projections and Regional Differences

    According to the Met Department, while the interior regions brace for intense heat, mountain areas are expected to be slightly cooler at around 32°C. Coastal conditions will vary based on specific locations, reflecting the diverse climate across different terrains.

    Current Weather Patterns

    A seasonal low pressure system is influencing local weather, resulting in predominantly clear skies with occasional low cloud cover. Winds are forecasted to begin as light and variable at 3 Beaufort, shifting to predominantly southwesterly to northwesterly at 3-4 Beaufort strength. Coastal areas may experience temporarily moderate to strong winds, reaching 4-5 Beaufort.

    Daily Temperature Expectations

    For today, the maximum temperatures are projected to hit 41°C inland. Coastal areas are expected to see temperatures around 35°C in the southeastern, southern, and northern regions, while western and southwestern coastal areas, along with higher mountain zones, will hover around 32°C.

    Overnight Conditions and Weekend Outlook

    As night falls, the weather will remain mostly clear, although there may be localised low cloud increases. Thin fog or mist is anticipated late at night and during the early morning, particularly affecting the southern and eastern regions. Winds will continue in a southwesterly to northwesterly direction, becoming locally variable at a strength of 3 Beaufort, with sea conditions remaining smooth to slight. Minimum temperatures are expected to drop to 23°C inland, 24°C along coastal areas, and 21°C in the mountainous regions.

    Looking Ahead

    As the weekend approaches, temperatures are forecasted to stay above seasonal norms on Saturday, but a gradual cooling trend is expected to begin on Sunday. By Monday, temperatures are anticipated to align more closely with the seasonal average.

  • Tragic Accident: Man Dies After Losing Control of Paramotor Glider in Larnaca

    Tragic Accident: Man Dies After Losing Control of Paramotor Glider in Larnaca

    A 31-year-old man died on Thursday after losing control of his paramotor glider over Kiti, Larnaca. The individual has been identified as Antonis Kourras from the village of Anayia in Nicosia.

    • A 31-year-old man died on Thursday after losing control of his paramotor glider over Kiti, Larnaca. The individual has been identified as Antonis Kourras from the village of Anayia in Nicosia.
    • Authorities are continuing their inquiries to determine the factors that led to this tragic accident, which has left the local community in shock.

    At approximately 8.30am, Kourras was paragliding with a companion in the Parasolia area of Kiti when he encountered difficulties while flying at a low altitude. Witnesses reported that the glider suddenly lost control and plummeted towards the sea, crashing into rocks near the beach.

    Emergency services were alerted immediately. An ambulance arrived on the scene, and Kourras was transported to Larnaca General Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

    The police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Members of the air accident investigation committee were also dispatched to ascertain the cause of the fall.

    In a coordinated response, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) activated the ‘Nearchos’ search and rescue national plan shortly after receiving reports of an individual in danger at 9.05am. Search and rescue operations were conducted along the Mazotos coast.

    Authorities are continuing their inquiries to determine the factors that led to this tragic accident, which has left the local community in shock.

  • Arson Suspect Remanded After Factory Blaze Linked to Employment Dispute

    Arson Suspect Remanded After Factory Blaze Linked to Employment Dispute

    A 43-year-old man suspected of arson at a factory in Ypsonas has been remanded in custody for seven days as investigators delve into charges of arson and malicious damage. The fire erupted in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting a swift response from local authorities.

    According to evidence presented by Limassol CID investigators to the District Court, the suspect had a brief history with the factory, having worked as a distributor for approximately one year before resigning in June 2025 without offering an explanation. Shortly after his resignation, he sought reinstatement, but the 75-year-old factory owner turned him down, having already found a replacement.

    This rejection reportedly left the suspect in an “agitated state.” Court testimony highlighted a confrontation between the two men at a café in Ypsonas two weeks after the suspect’s departure. Witnesses described the suspect as being in an “uncontrolled state,” where he shouted threats and threw a beer bottle at the factory owner, although bystanders intervened to prevent any injuries. Following this incident, the factory owner lodged a police report at Polemidia Station.

    In light of the suspect’s behaviour, he received official warnings from the police. A month before the fire, the factory owner noticed the oil cap had been removed from his vehicle parked near the factory. CCTV footage captured the suspect near the vehicle the day before the incident, raising suspicions of potential malicious damage.

    During written questioning, the suspect claimed he left the café between 00:30 and 01:00 on August 20 and went home, only to awaken later due to the noise of explosions and fire services responding to the blaze. He alleged he saw the factory fire from his balcony. However, investigators have gathered written testimony that contradicts his timeline. Evidence indicates he actually left at approximately 01:45, with the fire beginning just 15 minutes later.

    Following the fire, which caused damage to four neighbouring properties, police conducted searches of the suspect’s home and vehicle, seizing various items for scientific examination. Initially, no incriminating evidence was found. The suspect acknowledged the café incident, attributing his actions to alcohol consumption while asserting he was owed additional payment for services rendered to the factory owner.

    He stated that the complainant later paid him 300 euros through an intermediary. Concerning the vehicle incident, he admitted to parking on the complainant’s premises to start a vehicle and prevent battery drainage but denied any involvement in causing damage.

    As the investigation unfolds, police have collected six witness statements and carried out two searches to date. Authorities plan to re-examine the suspect and verify his claims, while also collecting additional evidence related to the fire. CCTV footage from the area is being secured, including recordings from the complainant’s security system.

  • Heat warning — Yellow Heat Warning Issued as Temperatures Expected to Reach 40°C

    Heat warning — Yellow Heat Warning Issued as Temperatures Expected to Reach 40°C

    The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow heat warning, predicting temperatures to soar to 40°C in inland areas and 32°C in mountainous regions.

    • The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow heat warning, predicting temperatures to soar to 40°C in inland areas and 32°C in mountainous regions.

    This warning takes effect at 12:00 midday on Thursday and will remain in place until 17:00. A seasonal low-pressure system is currently influencing weather patterns across the region, contributing to the high temperatures.

    Heat warning: Weather Conditions for Thursday

    Thursday’s forecast indicates mainly clear skies, although there may be an increase in cloud cover during the early afternoon, particularly in mountainous areas. Early morning could witness localised low cloud and light fog, especially along southern and eastern coastal regions.

    Temperature Trends for the Weekend

    Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to rise gradually over the weekend, with conditions remaining predominantly clear and sunny from Friday through Sunday. Forecasts suggest that Saturday will see a notable increase in temperatures, while Sunday will maintain readings above the seasonal average.

  • Limassol Factory Fire Leads to Arrest of Former Employee

    Limassol Factory Fire Leads to Arrest of Former Employee

    limassol factory — limassol factory — A major factory fire in Ypsonas, Limassol, has resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old former employee, following a night of evacuations and explosions that gripped the local community.

    The fire erupted at a paper storage and processing facility shortly before 2:00 am local time, prompting immediate action from emergency services. As flames rapidly engulfed the building, residents in the vicinity were forced to evacuate for their safety.

    Two nearby homes suffered damage to their external areas due to the intensity of the blaze. Witness accounts reveal a harrowing scene, with one local describing a series of loud explosions around 2:20 am. “The explosions were very loud, and shortly after we saw the factory engulfed in flames,” the resident said.

    Firefighting crews were dispatched promptly, with a total of ten fire engines responding under the guidance of the Fire Service. “We responded immediately from Limassol stations, reinforced by EMAK and a vehicle from the British Bases,” said Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis.

    Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a full-blown fire, exacerbated by the combustible materials stored on-site. “The thermal load was enormous. It was impossible to enter inside the factory,” Kettis explained. Instead, crews concentrated on external suppression and safeguarding adjacent residential properties.

    Compounding the crisis, the presence of gas canisters within the factory premises led to continuous explosions. “There were continuous explosions, with these gas canisters being catapulted. The firefighters were in danger,” Kettis added. The Fire Service had not been informed of the gas canisters, as the factory was registered solely for paper storage, raising concerns about safety compliance.

    By early morning, the fire was under control, though investigations are ongoing to determine its cause. The police arrested the former employee after the factory owner expressed suspicions regarding the fire and implicated him in a statement.

    Meanwhile, the Limassol-Paphos motorway was temporarily closed as a precaution, with police concerned about the safety of motorists due to the fire and associated explosions. The road has since reopened, but the section adjacent to the factory remains closed while the scene is secured.

    As the local community processes the events of that chaotic night, many residents remain shaken. “There is a strong smell of burning in the air and a stinging sensation in our eyes from the smoke,” shared one local, reflecting the health risks posed by the fire. The incident has sparked discussions about safety measures in such industrial facilities, highlighting the need for stricter compliance to prevent future occurrences.

  • Limassol fire — President Christodoulides Engages US Experts in Limassol Fire Investigation

    Limassol fire — President Christodoulides Engages US Experts in Limassol Fire Investigation

    President Christodoulides met with American experts investigating the deadly Limassol fire, expressing gratitude towards the US government for its prompt assistance.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    • President Christodoulides met with American experts investigating the deadly Limassol fire, expressing gratitude towards the US government for its prompt assistance.

    During the meeting with the team from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Christodoulides highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing such crises. He acknowledged the US government’s swift response to Cyprus’s request for support, stating, “This constitutes a common challenge.”

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    As the discussions unfolded, the President stressed the escalating nature of fire-related incidents, particularly in southern Europe, which has faced increasing threats from extreme weather conditions. He remarked, “The situation will get worse and worse, which is why we need to be ready, and we are pleased to be working with the American government.”

    Christodoulides also noted the Cypriot government’s proactive approach since he took office, mentioning that they have collaborated with the FBI to tackle various challenges. He emphasised the broad scope of bilateral cooperation, which encompasses politics, economy, trade, security, and more.

    In his remarks, the President assured the ATF team of the Cypriot government’s readiness to heed their expert advice and findings. This commitment to learning from the investigation underscores a proactive stance toward future challenges and the importance of utilising expert insights.

    The American experts reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the effective collaboration with Cypriot authorities. They expressed optimism that their ongoing investigation would provide valuable insights into the causes of the fire, enabling better preparedness for potential future incidents.

  • Ayia Napa Waterpark Reopens After False Alarm Over Suspicious Item

    Ayia Napa Waterpark Reopens After False Alarm Over Suspicious Item

    Visitors To The Ayia Napa Waterpark Can

    Visitors to the Ayia Napa waterpark can return after a report of a suspicious item led to a significant police operation. The investigation confirmed that the alert was a false alarm, allowing the venue to reopen promptly.

    • Authorities responded swiftly to the call, mobilising bomb disposal experts and other police units. Guests were evacuated as a precaution while officials conducted a thorough search of the premises.

    Authorities responded swiftly to the call, mobilising bomb disposal experts and other police units. Guests were evacuated as a precaution while officials conducted a thorough search of the premises.

    Authorities Responded Swiftly To The Call, Mobilising

    After an exhaustive examination, the police determined that there was no explosive device at the site. The swift action taken by law enforcement ensured the safety of everyone present, although the incident caused temporary disruption.

    This false alarm comes just weeks after another concerning discovery at the waterpark, where a grenade was found. The previous incident raised alarms about safety, making the recent report particularly alarming for both visitors and staff.

    With the investigation concluded and all clear given, the waterpark is eager to welcome back guests. Officials are keen to reassure the public that safety measures are in place to prevent future incidents and maintain a secure environment for all visitors.