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Tag: flooding

  • Cyprus Faces Urgent Storm Warning as Civil Defence Issues Safety Instructions

    Cyprus Faces Urgent Storm Warning as Civil Defence Issues Safety Instructions

    storm warning — Civil Defence authorities in Cyprus have issued an urgent storm warning as heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to impact the island this Sunday. The Meteorological Department has activated a yellow weather warning, effective from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm, with isolated storms expected to hit the west, north, and south coasts before moving inland.

    Storm warning: Immediate Safety Measures for Residents

    In light of the impending storms, authorities are urging residents to take immediate self-protection measures. To prepare for potential flooding, it is essential to clear all storm drains outside homes or workplaces and ensure that gutters are functioning properly.

    Protect Your Property

    • If you reside in a flood-prone area or own a basement, consider digging a sump pit and installing an automatic water pump to manage excess water.
    • Move expensive equipment and valuables to higher ground to prevent damage.
    • Keep soil patches in your garden clear of paving to allow for water absorption.
    • Secure loose items such as water tanks and heaters to avoid them being swept away.
    • Seal cracks in boundary walls and prepare sandbags to block potential water ingress.

    Staying Safe During the Storm

    As the storm approaches, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid basement areas entirely. For those caught outside, it is critical to follow these guidelines:

    • Never attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in any vehicle.
    • If you encounter deep water, turn around immediately.
    • Abandon your car if it stalls in floodwaters, as it may be swept away or submerged.
    • Keep a safe distance from power lines and areas that are prone to landslides.

    After the Storm Passes

    Once the rain subsides, it is important to remain cautious. Flooded areas can still be dangerous:

    • Stay away from flooded zones, even after rainfall has stopped, as floods can reshape landscapes and obscure hazards like broken road surfaces.
    • Assume that all standing water is contaminated with debris or dead animals.

    Preparedness for Tornadoes and High Winds

    With the possibility of tornadoes and high winds accompanying the storms, residents should take additional precautions:

    Tornado Safety

    • If a tornado approaches, close all doors and windows but keep internal glass shutters open to equalise air pressure.
    • Move away from windows and any loose furniture that could become projectiles.

    If You Are Outside

    • Track the tornado’s path and run in the opposite direction to safety.

    If You Are Trapped

    • Lie face down in a ditch and cover your head with your hands to protect against flying debris.

    High Wind Preparedness

    In anticipation of high winds, residents should secure garden furniture, pots, and signs. It is advisable to avoid coastal activities and refrain from walking under balconies or large trees. Additionally, outdoor work that could potentially ignite a fire should be suspended for safety.

    Employers are also advised to suspend outdoor site work to protect staff from the severe weather conditions.

    By adhering to these safety instructions, residents can better prepare for the storm and protect themselves and their property as Cyprus braces for adverse weather.

  • Limassol Roads Experience Flooding Following Heavy Rainfall

    Limassol Roads Experience Flooding Following Heavy Rainfall

    limassol roads — Limassol roads experienced significant flooding after heavy rainfall on Friday, disrupting the usual calm of the district following an extended dry spell. The rain commenced around midday, predominantly affecting the mountainous regions of Limassol, before heavy downpours reached the city, leading to waterlogged streets.

    • In the days following the rainfall, local authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely, as more rain could be on the horizon, potentially exacerbating the current conditions.

    Residents took to social media, sharing videos of the flooded roads on the KAIROFILI KYPROU Facebook page. The footage captured the swift rise of water, with vehicles struggling to navigate through the inundated streets. Local reports indicate that some areas were temporarily impassable due to the conditions.

    This sudden shift in weather is a stark contrast to the preceding weeks of dry weather, which had left many areas of Cyprus parched. The rainfall not only caused immediate flooding but also contributed to raising the average rainfall figures for November in the region, especially after previous storms earlier in the week.

    While the heavy rain is welcomed by many as a relief from the dry period, the flooding has prompted concerns over drainage systems and preparedness for such weather events. As residents clean up and assess the impact, the focus will likely shift to ensuring infrastructure can better handle similar occurrences in the future.

    In the days following the rainfall, local authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely, as more rain could be on the horizon, potentially exacerbating the current conditions.

  • Hundreds of Bats Fled Mavrokolympos Dam Prior to Flooding, Experts Say

    Hundreds of Bats Fled Mavrokolympos Dam Prior to Flooding, Experts Say

    Experts estimate that hundreds of bats fled the Mavrokolympos dam before flooding occurred, following unexpected infrastructure damage in January. This information was disclosed by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou during a recent parliamentary session, responding to inquiries regarding the fate of the Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) that inhabit the dam’s drainage area.

    • While the flooding incident at the Mavrokolympos dam raised concerns about the bats, it also highlighted the ongoing efforts to support and sustain the thriving populations of this species in Cyprus.

    Unexpected Infrastructure Damage Causes Rapid Flooding

    The incident at the Mavrokolympos dam began on 19 January 2025, when damage to the base of the drainage tower resulted in uncontrolled water leakage. Minister Panayiotou described the situation as unforeseen, leading to the flooding of the drainage tunnel where the bats resided.

    Authorities Confirm No Bats Trapped in Flooded Tunnel

    As soon as the authorities became aware of the situation, they sought to confirm whether any bats had been trapped inside the drainage tunnel. However, safe access was compromised due to the large and rapidly accumulating leak, which created hazardous conditions within the tunnel.

    Using specialist bat detection equipment, officials were able to verify that no bats remained trapped. The minister stated, “The estimation of experts was that the animals abandoned the tunnel before it filled with water and mud.” This assessment provided some reassurance regarding the well-being of the bat colony.

    Environmental Impact Concerns Raised

    MP Charalambos Theopemptou raised concerns during the parliamentary session about whether a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment had been conducted prior to the actions taken by the Water Development Department. He questioned if proper protocols were followed to prevent the potential deaths of these bats.

    Minister Panayiotou clarified that the incident fell under the category of force majeure, indicating it was an unforeseen occurrence rather than a planned action. “No gate opening occurred, but the dam emptied due to leakage,” she explained. This statement highlighted that the situation was beyond the control of the authorities and did not involve any deliberate actions that might have necessitated an assessment.

    Legal Framework and Environmental Directives

    The minister further noted that the provisions of EU Directive 92/43/EEC did not apply in this case. Since the flooding resulted from force majeure rather than voluntary actions by authorities, there was no obligation to notify the European Commission or undertake mitigation measures as would typically be required.

    Furthermore, she reassured that numerous natural caves and cavities in the surrounding area could have provided refuge for any bats that left the tunnel prior to the flooding. Authorities are also investigating whether the bats may have integrated into existing colonies in nearby locations.

    Positive Trends for the Egyptian Fruit Bat Population

    Despite the incident, the Egyptian fruit bat population in Cyprus has shown encouraging growth in recent years. Minister Panayiotou reported that old colonies have been re-establishing, new colonies are forming, and there is a general increase in known populations across the island.

    Following the repairs to the dam and the cleaning of the drainage tunnel, authorities expect that the habitat will again be suitable for recolonisation by the bats. Relevant departments will closely monitor the area to document any potential return of the species in the near future.

    Next Steps for Mavrokolympos Dam

    As authorities work on repairing the damage caused by the flooding, they remain vigilant regarding the ecological implications of the incident. Minister Panayiotou expressed confidence in the resilience of the Egyptian fruit bats and their ability to adapt and thrive in suitable environments.

    She emphasised that the situation was a reminder of the importance of monitoring wildlife populations and ensuring that proper protocols are in place to protect them, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

    While the flooding incident at the Mavrokolympos dam raised concerns about the bats, it also highlighted the ongoing efforts to support and sustain the thriving populations of this species in Cyprus.