Thunderstorms gripped Nicosia on Christmas Day, leading to heavy downpours that triggered emergency call-outs across Larnaca and Famagusta. Local roads were transformed into rivers as flash floods inundated the area, prompting urgent responses from emergency services.
In Famagusta, the Fire Station was compelled to recall off-duty personnel after a surge of distress calls came in from residents in Paralimni and Ayia Napa. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage showcased the ferocity of the storm, with vehicles struggling to navigate through deep water as drainage systems failed to cope with the sudden influx.
Thunderstorms: Emergency Services Mobilised
Andreas Kettis, a spokesperson for the Fire Service, confirmed that crews were actively working alongside the District Self-Government Organization (EOA) to manage the situation. A total of eight emergency calls were received by the Famagusta Fire Station that morning, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with teams successfully towing vehicles trapped in floodwaters and ensuring all occupants were recovered safely without injury. Meanwhile, infrastructure teams focused on clearing blocked storm drains and pumping water out of flooded premises, striving to mitigate the impact of the deluge.
Reinforcements and Ongoing Efforts
To bolster the response efforts, six additional EOA staff members joined the frontline teams working alongside fire crews. Their collaborative effort aimed to address the escalating challenges posed by the heavy rains.
While the eastern regions of the island faced the brunt of the flooding, other areas enjoyed clear skies with temperatures reaching a pleasant 19°C. However, forecasters warned of a swift change in weather conditions, as a weak high-pressure system was set to give way to a more volatile front.
Weather Warnings Ahead
As Christmas night approached, skies were expected to remain partly cloudy, with isolated showers primarily along the coast. Inland temperatures were predicted to drop to around 10°C, while coastal areas might experience lows of 12°C. In the high peaks of Troodos, the mercury could plummet to a chilling 4°C, with frost anticipated.
Looking ahead to Boxing Day, the weather was expected to deteriorate significantly, particularly in the afternoon. Forecasters indicated a likelihood of thunderstorms and hail, with temperatures reaching highs of 19°C inland and 20°C along the coast. Notably, sleet or snow may fall on the highest summits of Troodos, as unstable conditions persisted through the weekend.
