Two sent to hospital with heatstroke

TWO PEOPLE were yesterday hospitalised with the effects of heatstroke as temperatures yesterday hit 39C inland.

Both incidents happened in Paphos, the first when a 52-year-old Polish builder was taken to hospital complaining of dizziness. Doctors said his body temperature was very high and described his condition as serious, but not life threatening.
A 64-year-old British tourist was also admitted to Paphos General Hospital after suffering from the extreme heat.

Power cuts were seen in Nicosia, Limassol and Protaras, with the Electricity Aurthority (EAC) saying they could not rule out the possibility of further cuts due to the current heat wave, but promised quickly to address the situation, should it arise.
The Meteorological Services have forecast a high of 42C today.

Andreas Theofanou, manager of the Cyprus Transmission System Operator said that, “due to the heightened temperatures, there is an increased risk of power cuts, especially as the heat is forecast to continue until the weekend.”

He added that he was in constant communication with the Electricity Authority in light of the planned strike this morning. A separate statement by the Operator urged the public to “reduce electricity demand to the least possible between the hours 8.30-11am”.

“We are optimistic that the daily electricity demand will not exceed 1,100 MW, which is the total capacity of the island,” said Theofanou.

Monday set an all-time record, with demand peaking at 969 MW at 3.45pm.

Theofanou explained that when temperatures reach the extremes seen this week, underground power cables run the risk overheating and becoming damaged. “Even if that is the case, the damage will be localised and will not affect the whole grid,” he said.

He urged people not to worry though. “We are on standby and have contingency plans in place. If the worse does happen and power is interrupted, this will most likely occur only in selected areas.”

EAC spokesman Costas Gavrielides said the infrastructure was in place to rectify any possible damage within a maximum time period of two hours.

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