Mountain schools still closed by snow

SCHOOLS in three districts remained closed yesterday due to snow and ice, while dozens of cars were stranded in mountainous regions of the island, authorities said.
Police said 70 vehicles and four Dutch tourists were left stranded on Thursday due to heavy snowfall and ice in the island’s higher regions.

The tourists were freed by officers who took them to a hotel in Pedhoulas, where they spent the night.

The icy roads also caused numerous accidents without, however, any serious injuries.

Several schools stayed closed in the higher parts of the Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos districts.

The snow reached 35 centimetres on Olympos – Troodos’ highest point – and 25 centimetres at the square.

Movement in many roads was interrupted as police worked to free motorists and move cars involved in accidents.

Police at Kampos carried food to stranded villagers while others helped in distributing the mail.

Meanwhile, potato farmers in Nicosia and Famagusta were taking stock of the damage inflicted by the ice on their produce.

Damage was also caused to vegetables.

The weather is expected to remain clear today with 14 degrees Celsius inland and two degrees in mountain regions.

It will continue to be clear over the weekend and Monday with temperatures gradually rising.

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