Heavy rainfall but drought continues

RAINFALL distribution for last September was one of the best of the century, yet dams in Cyprus are still nowhere near being replenished.

Head of the Meteorological Department Kyriacos Theophilou said that September and October have been promising in terms of rainfall, but the most significant months for dams collecting water are December and January.

Senior Technician of the Water Department Phaedros Roussis said that despite the relatively heavy rainfall we have experienced in the last two months this year holds the record for being one the driest ever recorded.

“Water capacity in dams is currently at three per cent”, said Roussis, “With an accumulative water quantity of 9.6m2, it’s the worst of all times.”

Rousis added that not only have the dams not been collecting water, but there has also been a drop in water levels since last Friday.

“The rainfall we have experience so far is unfortunately no indication that that the rest of year will be wet,” said Rousis.

Elsewhere in Cyprus, heavy rainfall and hailstorms caused serious damage to crops and fruit plantations.

Amiantos, Kyperounta, Pelendri and Dimes were badly affected by the hailstorms which although only lasted for half an hour on Sunday, still managed to wreak havoc.

Acres of apricot and apples tress were entirely destroyed in the hailstorm which claimed 80 per cent damage of entire fruit plantations in some areas.

Representatives of the Agricultural Committee will be inspecting the affected areas today to estimate the cost of damage.

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