THE NICOSIA and Larnaca districts were lashed by more hailstorms, rainfall and high winds yesterday, in a second day of dramatic weather, with poor conditions forecast for today.
Storms rushed in from the north-west from noon onwards, with a small tornado forming in the Koshi area, though no serious damage or injuries were recorded.
The whirlwind crossed over the Nicosia-Larnaca highway and headed towards the village Avdelero, but veered off.
The mountain areas of Kampos and Pyrgos were also affected, with powerful hailstorms accounting for several accidents. By the afternoon, there were landslides on a number of mountain roads in Nicosia and Larnaca Districts, leading to temporary closure and a police warning to motorists about the dangerous driving conditions in those areas.
Early yesterday afternoon storms knocked out the electricity supply in the Lakatamia area; Aglandjia residents had also spent a night in the dark but power was restored early yesterday morning.
Earlier in the day, police warned of extreme weather conditions, centring in Nicosia, starting from noon and ending at around 6pm. Their announcement didn’t exclude the possibility of a similar outcome to the day before, where a sizeable tornado ripped parts of Nicosia to pieces.
Police urged civilians to avoid leaving their homes without good reason. The public was also warned not to stand next to windows or glass panes if a tornado was to form, as most injuries on Friday were from glass succumbing to the swift variations in air pressure.
The Meteorological Services announced that similar conditions would continue until tomorrow.
President Demetris Christofias said his thoughts were with the people who were affected by the tornado. He congratulated the state services and Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis for their speedy reaction to the public’s pleas for help.
Speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing for London, Christofias added, “We wish we never had to experience such phenomena, which are rare,” he said. “Such phenomena happen but this tornado was aggressive and catastrophic.
“I would like to send my warmest wishes to the people that have been affected, congratulate the Interior Minister and all the services, the District Officer for their immediate reaction and I would like to stress that I expect efforts to help those affected is seen through.”
Speaking to the CyBC yesterday, Sylikiotis said local authorities continued to clear the debris yesterday, while recording the damages. He said the authorities would most likely continue to work throughout today as well.
“Instructions have already been given to local authorities to record the establishments that have been affected,” he explained. “But the official count of damages will start on Monday, so we can move ahead with our plan to support all those affected.”
He said there may be an issue with compensating those whose cars, businesses and houses are already insured. “We need to examine all the dimensions. We need to look at the social criteria and support those who need it the most.”
But Sylikiotis said there were funds in the budget. “If we need more money, we will propose it to the Cabinet. But we can’t give details now; we will have a full view from Monday onwards.”
He warned that it would take weeks even months to complete the compensations procedure.
To report damages, civilians should call local authorities, their District Office and Civil Defence, which all were operating yesterday and are expected to continue today.
Meanwhile, a police officer was run over on Friday afternoon on Limassol Avenue in Aglandjia – one of the worst-hit areas – as he attempted to direct traffic.
He was in the process of crossing the road, when he was hit by a motorist, who then fled the scene.
The injured policeman continued his duty, until returning to his Department he felt lower back pains and was taken to Nicosia General Hospital for treatment. He was signed off work for three days.
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