One of the most severe summer storms in recent years struck Cyprus on Saturday, leaving one person dead, several injured, extensive damage and serious problems across almost all districts.
The tragedy reached its peak in the sea area of Cape Greco, where well-known businessman and former rally driver Dimis Mavropoulos lost his life after the boat he was travelling in crashed into rocks amid extremely difficult weather conditions.
Other people were also on board and were rescued, while his daughter and partner were taken to hospital for treatment. The search and rescue operation involved the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), Police, Fire Service and National Guard.
According to Police, Ayia Napa Police Station returned to the search area at first light to conduct further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and determine the cause of the well-known businessman’s death.
Nicosia at the centre of the storm
The Fire Service received a total of 357 calls across Cyprus, with the overwhelming majority concerning the Nicosia district. Most incidents involved pumping out floodwater, fallen trees and objects, as well as damage caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
One incident in Agios Dometios prompted a particularly urgent response after a child became trapped beneath an awning on the veranda of a fourth-floor apartment. Rescue teams managed to free the child without injury.
Flooded roads, fallen trees and power outages were reported across Nicosia, with Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) crews working to restore the electricity supply.
Strong winds and severe weather also brought down trees in the Athalassa and Pedagogical Academy National Forest Parks.
In the Stavrou area, strong winds and heavy rainfall caused scaffolding from an apartment building under construction to collapse onto a neighbouring house.
The severe weather also battered the Larnaca district, with waterspouts forming at sea off the coast.
In Kato Drys, a man from Sri Lanka was struck by lightning and taken to hospital for examinations. His condition was not considered serious.
In Avgorou, lightning sparked a fire in a residential warehouse, causing damage and forcing the family to temporarily leave their home. They were provided with accommodation under the responsibility of Ayia Napa Municipality.
In the Limassol district, a lightning strike caused a fire in a difficult-to-access area of Kyparissia Forest, near Kapsala. Firefighting crews quickly brought the blaze under control. Meanwhile, accumulated rainwater on major roads caused serious disruption to the road network.
Roads were also affected, particularly in mountainous areas, due to rockfalls and landslides. Routes affected included Gerakies–Kykkos, Orkontas–Kampos, Kampos–Chantoupa–Pyrgos and Kampos–Kykkos.
Also read: Severe weather sweeps across Cyprus: Intense conditions underway
