Storm Strikes Cyprus
Cyprus was rocked by heavy rain and a storm in the last days of August, affecting both the northern and southern regions and leading to a series of negative consequences. The Güzelyurt area emerged as one of the worst-hit regions, with numerous trees falling onto roads and causing serious damage to vehicles.
As a part of the storm impact, electrical lines suffered extensive damage. Particularly in the Güzelyurt and Lefke regions, power outages exacerbated the situation. The Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority reported that many residents were unable to receive electricity due to fallen poles and trees crashing onto the power lines.
Disruptions in Flight Services
The severe weather conditions also affected air travel. Many flights to Ercan Airport were diverted to Adana and Istanbul. In Southern Cyprus, 11 flights that were expected to land in Larnaca were redirected to different airports, namely Rhodes and Paphos. These disruptions in flights negatively impacted passengers’ plans as the effects of the storm continued.
During the storm in Güzelyurt, two main boats capsized, tragically resulting in one fatality. Reports indicate that the deceased was a well-known businessman, 76-year-old Dimis Mavropoulos. Other passengers were rescued by helicopter.
Additionally, the accumulation of water around Nicosia, Gönyeli, and Güzelyurt required intervention from municipal teams, firefighters, and Civil Defense units. It was stated that the water accumulation in these areas was due to blocked rain drainage channels.
In a separate incident caused by lightning, a fire broke out when the lightning struck a tree in Güzelyurt. Forestry Department and fire brigade teams, along with soldiers in the area, intervened to control the fire.
Impact on Sports Facilities and Agriculture
The storm not only disrupted transportation but also adversely affected sports facilities. The Fikri Orakçıoğlu Football Field belonging to Baf Ülkü Yurdu in the Güzelyurt area sustained significant damage from fallen boards and bent goals. Furthermore, agricultural areas were also considerably impacted. Severe damage occurred in the farms and greenhouses in Güneşköy.
The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hüseyin Çavuş, inspected the weather conditions on-site in Güneşköy and Aydınköy to assess the impact on agricultural production. The ministry announced that a detailed assessment of the extent of the damage would be conducted.
In conclusion, the storm that hit Cyprus in August led to widespread destruction on the island, and authorities are currently continuing their detailed assessment of the damage extent.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
