March 29th, 2024

Rain-swamped roads in Limassol and Nicosia reopen

Police announced that all roads that had closed in Nicosia and Limassol districts had re-opened to traffic after the weather took a turn for the worse on Friday with heavy rains and storms in some areas.

During the heavy rainfall earlier in the day, the Arakapas – Sykopetra and Sykopetra – Prophitis Elias roads in the Limassol district, were closed due to landslides.

In Nicosia, due to water accumulation, the Archangelos road and roundabout was also closed to traffic.

Police had also issued a warning that visibility in the Nicosia – Limassol, Limassol – Paphos and Nicosia – Troodos roads was limited due to torrential rains, while roads are slippery.

Drivers are urged to be extremely careful, drive at low speed, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and keep the headlights of their vehicle switched on. They must also comply with traffic signs and police instructions.

The brunt of the disaster was born by residents of Limnatis, Limassol, where roads and houses were flooded and damaged, while even power and communication were disrupted at noon.

An elderly resident said that he hadn’t seen this much rain in a single day since 1947.

Meanwhile, farmers in Pera Pedi, Mandria, Kato Platres, Fini, Kilani and Moniatis, saw the year’s crop of apples, peaches, cherries, apricots, grapes, and vegetables, destroyed by the hailstorm.

According to Fini mukhtar Christakis Mesaritis, “farmers here suffered total destruction”.

“We’ve never seen such a hailstorm,” one farmer said.

“Unfortunately, everything we planted is gone.”

Officers of the Agricultural Insurance Organisation are expected to visit the areas to record the damage next week.

Source: Cyprus-Mail