Newsroom
Firefighters carried out two rescue operations within hours Wednesday after rising water levels trapped dozens of hikers inside the popular Avakas Gorge in the Paphos district, authorities said.
The first alarm was raised shortly after 1 p.m., when emergency services received reports that 26 hikers had become stranded in the gorge’s riverbed after water levels suddenly surged, cutting off their path.
According to Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis, crews from the Pegeia Rural Fire Station rushed to the scene and launched a coordinated rescue using ropes and life jackets.
All hikers were safely escorted out of the gorge without injuries or health issues, officials said.
But the day’s operations were not over.
Just a few hours later, at around 4:20 p.m., firefighters were called back to the same area after another group of five people became trapped in the gorge.
Rescue teams located three individuals standing in the water and safely removed them using specialized equipment. The remaining two hikers, who were stranded at a different point along the canyon, managed to find their way out on their own and were reported to be in good condition.
Avakas Gorge, one of Cyprus’ most visited natural attractions, is known for its narrow passages and sudden changes in water flow, particularly after rainfall or shifting weather conditions, factors authorities say can quickly turn a routine hike into a dangerous situation.
Fire officials are again urging visitors to check weather conditions and follow safety guidance before entering the gorge, warning that water levels can rise unexpectedly even when conditions appear calm.
Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, though authorities emphasized the rescues ended without injuries thanks to the rapid response of emergency crews.
