Epic rains wreak havoc in Cyprus

There were power cuts and traffic jams almost all over the island on Sunday as heavy rain and storms caused flooding and damaged crops in just a very short time.

Reports said rainfall was particularly intense in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol, while epic thunder and storms produced golf-ball-sized hail in areas of Famagusta district. Farmers said their crops were destroyed and called for a quick payout through government schemes.

Police and the Fire Department received dozens of calls from citizens whose homes and properties had flooded, mostly in Nicosia district, where several roads in Lakatamia and Strovolos became very dangerous.

Nicosia’s Alexandroupoleos bridge was also temporarily closed due to the overflowing of Pedieos River.

Power outages were reported in many areas, especially in Limassol, with EAC crews working non-stop to restore electricity. A blackout in Ayia Napa was caused after a utility pole struck by lightning was cut in half.

Weather officials said rain was expected on Monday with similar chances of heavy rain and possible hailstorms.