Hailstorms paralyzed Cyprus on Green Monday, roads turned into rivers

Green Monday in Cyprus was marred by severe weather conditions, causing widespread disruption across the island. Hailstorms pounded Nicosia, transforming roads into torrents and posing significant challenges for residents and commuters.

The Fire Service is engaged in extensive efforts to address the damage, with restoration expected to take several hours.

The Meteorological Service had issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and hail, which remained in effect until late afternoon.

Nicosia bore the brunt of the storm, with the Fire Service receiving over 70 distress calls, particularly from the districts of Tseri, Latsia, and Strovolos.

In response, a total of 20 teams, including firefighters, volunteers, and civil defense units, were mobilized to tackle the crisis. Their tasks ranged from pumping water out of flooded basements to conducting vehicle rescues, ensuring public safety amidst the chaos.

The adverse weather conditions also wreaked havoc on the road network, prompting road closures and safety advisories from the Police.

Drivers were urged to exercise caution, reduce speed, and maintain safe distances due to heavy rain and hail, especially on the Limassol-Nicosia highway.

Despite the challenges, emergency responders remain vigilant, with the Monovolikos Fire Station swiftly responding to a traffic accident in Kolossi.

Using specialized rescue equipment, they successfully extricated a woman from a vehicle, facilitating her transfer to the hospital for medical attention. As Cyprus navigates through this turbulent weather, cooperation and caution remain paramount for everyone's safety.