Newsroom
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have caused disruption across Limassol and Paphos, with electricity faults, flooded roads, rockfalls and reduced visibility reported as severe weather sweeps across Cyprus.
An orange warning issued by the Department of Meteorology remains in force until 5am on Thursday, with rainfall rates potentially reaching 55 to 70 millimetres per hour. Strong winds and hail are also possible.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, particularly when travelling through mountainous areas and roads affected by flooding.
Power cuts affect communities in both districts
Several communities in Limassol district experienced electricity outages on Wednesday afternoon after faults were reported across the network.
According to the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), affected locations included Akapnou, Asomatos, Eptagonia, Kellaki, Parekklisia, Pyrgos, Sanida and Trachoni. The outages were recorded between 4.55pm and 5.51pm.
Electricity restoration was estimated for 8pm in Asomatos, where only part of the area was affected, and in Trachoni. No estimated restoration times were listed for the other locations on the EAC fault map.
In Paphos district, outages were also reported in Akoursos, Pano Arodes, Ineia, Kathikas and parts of Peyia.
EAC spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou told the Cyprus News Agency that the first major fault, accompanied by several smaller localised incidents, occurred at around 2.30pm. Lightning strikes and branches brought down by strong winds are among the possible causes.
Repair crews were dispatched to the affected areas, although the distances between locations complicated restoration efforts. Papadopoulou confirmed that the major fault in Peyia had been repaired.
Rockfalls and flooding disrupt travel
Heavy rainfall in the mountainous areas of Limassol district has created hazardous driving conditions, with landslides and falling rocks reported along the Platres to Troodos, Amiantos to Troodos and Kalo Chorio to Zoopigi roads.
Fog has further reduced visibility along mountain routes. Poor visibility has also been reported in Erimi, Episkopi and Sotira, while heavy rain continues to affect Limassol city and surrounding communities.
Police have advised motorists to slow down, leave sufficient space between vehicles and remain particularly alert on roads affected by adverse weather.
In Paphos district, the Peyia to Lara road has been declared impassable to vehicles after a river overflowed its banks.
Six tourists rescued from Avakas Gorge
Six tourists became trapped in Avakas Gorge after rising waters prevented them from making their way back towards Paphos. Officers from Peyia Police Station intervened to help them reach safety.
The incident highlights the dangers posed by rapidly rising water levels in natural gorges during periods of intense rainfall.
The Fire Service has also responded to several weather-related incidents across Paphos district, including blocked stormwater drains, water entering residential basements and a fallen tree. Calls were reported in Peyia, Polemi and Polis Chrysochous.
Crews from the district drainage authority are working to clear stormwater drains on flooded roads. Fire Service directorates across Cyprus remain on heightened alert, with additional personnel available if required.
Flight diverted from Paphos to Larnaca
Severe weather also affected air travel, with a flight departing Glasgow for Paphos diverted to Larnaca.
Information from the company operating Cyprus' airports indicated that the aircraft was redirected because of stormy conditions. Further diversions remain possible as the weather situation develops.
Orange warning remains in force overnight
The Department of Meteorology's orange warning for severe thunderstorms covers the period until 5am on Thursday.
Rainfall could reach 55 to 70 millimetres per hour, with thunderstorms potentially accompanied by hail and strong winds.
Authorities are continuing to monitor conditions and have called on the public to take extra care when travelling, particularly in areas prone to flooding, landslides and poor visibility.
