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Larnaca authorities went on high alert Sunday after heavy rains caused flash floods and problems in many parts of the town including the airport.
Local media said the arrival terminal at Larnaca International Airport was waterlogged due to heavy rainfall on Sunday, with Hermes Airports saying the flooded area was cut off immediately.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, the operator of the airport noted a “big change in weather conditions and heavy rains lasting long periods” in recent times, saying this resulted to the side entrance of the arrival terminal to be flooded.
Reports said there were ongoing efforts on the ground to install special pumping stations at the airport.
Fire Department officials said they had received dozens of calls in Larnaca district on Sunday, when a flood watch had gone into effect for parts of the island.
Videos on social media showed floods turning public streets into rivers, with local officials saying crews went out as soon as the rain had stopped and started clearing debris.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras attributed problems in the road network to “large quantities of rainwater” in a very short amount of time.
“Fortunately, there were no damages,” Vyras said.
Ongoing problems for southern town
Flood problems have been tormenting residents and authorities in the southern town for years.
Back in October, two rainwater pumping stations were set up in Larnaca, marking the town’s efforts to improve additional areas with two dozen works, while over €17 million has already been earmarked for 4 projects already in the pipeline.
Earlier this year court cases involving the Larnaca Sewerage and Drainage Board went nowhere, after reports said prosecutors could not back up allegations of wrongdoing.
Police said the attorney general’s office found a “lack of sufficient evidence” to prosecute cases.
Last year former Larnaca mayor Andreas Louroudjiatis was found guilty of corruption in the connection with a case relating to the operation of two waste management plants in Larnaca and Paphos.
Southern town waterlogged with storm water after heavy rains, pumping projects in the pipeline, airport terminal flooded (VIDEO)
