Newsroom
A rare and powerful tornado tore through the community of Avgorou on Tuesday afternoon, ripping roofs off homes, tossing trees into streets and even lifting parked cars off the ground, officials said. Despite the dramatic destruction, no injuries were reported.
“The scenes were dramatic, thankfully we had no victims,” said Avgorou Deputy Mayor Panagis Michaelas, speaking on state television the morning after the storm. He described the twister as “very strong and very frightening,” adding that water heaters, photovoltaic panels, and even an entire agricultural unit were blown apart.
Videos circulating on social media show a dark column of wind grinding across the village, swallowing everything in its path as debris spins through the air.
Local leaders called for immediate state support for the families whose homes were hit hardest. Several properties suffered severe roof damage and interior flooding, while streets were left blocked by uprooted trees.
Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannetou visited the area on Wednesday, saying the municipality wanted to see the damage firsthand and coordinate support efforts. His team, joined by deputy mayors from Sotira, Achna and Avgorou, toured the affected neighborhoods.
“The tornado caused extensive destruction to homes and outdoor areas,” the Ayia Napa municipality said in a statement. “Photovoltaic systems were torn apart, water heaters were scattered, and several trees collapsed onto roads and yards.”
Residents spent the day clearing debris and assessing losses, shaken but relieved that the storm ended without casualties. For many, the sight of a car lifted off the ground, an almost unheard-of event in Cyprus, underscored just how violent Tuesday’s tornado was.
Emergency crews and local authorities are now working to evaluate the damage and determine what assistance will be provided in the coming days.
