Tornado strikes Germasogeia, causing severe hand injury

The municipal authority in Germasogeia has sprung into action following the early morning havoc caused by at least two tornadoes, Mayor Kyriakos Xydias confirmed to CNA.

According to local police reports, one individual suffered a severe injury, experiencing fingertip amputation of the right hand, and is currently undergoing surgery at Nicosia General Hospital.

Mayor Xydia described the extensive damage inflicted on residences and infrastructure across Germasogeia. The tornadoes struck from the vicinity of the Apollonia hotel, sweeping northwards toward the Paniotis area.

"Numerous trees and power poles were uprooted, nurseries ravaged, and windows shattered, with roof tiles scattered across the area," Mayor Xydia lamented, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the event.

During the night, approximately 20 roads were rendered impassable due to fallen trees and poles, with a crane collapse and overturn reported on Andokidou Street.

As dawn broke, Paniotis Avenue remained closed, and municipal authorities announced the closure of local schools for the day.

From the outset, municipal teams, working in tandem with Civil Defense, Police, Fire Service, and District Administration, have been on the ground providing assistance and ensuring public safety.

Mayor Xydias also disclosed efforts to secure accommodation for families displaced from their homes, reaching out to the Ministry of Social Welfare for support.

Confirmation of the injury sustained during the tornado was provided by local law enforcement, with the injured individual swiftly transported to Nicosia General Hospital for specialized medical attention, including fingertip reattachment surgery.

The community in Germasogeia is rallying together as cleanup and recovery efforts get underway, underscoring the resilience and solidarity of the region in the face of natural disasters.

[With information sourced from CNA]