The free province of Famagusta is expected to be visited this morning by the Minister of the Interior, Nikos Nouris, following the many problems and disasters caused by the torrential rains which have been affecting the province since last night.
Since 04:40, calls for help have been continuously received due to severe weather conditions in the province of Famagusta, in the area of Paralimni Protaras and Agia Napa, with Stiv Theodoulou, Spokesman of the Famagusta Police Department, stating that there is particularly intense accumulation of water on Kappari Avenue – Protaras and on the roads of Agia Napa – Agia Thekla, Protaras and Cabo Greco. The Police, in collaboration with the municipality of Paralimni, have proceeded to close roads from the roundabout where the Zorba bakery is located to the lights of the prophet Elias and from the roundabout of Agios Panteleimon to the lights of Kammitsi.
So far, in Ayia Napa, hotels and houses were flooded, while in Paralimni and Protaras houses and shops were flooded. Equipped fire crews are working feverishly and 20 staff have had to be recalled.
The Fire Department received more than 50 calls for help and seven crews from the free Famagusta are working, which were reinforced with two crews from Larnaca. Three Civil Defense crews arrived in the area, there are crews from the Municipalities of Paralimni and Agia Napa, three excavators are operating. Two vehicles from support cy, a volunteer group, also contribute to the efforts.
According to information, until now 22 vehicles have been towed and 12 citizens have been rescued.
In Ayia Napa, the biggest problem is located on Kryou Nerou avenue (near the Thalassa museum).
In the free province of Famagusta, the following roads remain closed due to water accumulation: Protaras - Kavo Greko Avenue (from K. Kapparis to the entrance of Protaras in the Pernera area), Road from K. St. Panteleimon until Kamitsi lights.
The roads are dangerous: Kappari Avenue, 1st April Avenue, Griva Digeni Avenue, Agia Napa - Agia Thekla Road, Protaras - Kavo Greko - Ag. Napa.
The Police call on drivers who will be using the road network to be especially careful due to the amount of water on the roads making them slippery and dangerous. Drivers are urged to drive at low speeds, keep a safe distance from vehicles in front and keep their headlights on.
"Unfortunately, the heavy rainfall, which has been observed since the early hours of the morning, has created a lot of traffic congestion on the streets of the Municipality of Paralimni and therefore the police call and ask the public to limit their unnecessary movements and to be especially careful", he stressed the Press Representative of the Police Directorate of Famagusta.