"The risk of flooding is real in Cyprus, mainly in riparian areas and due to heavy rainfall. The risk of floods presupposes the timely organization of the state, but also the mobilization of the citizens themselves, by taking self-protection measures, in addition to the measures taken by the competent services. "
These are some of the words of the introductory note of the Civil Defense that was read at a press conference that took place on Monday 29/10 at the headquarters of the Civil Defense.
On behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, the risk mapping was carried out by the Department of Water Development, which also defined three levels of probabilities which are the following:
• Flooding that returns (statistically) every 20 years or so - the "light" incident
• Flooding that returns (statistically) every 100 years or so - the “moderately serious” incident
• Flooding that returns (statistically) every 500 years or so - the "very serious" incident
Paralimni
Flood type: Rapid flood
The part of the river that flows into the Port of Paralini and passes through Residential Urban Zones is a flood risk area. The river is not in a protection zone and houses are located very close to its bed. In the same area is the stadium "Tassos Markos" a place of frequent and large gathering of people. The severity of the effects increases due to both the low slope of the river itself (~ 0.2%) and the riparian area which is not greater than 1-2%. The area according to historical data experienced at least 2 floods of low and 1 moderate severity. The presence of the downstream lake is expected to act as a retention and flow control site at the mouth of the downstream river. Taking into account the intense pressures of separation of plots and housing in the areas around Lini as well as the environmental status of Lini as a Natura 2000 area (water snake), it is estimated that flood risk maps should cover Lini itself.
What is a flash flood?
Rapid Response Flood or Rapid Flood or Sudden Flood: It is the flood that appears and passes very suddenly with little or no warning. It occurs immediately after the end of a local high-intensity storm, usually on steeply sloping terrain (mountainous areas) and in relatively small catchments. This type of flood is characterized by a high rate of flooding and a short alert time. Due to the sudden onset and high velocity of the water flow, sudden floods can be very dangerous.
Detailed all areas:
Area 1: From the Politico to the Municipality of Nicosia
Flood type: Rapid flood
The area of Potaios Pediaios passes through Residential Areas of Communities / Municipalities of Politiko, Pera, Episkopiou, Ergaton, Psilofos, Anagia, Pano and Kato Deftera, Pano and Kato Lakatiaia, Egkoi, Strovolos and Nicosia The riparian areas of the river are in an increasing tendency of urbanization and population growth, while areas of the river are transformed into sports venues, stadiums, amusement parks, etc. A large number of bridges allow the operation of the transport, without all having been constructed with a complete Hydrological / Hydraulic Design. There are many in the form of Irish Bridge that lurk in danger. In the last 150 years 26 floods of very low severity (T ~ 6 years), 10 of low severity (T ~ 15 years), 4 of moderate severity (T ~ 38 years) and 4 very high severities (T ~ 38 years) have been recorded. .). Some of them also caused deaths. Throughout the length of the river, the riverbed is located in Protection Zone Z3 or ∆α1, ranging in width from 20 to 200 m with a size of 100 to 120 m to prevail. The existence of this Zone somewhat reduces the risks of serious flood events and their consequences. It is also noted that an enrichment dam has recently been erected in the area of Thassos, which with its proper operation may allow some form of large flow management.
Area 2: Egkoi, Ag. Δοµέτιος
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
The river Klio passes through a fully urbanized area with commercial, industrial and residential areas, the Cyprus State Fair and sports fields (Makareio and indoor stadiums). In many cases the riverbed is shapely. At the largest length of the river there is no protection zone. Historically, there is a frequent presence of flood events of very low severity (T ~ 10-20 years), low (T ~ 17-25 years) and mild (T ~ 35-50 years). From the whole length of the river section 1,9 km is covered (in the residential area of Makedonitissa up to Grigori Afxentiou street), while downstream of Afxentiou, where the area is less inhabited, 1 km is uncovered.
Area 3: Kokkinotrimithia
Flood type: Rapid flood
Part of the tributary of the Merika River passes through the residential area (urban zones H2 and H3) of Kokkinotrithia. It is noted that the riverbed is not located in any protection zone, thus increasing the risk of serious flood events. Although there is no indication of historical richness, the area is nevertheless included in the areas of serious risk due to its intensive urbanization in the last few years.
Area 4: Strovolos and Biotechnical area of Latsia
Flood type: Rapid flood
The river of Kalogeros River crosses the administrative boundaries of Strovolos River and ends in the Industrial Area of Latsia. Important elements are the proximity of the GSP sports center, the Nicosia-Leessos highway and the Commercial-Industrial Zone which it passes before entering the Athalassa Park and ending at the eponymous dam. Throughout its length, the riverbed is located in a protection zone 1α7 with a width of 80 8 up to 10 m with a size of 8-6 m to prevail. This zone is adjacent in places to the Residential Zones Ka2 and Ka3, to the commercial-industrial zones Βδ4, Ba1, Εβ1 and Βδκ as well as to the Public Use Zone Αα2. Historically, at least XNUMX sample of very low and XNUMX of low severity were recorded.
Area 5: Palioetocho and Agioi of Tritithia
Flood type: Rapid flood
Part of the river Merika passes through the residential areas of the communities of Agioi Tritithia and Palioetochou. In the area of Palioetochou it receives an influx from the tributaries Kouti and Katouri which historically presented fast floods of at least one very low, one low and one hundred (T ~ 100 years). Throughout its length, the riverbed is located in a protection zone Z3 with an average width of 50 m, which is adjacent to Residential Zones H1, H2 and H3. Landscaping works of the river or its tributaries passing through the Old Stakeholder are likely to increase the severity of the flood. The sections of the 2 tributaries passing through their point of flow within the residential area should be considered along the section of the Merika River.
Area 6: Dali Industrial Area
Flood type: Rapid flood
The dams and confluence of the Alyros and Alykos rivers are located within the important ιούaliou Industrial Zone. These sections were extended upstream of the Nicosia-Leessos highway by 500m to take into account this important element. Throughout its length, the riverbed is located in a protection zone Z3 µAll width 20m. The Pali Industrial Area is fully developed with significant industries and a large workforce. In the last 10 years, 2 floods of very low and 1 moderate severity have been recorded. The flood that took place on 2/12/2003 caused the death of a driver who was abducted by his car. Older floods were probably not recorded because there was no human activity in the area.
Area 7: Paralioni
Flood type: Rapid flood
The part of the river that flows into the Port of Paralini and passes through Residential Urban Zones is a flood risk area. The river is not in a protection zone and houses are located very close to its bed. In the same area is the stadium "Tassos Markos" a place of frequent and large gathering of people. The severity of the effects increases due to both the low slope of the river itself (~ 0.2%) and the riparian area which is not greater than 1-2%. The area according to historical data experienced at least 2 floods of low and 1 moderate severity. The presence of the downstream lake is expected to act as a retention and flow control site at the mouth of the downstream river. Taking into account the intense pressures of separation of plots and housing in the areas around Lini as well as the environmental status of Lini as a Natura 2000 area (water snake), it is estimated that flood risk maps should cover Lini itself.
Area 8: Island, Pera Village and Dali
Flood type: Rapid flood
The river Gialias passes through the residential areas of Pera Chorio, Nisos and Psali. The area shows an increased rate of urbanization, while public spaces (fields, etc.) are developed near the riverbed. The Nicosia-Lessos highway passes at the upstream point of the river and for this reason the study line of the river was extended by 500m. Another important element in the area that increases the severity of the floods is the presence and creation of sinks (karst cavities) due to the presence of gypsum stones that makes the location of some houses unsafe. The phenomenon is enhanced in the presence of additional benefits. The presence of a Z3 protection zone with an average width of 100-150m along the entire length of the river section reduces to some extent the possible effects of large floods. Also, the construction of an enrichment dam upstream that is under study and its integration in the flood management will be helpful. Historically, 6-7 floods of very low severity (T ~ 15-20 years) have been recorded, and of a low, moderate and high severity (T ~ 100 + years).
Area 9: Oridia
Flood type: Rapid flood
The bed of the northeastern tributary of the river Orideia that passes through the residential area has been formed for 1 km with an open concrete structure about 6-7 m wide and 1 m high. The northwestern tributary that passes through the area "Vattenas" has not undergone any intervention. According to the common area of 300 decares located in the western and lower area of "Vattena" often suffers from floods. The historical floods mentioned in 1983 and 2010 flooded the area at a height of 0,5-1 m. The Contractor Authority's history file does not report location specifics. The recent but costly riverbed design project, as mentioned above, is an indication of a problem in the area. Although it is expected that this project has achieved a significant reduction of flood risks, it is estimated that the risks from the northwestern part of the river should also be studied and at the same time the existing configuration should be examined and evaluated. hydrology of the area. Note that Oridea is within the British Base and is not covered by the Urban Policy Statement. There does not appear to be a protection zone for the riverbed.
Area 10: Aradippou - Livadia
Flood type: Rapid flood
River of Kaitsis River after its confluence with the river Archangelos in the area of Rizoelia flows for 2300m following the northern limit of the residential area and the residential urban areas of the Municipality of Aradippou. North of the riverbed is the Agricultural Zone. The riverbed is located in a protection zone ∆α2 µ with an average width of 40-50 m. Then the river flows for 2500 m in the Agricultural Zone until it enters the residential areas of Livadia from where it flows for 2700 m to the sea. In the area of Livadia there is no protection zone of the riverbed. A tributary from the northeast also passes through the residential area of Livadia and joins the river Kaitsis 500m from the sea. In the area of Livadia, the river passes through Residential Zones Ka6 and Ka8, Zone of Commercial and other functions Εβ6, and Zone of Economic Activities Be1. The areas of Aradippou and Livadia, which face serious flood risks, are treated uniformly as long as the same rivers pass through both areas. According to the archive of historical floods, the areas of Aradippou and Livadia have suffered at least 5 floods of very low severity (T ~ 20 years) and one of low and moderate severity (T ~ 100 + years). An important element in Livadia is the very low slope of the topography that does not allow the rapid outflow of floods to the sea, while in Aradippou the proximity of the residential area to the riverbed poses serious risks. The protection zone in the area of Aradippou offers some reduction of the flood risks. It should be noted that in the area of Livadia some landscaping works of the existing riverbed have been done in the past, while anti-flood works (dams) are under study for both Archangelos and Kaitsis in places opposite the community of Aradippou.
Area 11: Kaires Larnaca
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
A section of the Kaiara River passes through the “Kaiares” residential area (refugee settlement and new residential area) and then after passing near the municipal waste treatment plant of the area (possibly inactive), the main road between Larnaca and Larnaca-Ka. ends up flowing to the sea through a riverbed parallel to the border of the area of Aliki Larnaca. The whole area and especially the area of the district have a low relief, and even more the area of the main road near the Kaiares University. From a point of 460 m upstream of the road to the downstream swamp, the riverbed has been formed underground for the passage of the flow, the Hydrological / Hydraulic adequacy of which should be examined. The historical record of floods shows that in the last 30 years the area has suffered floods of very low severity (T ~ 8 years), low severity (T ~ 10 years) and moderate severity (T ~ 30 years). The existing riverbed passing through the residential area is not in a protection zone.
Area 12: Kiti - Pervolia
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
The section of the river Treithos downstream of the homonymous enrichment dam of Kiti (1.6 cm1500) passes through the residential area of Kiti for 1 m, then enters the protection zone Z2000 (reforestation area) for 700 m and ends at the Coastal Tourist Area. Length 3 m. The riverbed is located in a protection zone Z30 with a width of 40-80m in the residential and tourist area, and 100-1 m in the area ZXNUMX. In the area of Kiti and in the tourist zone there is a relatively rapid urbanization. In the land reclamation area there is also an increased tendency to build detached houses - villas. Along the river there are several embankments and earthen dams for the purpose of artificial enrichment of the aquifer, while quantities from the dam are often allowed to flow downstream for the purpose of enrichment at the request of the Local Irrigation Authorities. The residential development that takes place and the enrichment character of the river with its water projects should be studied for the better management of serious floods in the area. Note that both the enrichment barrier and the presence of a protection zone along the entire length of the river reduce the serious flood risks. Extremely low, low, and moderate severity events have been reported.
Area 13: Mesogi, Paphos, Chlorakas
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
The river Kosinas originates from the heights of the Mediterranean and with a relatively steep slope (5-6%) ends at the sea (7 km downstream). It comes from areas that are developing residential at a relatively rapid pace while the coastal zone has been developed into hotel units and tourist accommodation. The riverbed in places is covered by a Protection Zone 30-40 m wide. The severity of the floods in the area is constantly increasing depending on the residential development within the floodplain area of the river, and the fineness of the flow of the river due to its natural slope. In view of this, this river should be studied in order to take the necessary provisions for the smooth drainage of the floodplains. In the very recent past there have been floods of very low severity with a 5 year recovery.
Area 14: Paphos Town
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
The river Linarka originates from the mountainous area of Mesa Chorio and Ariou and mainly crosses the eastern administrative boundaries of the city of Paphos from areas that have recently shown intense urbanization. The flow of the river of interest starts from a point of 450m upstream of the important traffic junction on the highway Lesasos-Paphos and flows in a Protection Zone with a width of 60-70m but in some cases up to 20 m, up to 1700 m above sea level, up to 3 m. stadium. From this point and for 10 km to the sea it passes through Residential and Tourist Zones without the existence of a Protection Zone. Already between the traffic junction and the field there are several commercial, industrial and residential developments within the potential floodplain of the river. In the last 3 years that the area through which the river flows has developed, there are flood problems in the traffic junction of the highway and the junction near the Paphian Stadium and the coastal Poseidon Avenue. Very low severity floods with a recovery of 5 years and moderate severity with a recovery of XNUMX years have been recorded and of a high severity have been recorded. The flows are expected to increase with the continuous urbanization and possible integration of the river as a recipient of urban rainwater.
Area 15: Germasogeia
Flood type: Rapid flood
The tributary of the river Gerasogeia downstream of the homonymous dam (13,6 cm6) receives flows from overflows and inflows from small tributaries and local rainfall. On its way to the sea 2 Km is located in a protection zone ∆α375 µIn a width of 800 m µ up to XNUMX m from the beach where the Tourist, Residential and Commercial Zone and other functions are located. The aquifer located in the full area of the river is artificially enriched with discharges from the dam and the Southern Pipeline and the water is used for water supply purposes for the area of Geriasogeia - Aathountas and Lessos. In recent years there has been an increasing urbanization of the river area and pressures for public land use within the Protection Zone (eg stadiums, parking lots, etc.). The barrier acts as a flood inhibitor, but there is still a serious risk of flooding during periods when the barrier is full or near full.
Area 16: Mesa Geitonia, Ag. Athanasios and Eastern area of Leissos
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
The river Vathias originates from the hills of the area of Fasoula and Spitali Leessos about 8-10 km from the center of the city of Leissos. At a point of 450 m upstream of the Leessos-Paphos highway, the river is divided into 2 sections that enter the urban area of Leessos and end at the sea. The west bank of the Vathia River does not appear to have a riverbed. Most of it has been covered with buildings and houses. It maintains the area to be at a topographic level and to collect a flow of rainwater. From the point 500 downstream of the former Athenian High School, the riverbed joins the old riverbed of the river Garyllis and ends at the sea near the old port. The eastern part of the river follows a course in a less developed residential area, up to Makedon Leo. At 650 m downstream of this point it is joined by a tributary that originates from the area of Ag. Athanassiou and Azi follow a parallel path to Griva Digeni Street, pouring into the sea near the 'Holiday Inn' hotel. The riverbed in its entire length is not covered by a Protection Zone. It comes through Residential, Commercial-Industrial and Tourist areas. Despite the existence of hydraulic works in places, high-flow high-speed springs with a reset of more than 20 years cause problems and lurks in danger. The flows of this river have increased and are expected to increase even more with the continuous urbanization of new areas. Routine urban sewer projects do not cover the size of the river presented by this river. It is very possible and logical that the sewerage plan of the areas through which this river passes will integrate it as a natural recipient.
Area 17: Poleidia, Leessos (4 Agios Antonios and Carnagio)
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
The river Garyllis 1300m downstream of the Poleidia dam passes through a residential area, without the riverbed being covered by a Protection Zone. From the point of Macedonia Avenue, the river has been diverted to a new riverbed that ends at the "Carnagio" of Leessos. The old riverbed passes through the area 4 Fanaria and the church of Ag. Antoniou ending up in the sea. The old riverbed also receives flow from the western part of the river Vathias at a point of 500m downstream of the former Athenian High School. Historical reports of floods refer to enormous damage and casualties (1880 and earlier), reasons that led to the diversion of Garyllis. With the construction of the Poleidion dam (3,4 million cubic meters) and the diversion of Garyllis, the significant risks have been reduced except in the case of overflow of the dam. The current riverbeds remain as recipients of stormwater and are reported to be included where possible in local stormwater drainage projects. Due to the course of the sections through residential and commercial industries and the absence of protection zones but also the landscaping (under construction) of public use areas (Graphic park, playgrounds, etc.) the provision of proper and serious management is very important. In the past, historical floods of very low severity (T ~ 20 years) and low severity (T ~ 50 years) have been recorded.
Area 18: Ypsonas
Flood type: Rapid flood
Part of the river "Argaki tou Marketou" flows next to the Industrial area of Ypsonas and passes through the western part of its residential area. The riverbed up to 1200m from the Bioindustrial area is covered by a Medium Protection Zone 30-40m wide. The historical record of floods refers to flood events without specifying the exact areas that have been affected, although the damage may appear to be in the areas downstream of the village of Ypsonas. The flow of the river ends up to the west of the Port where, together with flows from other watercourses, they create the flood phenomena in the area of Zakaki. (Milton area etc.)
Area 19: Astroperite
Flood type: Rapid flood
Part of the river Koitis passes through the residential area of Astroeritis (residential zones H1, H2 and H3). At this point the riverbed is not in a protection zone. The artificial configuration of the riverbed is likely to increase the severity of the effects of floods. In the recent past, at least 1 case of moderate severity has been recorded (18/1/2010)
Area 20: Alaipra
Flood type: Rapid flood
The community of Alapras is facing an acute problem of channeling the rainwater brought by the hand of Aios due to the topography but also especially due to the Nicosia-Leessos highway which essentially divides the area. Immediate response floods or resulting rapid floods can not be routed downstream of the motorway, resulting in serious community and transport problems provided by the motorway's main thoroughfare. The parts of the gutters passing through the Residential area are not covered by a Protection Zone and in many cases the riverbed is unclear due to human interventions. In the last decade (ie after the construction of the motorway) there was 1 set of very low severity (2000) and 1 moderate severity (2009).
Area 21: Paphos Town
Flood type: Rapid flood in combination with urban flood
Argaki tou Vasilikos in Paphos originates from the area of Mesogi and passes through the residential area of the development of the city of Paphos to Mesogi before reaching the sea (6500m). Apart from the width of the natural riverbed, no Protection Zone is offered, as a result of which houses and public facilities are located very close to or inside the riverbed (eg Paphos Swimming Pool). Although Argaki has a catchment area of less than 10 sq.km., however, due to its slope and its passage through a residential area and Tourist and Commercial Zones, it is considered correct to join the areas with floods of serious danger. It should be noted that the area of Paphos swimming pool, a place of frequent and large gathering of people, has been affected by floods at least 2 times in the last 20 years with serious damage. Due to the ongoing intense urbanization, it is expected that flood events will be more frequent with serious economic consequences and potential effects on human health. The stream has a bed up to 1.8 km from the sea. Specifically, there is a riverbed until the intersection of Andreas Oiderou and Sotiraki Makridi. From this point it enters cages (0.4 kg). From this point on, the existence of a riverbed or culvert is unclear. From this point and downstream to the tourist area of Kato Paphos, it does not seem that Argaki has a riverbed.
Area 22: Larnaca City
Flood type: Rapid flood
The area of Larnaca City that is enclosed between Spyros Kyprianou (formerly Tiagia), Petraki Kyprianou-Patron-Anagenniseos Avenues, G. Kranidioti, G. Digeni, Arteidos and Kotza Tepe, with a total area of approximately 3-3.5. Chloe very often faces the problem of urban floods which mainly have economic implications but also potential implications for human health. In particular, the affected areas are of Ag. Lazarou, the Diocese and Chrysopolitissa. The passage of rainwater in the area is difficult due to the topography and the non-existence of any natural recipient. There are plans for the construction of pumping stations, specifically on Patron Street, which will pump rainwater into the culvert of Sp. Kyprianou Avenue and from there will end up in the sea. Historical plots (23 events) of very low severity (T ~ 7 AD), low (T ~ 17 AD) and moderate severity (T ~ 30 AD) have been recorded.
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