The Ministry of Justice and Public Order’s agencies were put on high alert yesterday, as the particularly severe weather events that struck Cyprus, and particularly the Nicosia district, causing everything from flooding to fires, lightning strikes, tornadoes, and serious incidents at sea.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Justice, starting at 6 a.m., the Fire Service’s Unified Operations Coordination Center received a total of 380 calls from across Cyprus, to which appropriate responses were dispatched.
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Of these, 332 were in the Nicosia district, while 25 were in the other districts and were related to severe weather conditions. Another 23 responses involved fires, traffic accidents, rescues from elevators, and other incidents.
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Fire Department operations included, among other things, rescuing people, pumping rainwater out of buildings, removing hazardous objects and protecting property, as well as taking measures to prevent fires and other accidents.
A large number of response teams were mobilized to address these incidents, and personnel were also called in.
The Police Aviation Operations Unit also provided significant assistance in the search-and-rescue operation in the waters off Cape Greco, where people were in danger due to rough seas.
At the same time, members of the Police, particularly the Traffic Division, were on the streets, directing traffic and providing assistance to drivers.
In several cases, roads were flooded, vehicles were immobilized, and drivers were trapped, with police officers intervening immediately to provide assistance and ensure safe traffic management.
The Ministry reports that the MAEP, the Police, and the Fire Department worked in constant coordination, in close collaboration with the other relevant agencies and organizations.
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Yesterday’s mobilization, it notes, demonstrated in practice the importance of operational readiness, speed, and cooperation in protecting human life, property, and the safety of citizens.
However, the Ministry expresses its deep sorrow over the loss of a life in the boating accident that occurred amid the severe weather, and offers its sincere condolences and support to the family and loved ones of businessman Dimos Mavropoulos.
At the same time, he commends and thanks all those who were on the front lines and worked under extremely difficult conditions to ensure the protection and safety of citizens.
