Cyprus Civil Defence has urged the public to protect homes and businesses against possible flooding, strong winds and tornadoes. The advice follows an orange warning from the Department of Meteorology for severe thunderstorms with hail, in force from 3pm on Wednesday until 5am on Thursday.
Locally intense or prolonged thunderstorms are expected, with rainfall of 55 to 70 millimetres an hour and possible strong gusts of wind, Civil Defence said. It called on people to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. It also urged employers to take all appropriate measures to protect staff working outdoors, such as temporarily suspending work on building sites.
Preparing for floods
Civil Defence advised people to make sure drains outside their homes and workplaces are not blocked and that gutters are working properly. Anyone with a basement in a vulnerable, flood-prone area should dig a sump to collect water, install an automatic pump, and move valuables and expensive equipment out of the basement.
People with yards should leave bare soil where possible so the ground can absorb water. They should also secure items that could be swept away by water, such as water tanks and solar water heaters, and repair any gaps in boundary walls. Properties in flood-risk areas should have sandbags ready to keep water out. Once heavy rain is forecast, people should limit travel and avoid working or spending time in basements.
During a flood
People indoors should leave basements and move to a safe, high point. Outdoors, people should never cross a flooded road on foot or by car, bicycle or motorcycle, and should stop and turn back if they come across one. Drivers whose cars stall should abandon them, as the vehicle could be swept away or flooded. People should also keep away from power lines and from areas hit by landslides.
After a flood
Civil Defence warned people to stay away from areas that have flooded or could flood in the following hours. The water may have changed familiar ground, broken road surfaces and steep slopes pose a danger, and floodwater may be contaminated by debris or animals it has carried. People should not get in the way of rescue teams, and should avoid using the phone unless it is necessary.
The dangers do not pass as soon as the water recedes, Civil Defence said. Before starting any clean-up, people should check with the authorities that their area is safe, switch off the electricity and water supply, and wear closed shoes and suitable clothing to avoid injury.
Tornadoes
At home, people should remove objects from yards that a tornado could pick up, and firmly secure anything left in place. They should close doors and windows, leaving inner glass panes open so that air pressure inside and outside can equalise quickly. They should also keep away from loose objects and from glass that could shatter.
Outdoors, people should try to track the tornado’s path and move away from it as quickly as possible, keeping clear of objects that could be blown into them. Anyone who cannot get out of the way in time should lie face down in a hollow, if there is one nearby, and protect their head with their hands.
Strong winds
In strong winds, people should take extra care, avoid unnecessary journeys, take shelter indoors and close doors and windows. Outdoor items that cannot be secured, such as plant pots, tables, chairs and ornaments, should be brought inside. People should also avoid any work or activity that could start a fire. Businesses should secure any advertising signs, and people should avoid activities at sea and along the coast. People should also avoid walking under large trees, signs or balconies, and secure anything the wind could blow away, such as signs, water tanks and solar water heaters.
People should follow official updates and the authorities’ instructions, Civil Defence added.
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