Brief but intense storms caused flooding in the Cypriot resort towns of Paralimni and Protaras, with several homes affected and streets turning into rivers, local officials said on Monday.
A Civil Defence shelter located in the basement of an apartment building on Megalou Alexandrou Street in Paralimni was among the facilities flooded.
A resident of the building, Yiannis Ioannou, told philenews this was the third flooding incident in recent years, with Sunday night’s being the most severe.
“The drainage grate doesn’t absorb water properly, causing it to flow into the basement”, said Ioannou, who noted the shelter, designated as Civil Defence shelter No. 129 since 1999, had sustained damage to stored equipment including washing machines, dryers, and shop supplies.
The Paralimni-Deryneia Municipality responded in a statement that its services intervened immediately to address the problems. The municipality advised residents to report issues to the provided emergency numbers and take necessary precautionary measures as recommended by Civil Defence.
The statement also noted that following local government reforms, the Famagusta District Organisation now bears responsibility for stormwater management.
However, the municipality pledged to work with the organisation to protect residents’ property and ensure road safety.
The Famagusta Fire Service responded to eight incidents on Sunday night, primarily in Paralimni and Protaras. These included three flooded roads, one vehicle towing operation, two flooded homes, one basement, and one veranda, according to official reports.
Yiannis Karousos, President of the Famagusta District Administration, confirmed via social media that municipal services had responded to affected areas in Protaras where roads were flooded.
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