Heavy storm in Cyprus: helicopter rescues man from sea

A severe storm hit parts of Cyprus early today, causing significant damage along the southeastern coast and leading to emergency rescue operations. According to local media reports, a boat was driven ashore by high waves near the area of Cape Greco and subsequently sank. A helicopter operated by the Cypriot Civil Defence rescued one person from the rough sea in the region. The incident occurred amid widespread disruption caused by the storm, which affected both coastal and inland areas of the island. The storm led to flooding in several parts of the island, with streets and buildings inundated by water. Trees were uprooted, landslides occurred, and power outages were reported. Additionally, lightning struck a man, who sustained injuries but is reported to be out of danger according to medical personnel. The fire department received numerous calls related to storm damage, with the majority of incidents concentrated around the capital city of Nicosia, as stated by a spokesperson from the fire service. The weather also impacted air traffic at the airports of Larnaca and Paphos. According to the operator company Hermes Airports, eleven flights had to be rerouted to other airports on Saturday morning due to the adverse weather conditions. However, no flights were canceled, as stated by Hermes Airports director Maria Kouroupi. Once the weather improved, the temporarily diverted aircraft returned to Cyprus. The storm began affecting the region earlier in the day, prompting immediate response efforts from emergency services. The Civil Defence's helicopter played a crucial role in rescuing individuals in distress at sea. Local authorities have been working to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety of residents in affected areas. Residents in coastal communities described the intensity of the storm, with some reporting difficulty in navigating flooded roads and others seeking shelter from falling debris. Emergency crews continued their efforts throughout the afternoon, responding to multiple calls for assistance. Power companies worked to restore electricity to areas affected by outages, while road maintenance teams addressed blocked pathways caused by fallen trees and debris. Local officials emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant during such weather events and urged residents to follow official advisories. They also highlighted the need for continued support for those affected by the storm, including temporary housing and cleanup assistance. The impact of the storm has raised concerns about the preparedness of infrastructure and emergency response systems in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events. As the situation stabilizes, authorities are focusing on assessing long-term damage and planning for potential future storms. Meteorological services have issued updates regarding the current weather patterns, providing guidance for residents and businesses to prepare for possible further disruptions. The experience from this storm will likely influence future disaster management strategies and public awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing community resilience against similar weather-related challenges.