With the arrival of winter, the nature of Cyprus came to life after the sweltering summer heat. The rains brought long-awaited moisture for the plants, and the fields turned green. In the mountains, the Cypriot winter is still similar to autumn – a riot of yellow-orange hues and bright green lawns between them create landscapes worthy of an artist’s brush. Soon the mountain peaks of Cyprus will be covered with snow (there have already been snowfalls, the roads have already been closed to cars without chains).
Rain clouds appearing over the island bring much needed moisture. The rainy season not only freshens the air and fills the water bodies, but also requires us to be careful and prepared, as with it comes certain risks.
Seasonal rains are often accompanied by increased winds and thunderstorms, which can snarl traffic and lead to increased accidents. In addition, in some areas of Cyprus, especially near water bodies and in low-lying areas, there is a risk of flooding.
During the winter months in cities, the water level can rise up to a meter, which is unpleasant, but not life-threatening. But in the mountainous areas of Cyprus you need to be more careful during the winter months, especially in bad weather. What can be dangerous is not so much the accumulation of water in the lowlands, but rather the rapid flows along the roads, which can impede traffic, or even completely sweep a car off the road. And also rockfalls.
Safety measures at home and on the road
- Make an evacuation plan. If your home is located in a potential flood zone, plan ahead for safe evacuation routes.
- Prepare personal belongings and documents. Pack an “emergency” backpack. Put only the essentials in it.
Check drainage systems. Make sure all gutters and drainage ditches around your home are clear of blockages to prevent water from pooling. - Think in advance about how to turn off the electricity and turn off the gas in case of approaching danger.
- During floods, stay on higher ground. If heavy rain catches you on the road, avoid low-lying areas and river banks, try to climb to elevated areas as quickly as possible.
- Don’t wade. Even if the area seems shallow, it can be very dangerous, especially with strong currents.
Keep in touch. Keep a charged mobile phone and portable chargers with you. Monitor emergency messages from services. - Avoid any contact with water near power lines: During floods, power lines can be damaged and water can become a conductor of electricity.
- Before returning to your country house, make sure that the building is stable and has no cracks or serious damage. When you start cleaning, use disinfectants to remove dirt left behind by the flood.
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