South's Fire Service Responds to 129 Calls as Strong Winds Wreak Havoc

Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis reported on X that the service handled 154 incidents over 24 hours, including 17 fires and 137 special assistance calls.

“Of the 137 special assistance calls, 129 were wind-related incidents involving fallen trees in public and private spaces, displaced materials such as metal sheets and awnings, scaffolding, solar panels, advertising boards, and trees falling onto EAC power lines”, Kettis said.

The most serious incident occurred in Agios Dometios, where a fallen tree and downed power lines trapped a female driver in her vehicle. Rescue teams from Nicosia stations responded, and the driver was stabilised by ambulance crews before being transported by backboard to Nicosia General Hospital’s Emergency Department.

A fourth vehicle affected by fallen power lines required EAC crews to cut electricity before the driver could safely exit.

Emergency crews worked until the early morning hours to handle incidents. Of the 129 wind-related calls, 114 were in Nicosia district, 13 in Larnaca, and two in Famagusta.

The Fire Service deployed 13 teams and called in off-duty personnel from Nicosia stations. They received additional support from Civil Defence and volunteer organisations including Support Cy, SOS, and Cyprus Rescue Team.

Source: In-Cyprus