Local authorities in Paphos mobilised four emergency crews on 22 January amid forecasts of torrential rain and gale-force winds that could trigger flash floods and landslides across Cyprus’ western district.
Charalambos Pittokopitis, president of the Paphos District Administration Organisation (EOA), said response teams equipped with earth-moving machinery and portable pumps were ready to clear blocked roads and drainage channels at short notice. Residents and drivers have been asked to limit movements and maintain low speeds, particularly on the coastal A6 motorway linking Paphos and Limassol.
The alert follows multiple near-miss incidents last winter in which rockfalls cut off rural villages and stranded tourists. With Paphos International Airport also exposed to cross-winds, airlines have been advised to file alternate-airport plans (as illustrated by Thursday’s Ryanair diversion to Larnaca).
![Paphos puts emergency crews on standby as extreme weather threatens transport links]()
For overseas visitors who may still need to reach Cyprus during the stormy period, VisaHQ can streamline the process of securing the necessary visas and provide real-time consular updates related to weather disruptions. Travelers can start an application or check requirements at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/.
Corporate mobility managers with staff housed in the popular Coral Bay and Polis areas should revisit evacuation procedures and ensure that company vehicles carry emergency kits. Property owners have been urged to secure construction cranes and outdoor signage—a lesson learned from the €2 million in damage recorded during Storm Elios in January 2025.
Cyprus’ Meteorological Service expects the current low-pressure front to persist until the weekend, with accumulated rainfall likely to exceed 60 mm in mountainous zones. Further updates will be issued through the national SMS alert system and the “Cyprus Alert” mobile app.
Charalambos Pittokopitis, president of the Paphos District Administration Organisation (EOA), said response teams equipped with earth-moving machinery and portable pumps were ready to clear blocked roads and drainage channels at short notice. Residents and drivers have been asked to limit movements and maintain low speeds, particularly on the coastal A6 motorway linking Paphos and Limassol.
The alert follows multiple near-miss incidents last winter in which rockfalls cut off rural villages and stranded tourists. With Paphos International Airport also exposed to cross-winds, airlines have been advised to file alternate-airport plans (as illustrated by Thursday’s Ryanair diversion to Larnaca).
For overseas visitors who may still need to reach Cyprus during the stormy period, VisaHQ can streamline the process of securing the necessary visas and provide real-time consular updates related to weather disruptions. Travelers can start an application or check requirements at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/.
Corporate mobility managers with staff housed in the popular Coral Bay and Polis areas should revisit evacuation procedures and ensure that company vehicles carry emergency kits. Property owners have been urged to secure construction cranes and outdoor signage—a lesson learned from the €2 million in damage recorded during Storm Elios in January 2025.
Cyprus’ Meteorological Service expects the current low-pressure front to persist until the weekend, with accumulated rainfall likely to exceed 60 mm in mountainous zones. Further updates will be issued through the national SMS alert system and the “Cyprus Alert” mobile app.
