Talking to the Cyprus Times, Odos community leader Philip Menelaou said that communities in the area affected by the deadly fire in July have been informed of the upcoming extreme weather events by officials. "We are aware. We have also been informed by telephone by Civil Defence officials that the relevant forecast is in place so that we can be properly prepared. Always when there is a forecast of bad weather People from the Civil Defence and the Provincial Administration are patrolling.
I appreciate that something like this will be done in this case as well."He noted that almost all the flood control works promised by the Government have been done and there are very few left which are still incomplete. "Ninety-nine per cent have been completed and that too in a short time. The truth is that from the state they acted promptly
and that is why we are satisfied."Residents, he noted, feel secure about their homes as more attention has been paid to safeguard the areas where there are houses. "Beyond that in terms of agricultural blocks or areas where no one lives you realize that it was impossible to do flood control work throughout the area. We are particularly concerned about those parts of the communities
."He pointed out that the Department of Public Works proceeded to clean up the areas between roads and mountains and a kilometre of this wall was widened. The actions, he added, concern the main road network of the areas."As communities, we have no role to play except to cooperate with the Government and the relevant bodies," he said."Every 3 to 4 years such weather events occur on the island"
For its part, the Cyprus Meteorological Department informed both the relevant government agencies and citizens early by issuing from Friday afternoon an "orange" warning which will be in effect from tonight at nine o'clock in the evening
and will remain in effect until 13:00:00 noon next Monday.
The system that will affect the island from tonight is being created in the Cyprus region, which is not so common as this happensevery three to four years, Meteorological Service Director, Cleanthis Nicolaides, told the Cyprus Times.
"This is a cyclogenesis, which is happening in the Eastern Mediterranean region, west of Cyprus. It will be accompanied by a strong southwest wind field, strong prolonged and frequent thunderstorms and high rainfall.The combination of wind, prolonged, frequent, intense thunderstorms with the high rainfall is likely to bring some problems.
It will most significantly affect the southern and western coasts and other areas of the island," he noted.He noted that there will be snowfall on the higher peaks of Troodos however he stressed that the weather will not be suitable for such excursions.
Mr Nicolaides noted that people should not be frightened but should prepare themselves to avoid unpleasantness. "Unfortunately it is common even with a bucket of water in Cyprus to 'drown'
warnings are issued so that both government agencies and citizens take the necessary actions. The various warnings issued by the Department of Meteorology are sent to the relevant ministries and departments. I personally spoke and sent the necessary information with the Deputy Director of Civil Defence, I spoke with the Press Officer of the Fire Service, with the Duty Officer of the Police Headquarters. From there on, each competent authority must take the appropriate action," he noted.Asked whether he believes that the fire-affected areas will be affected, Mr. Nicolaides said that "this is very likely to be because it is in the southern part of the island, in an area where it is expected to be most severely affected.When the ground is bare in a heavy rain it is compacted
whereas when there are trees it is mitigated."Civil Defense warns... "Prepare early"
Due to the impending bad weather, Civil Defense has issued recommendations
to the public on how to deal with bad weather.Prepare early:
</B-42- Make sure the manholes outside your home or workplace are not blocked.
- Make sure the gutters in your subdivision are working properly.
- If you have a basement in a vulnerable area at risk of flooding, proceed to dig a special water accumulation pit and install an automatic water pump. Remove valuable items or expensive equipment from your basement.
- If you live on a lot with a yard, leave - where possible - free soil for the earth to absorb water.
- Save items that are likely to be carried away by water and moved (e.g. tanks, water heaters, etc.)
- Fix any openings in fence walls.
- Prepare sandbags to prevent water from entering your shed if it is located in an area at risk of flooding.
- If you are notified of heavy rainfall, limit your travel and avoid working and staying underground.
During severe weather:
If you are inside a building:
- Exit underground areas and move to a safe high place.
If you are in an open area:
- Do not cross a flooded road on foot or by car/bicycle/motorcycle.
- Stop and change direction if on a flooded road.
- Leave your car if it is immobilized, as it may be swept away or flooded.
- Stay away from power lines.
- Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
After bad weather:
If you are in an open area:
.- Stay away from areas that are flooded or at risk of flooding in the next few hours as:
The flooding may have altered the characteristics of familiar areas,- there are hazards from broken roadways and areas with dangerous slopes,
- waters may be contaminated if they have carried with them various kinds of objects and/or animals.
- Do not obstruct rescue teams.
- Do not use the telephone without good reason.
Before beginning recovery procedures:
- Remember that flood hazards do not subside immediately after the waters have receded.
- Be assured by the appropriate authorities that your area is safe and you can return for restoration work.
- Close the power and water supply switches.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing to prevent injury.
Police advice to avoid accidents
At the same time, the Police are also declaring their readiness to deal with any problems that may arise while urging the public to be vigilant and avoid any unnecessary travel when extreme weather events begin to occur, without in any way wanting to cause panic.
Here are general tips and precautionary measures, which the public should follow in the event of an emergency:
- Since the first thing that usually happens in a storm is a power outage, be sure to have some type of emergency lighting at home such as lanterns, oil lamps, or a permanent emergency lighting system.
- Periodically perform cleaning of grates and rainwater gutters and downspouts in your homes.
In areas that flood regularly such as basements, be sure to install a small electroturbine to pump out rainwater. - Fix all metal objects that can be easily moved such as empty gas cans, billboards, TV stands, etc.
- If you live in a basement or semi-basement where due to continued rainfall the water level continues to rise with the risk of flooding and only if you have the ability to prevent water from entering your home, then you can remain there by reacting immediately.
- The assistance of neighbors should be sought in a timely manner and mounds should be created with bags of dirt or sand and where conditions permit, water drainage machinery should be used.
- To seal windows and any other opening in the house with plastic sheeting or bags to prevent water from entering the house as much as possible.
- If due to flooding you become trapped in the house you should quickly climb to the highest point (e.g. roof) taking with you for safety reasons brightly coloured clothing and waterproofs and your backpack with emergency equipment. Make signals, using emergency equipment (flashlights, mirrors, flares, etc.) to be seen by rescue teams.
- Avoid being near large windows, which can be easily broken and injured by the force of the wind or the fall of an object.
- If you have been instructed to evacuate the area, leave the house promptly after taking your backpack with your emergency equipment and supplies. Place as many items as you can in high places in the house (furniture, electrical appliances), turn off electricity and gas water supplies and seal all points through which water can pass (doors, windows) without leaving inhabited areas.
- If you find yourself in surging water do not attempt to proceed. There is a risk of being swept away by the water and being in serious danger. Cling to trees or other solid objects (columns, railings) until help is provided.
- If you find that your fellow human beings are in danger, try to help them in any way you can and alert the rescue services at the same time. Do not leave your fellow human beings helpless. Help the rescue teams. Calm and preparedness saves lives.
If you are in a car or on foot:
- Limit your movements in general, whether in vehicles or on foot and especially when there are high winds and flooded roads because there is a risk of cutting down and falling trees and various other objects.
- Park your vehicle promptly off the road and in a safe place to avoid being swept away by water. Do not continue to drive the vehicle as you may become trapped and endanger your life.
- Do not attempt to drive over a bridge because it may be damaged by water pressure.
- Avoid driving in areas that are covered by water and where the boundaries of the road cannot be seen because you immediately run the risk of being off the road, or your vehicle being swept away by the water or falling into ditches, as visibility is very limited and you may even risk drowning.
- Do not park your vehicles under trees, electrical wires, crumbling walls and makeshift shelters.
- The Police and Fire Departments are always on standby so that at any time and if the need arises they can provide the necessary assistance to the public.
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
