Northern Cyprus municipalities have been contending with significant flooding following unexpectedly intense and early rainfall. This deluge has overwhelmed existing drainage systems, leading to the closure of several major roadways. Emergency services have been working continuously for over 36 hours in some locations. Officials are now highlighting a critical long-term vulnerability: the degraded state of water retention infrastructure.
The heavy downpour commenced a day earlier than meteorological forecasts had predicted. Consequently, mayors from Lefkoşa (Nicosia) to Girne (Kyrenia) promptly initiated full emergency protocols. In the capital, essential routes such as Yavuz Gonnolu Street and Barış Caddesi became impassable. The road connecting Hastane Çemberi and Ortaköy Işıkları was also closed to traffic. A heightened alert was issued for the Gönyeli Dam, as water levels rose alarmingly during the early morning hours.
Authorities are attributing the immediate crisis to systemic failures within the region's infrastructure. Mehmet Harmancı, the Mayor of Lefkoşa Türk Belediyesi, pointed out that the area's aging retention ponds have significantly lost capacity. Decades of silt accumulation have transformed these once-valuable assets into liabilities. "The ponds that should hold water during dry months can no longer perform their storage function," he explained. "This represents a loss of national wealth and is the primary cause of floods that endanger our cities." The Gönyeli pond, for example, now contains only about 453,000 cubic meters, which is approximately 30% of its original volume. This drastically reduces its ability to absorb sudden water inflows.
On the ground, municipal teams have been conducting extensive operations. In Girne, Mayor Murat Şenkul described the situation as a catastrophe for the municipality. Crews have been busy removing fallen trees and implementing preventative measures at vulnerable sites. They have also been struggling to clear mountain mud from blocked storm drains. "For our scale, this is a major disaster, and everyone in the field is working tirelessly," Şenkul confirmed. Meanwhile, in Beyarmudu, the entire municipal staff maintained an overnight vigil at their headquarters, ensuring immediate readiness for any emerging incidents.
The consequences of this flooding extend beyond traffic disruptions. The persistent flood risk exposes urban areas to recurrent damage, while municipal resources are being severely strained by these continuous, large-scale responses. The specific challenge presented by Yavuz Gonnolu Street highlights a deeper issue. Officials noted that the road is situated below the adjacent stream bed, rendering conventional drainage solutions ineffective. Addressing this, along with other systemic weaknesses, will require substantial capital investment in infrastructure rather than relying on temporary measures.
This recent episode serves as a stark reminder of the combined pressures of climate volatility and aging public works. As northern Cyprus experiences more frequent extreme weather events, the need for comprehensive environmental management and infrastructure modernization becomes increasingly urgent. This is no longer just a planning priority but an imperative for civic safety and resilience.