Paphos was plunged into chaos on Sunday afternoon as an exceptionally intense weather system unleashed a barrage of hail and torrential rain upon the district. The deluge, which intensified significantly after midday, transformed familiar landscapes into hazardous terrains, prompting urgent responses from emergency services and warnings from authorities. The extreme conditions, characterized by a near-whiteout effect from accumulated hail, led to widespread disruption across the region, including significant impacts on road safety and localized power outages.
The Paphos Fire Station experienced a surge in calls as the downpours, lasting for approximately an hour, overwhelmed drainage systems and inundated basements. In response to the escalating situation, special response teams were swiftly mobilised to address the immediate threat of flooding. Fire Service Spokesperson Andreas Kettis highlighted the proactive measures taken, stating that off-duty personnel were recalled to bolster the station's capacity and that a continuous risk assessment was underway to ensure an effective response to all reported incidents. These dedicated crews prioritised the crucial tasks of pumping water from submerged basements and clearing obstructions from street drains that had become choked with debris and hail.
The visual impact of the storm was particularly striking in areas such as Geroskipou, along the western Paphos coastline, and around the airport. Hailstones accumulated to such an extent that certain locales bore an uncanny resemblance to wintery scenes, with roads and surfaces blanketed in a thick, white layer. This accumulation, coupled with the sheer intensity of the rainfall, created perilous driving conditions. Police issued stark warnings regarding the severely diminished visibility on the Limassol–Paphos highway, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution. Motorists were advised to significantly reduce their speed, maintain ample distances between vehicles, and ensure their headlights were illuminated to enhance their presence on the road.
Meteorologist Tasos Ierodiakonou confirmed the severity of the event, noting that Paphos recorded the highest rainfall figures across the island for the period. The underlying cause of this volatile weather has been attributed to a persistent low-pressure system dominating the region, fostering an environment conducive to unstable atmospheric conditions. While the most intense phase of the storm subsided by Sunday evening, the unsettled weather persisted into Monday and Tuesday, manifesting as scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. A slight amelioration of conditions is anticipated towards the latter half of the week, with forecasts suggesting a gradual stabilisation on Wednesday and Thursday.
Beyond the immediate concerns for drivers and homeowners facing flooded properties, the extreme weather also caused disruptions in mountainous areas. While the swift and decisive action of emergency services prevented any reported incidents involving individuals or property in immediate peril, the event served as a stark reminder of the region's susceptibility to the increasingly unpredictable patterns of global weather. The incident underscores the importance of robust emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of escalating climatic challenges.