Twenty-six communities in the Nicosia and Limassol districts have been cut off due to heavy snowfall, police said on Wednesday, as many roads in those areas remained closed.

Police said the snowfall has blocked access to the communities of Pano Amiantos, Ayios Demetrios, Paliomilos, Lemithou, Tris Elies, Kaminaria, Spilia, Kourdali, Kampos, Milikouri, Tsakkistra, Odou, Farmakas, Palehori, Alona, Polistipos, Askas, Fterikoudi, Apliki, Lagoudera, Ayia Irini, Pedhoulas, Moutoulas, Ikos, Gerakies, and Prodromos.

Many roads remained closed in the two districts, despite efforts to open them throughout the day.

“You realise that their task is difficult because it continues to snow,” police spokeswoman Nikoletta Tyrimou said.

Work stopped as night fell and will resume in the morning.

Tyrimou said no problems have been reported by the communities.

“So far at least, nothing is needed,” she said.

The bad weather that swept Cyprus throughout the day also caused power cuts and forced schools to close.

Tyrimou said some power cuts were restored but some areas remained in the dark.

Emergency crews had to be scrambled on numerous occasions to provide assistance but no major incidents were reported as many roads became inaccessible.

Around 30 schools in several areas remained closed as heavy snow fell throughout the night on Troodos mountain and several lower areas.

The snow reached Lefkara, in the Larnaca district, which also saw six communities experience power cuts.

Schools in Lefkara and in several areas of Paphos also closed.

The fire service had to respond to dozens of calls for assistance across the island mainly involving fallen trees and other debris.

In three cases the service was called to help drivers trapped in the snow in the Palehori area.

Some welcomed the the snow , a not-so-frequent phenomenon in Cyprus. In many areas, people stranded indoors organised small ‘parties’, with zivania and sausages.

Others bemoaned the cash-strapped government’s decision to cut heating allowances.

‘The situation is tragic’ said Lefkios Charalambous from Ayios Photios in Paphos.

Low temperatures are expected to persist today and tomorrow and start to rise at the weekend, weather service official Sophia Louka said.

Temperatures inland will be 8 degrees centigrade and 10 degrees on the coast. In the mountainous areas temperatures are expected to drop blow zero.

The weather is expected to improve on Saturday and a further rise in temperatures will be seen on Sunday.

Strong winds cut trees in the Famagusta district, disrupting traffic on the Dherynia to Frenaros road.

Police urged people to check road conditions before travelling.

Announcements can be found on the force’s website: www.police.gov.cy, on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cypolice) and their Twitter account (twitter.com/Cyprus_Police).

People can also call the hotline 1460 or the HQ on 22808080





