"Yellow" Weather Warning Issued in Cyprus: What to Do in Case of Tornadoes and Flooding?

The Department of Meteorology of the Republic of Cyprus announced a "yellow level" of weather hazard in the country on Monday due to approaching heavy rains and thunderstorms to the island. The Civil Defense Forces provided recommendations to the population on what to do in case of tornadoes and floods.

According to meteorologists, the adverse weather will primarily affect the mountainous and eastern parts of the island.

Civil Defense Recommendations:

• Ensure that the drains near your home or workplace are not blocked;
• Make sure that gutters on your property are working correctly;
• If your basement is in a vulnerable area at risk of flooding, dig a special pit to collect water and install an automatic water pump;
• Remove valuable items or expensive equipment from the basement;
• If you live on a plot with a yard, leave bare soil where possible so that the earth can absorb water;
• Secure objects that may be washed away and moved by water (e.g., reservoirs, water heaters, etc.);
• Seal all openings in the building's walls;
• Prepare sandbags to prevent water from entering your property if it is located in a flood-prone area.

In case you are informed of heavy rain, limit your movements and avoid working or staying in underground premises.

What to Do During a Flood?

If you are inside a building:

• Leave underground premises and move to a safe elevation;

If you are outdoors:

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads on foot or by car/bicycle/motorcycle;
• Stop and change direction if you find yourself on a flooded road;
• Abandon 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 a flood, stay away from areas that have been flooded or are at risk of flooding in the next few hours, as the flood may have altered the characteristics of familiar places.

Self-Protection Measures Against Tornadoes:

If you are at home:

• Remove items from your yard that a tornado can move and secure those that cannot be moved;
• Close doors and windows but leave internal shutters open to quickly equalize internal and external atmospheric pressure;
• Move away from moving objects and breaking glass.

If you are outdoors:

• Whenever possible, follow the path of the tornado and quickly move away from the points it will pass through, keeping away from objects that may shift and cause injuries;
• If you cannot get out of the tornado's path in time, lie face down, protecting your head with your hands to avoid being hit by moving objects or trees that may be uprooted.