Part of a residential building collapses in Larnaca: residents evacuated

Emergency services in Larnaca were placed on high alert after a wall and part of the roof of a residential building in the Mitropolis area collapsed.

According to preliminary information, the building is an old brick structure rented by three women from the Philippines. Fortunately, at the time of the incident they were in another part of the house and were able to leave the building on their own without injuries.

Police officers, firefighters and specialists from Larnaca’s emergency services arrived at the scene promptly. Rescuers inspected the house to make sure there were no people under the rubble.

Authorities said the property owner had been notified of the incident. The building will be sealed off as potentially unsafe for habitation, and the affected residents will be temporarily accommodated elsewhere.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the condition of older buildings in Larnaca. Just a few days ago, the roof of an abandoned structure collapsed in the city; as it turned out, it was not included in the official list of hazardous buildings.

Local authorities and civil protection services are stepping up inspections of older housing stock, fearing more such incidents, especially amid the wear and tear of a number of buildings and the lack of timely technical oversight.