Due to the bad weather from 'Elena', many areas in Nicosia are experiencing power outages. The damage to the electricity network is mainly attributed to lightning strikes. AHK crews are working hard to restore power, but the harsh weather conditions are making their job difficult. There is regular information available regarding the affected areas.
The storm Elena is affecting the Paphos region with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Visibility is limited, and authorities are warning drivers to be cautious. Government services and local authorities are on alert for any potential consequences. The situation is more severe compared to previous days.
The bad weather named ELENA is affecting the central Aegean, with forecasts of rain and thunderstorms. Snowfall is expected in the mountainous areas, and temperatures will be low, with frost in some regions. Winds will be light to moderate, but during thunderstorms, they may become stronger. The weather warning remains in effect until noon tomorrow.
Turkey is trying to take advantage of the developments in Syria to solidify its maritime claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. Nicosia and Athens are cooperating to prevent new faits accomplis. The Cypriot government emphasizes that any agreement between Turkey and Syria must respect International Law and the rights of the Republic of Cyprus. These developments raise concerns about the geopolitical balance in the region.
The retail sector in Cyprus experienced an increase in sales in 2024, despite economic difficulties faced by households. Consumers from Russia, Ukraine, and Israel appear to have contributed to this growth. The value and volume indices for retail trade showed increases across various product categories. However, the category for non-store retail trade saw a decline.
A motorcyclist, who refused to comply with police during a chase, filed a legal complaint against the police and the Republic of Cyprus seeking damages. The Court of Appeal rejected his appeal, upholding the first instance court's decision. The incident occurred in 2007 and had serious consequences for all involved. The dangerous behavior of the motorcyclist during the chase played a significant role in the case.
The village of Kato Pyrgos is at risk of flooding due to debris blocking the bridge on Nikolai Papageorgiou Avenue. There is concern that heavy rainfall could lead the Pyrgos River to cause significant damage. Residents are illegally disposing of materials into the river, increasing the likelihood of flooding. This calls for better management and prevention of such issues.
The final proposal from the Ministry of Education for a new evaluation system for teachers is expected to be submitted in January. According to sources, the evaluation will no longer be conducted solely by inspectors, and new criteria and procedures will be introduced. Teachers will have the right to pursue managerial positions earlier in their careers, and continuous professional development will be implemented. The proposal will consider the characteristics of various educational levels.
The Cypriot government, through Energy Minister Giorgos Papadopoulos, has communicated to the Greek government that it cannot accept the current draft agreement for the electricity interconnection via the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). There are two main trends within the government: one that supports participation in the GSI and another that is cautious about the project's benefits. The government seems to favor negotiations with Greek authorities to clarify its concerns. The situation is still developing, with a meeting scheduled for December 27.