The severe weather system named 'Coral' is expected to bring a significant drop in temperature and snow to the semi-mountainous areas of Cyprus. Tonight, increased cloud cover and local rains are forecasted, with a chance of snow at higher altitudes. Inland temperatures will be around 6 degrees, with the potential for snow in lowland areas over the next three days. Thus, a cold and snowy week is anticipated.
In Paphos, 37.5 kilograms of cannabis were confiscated by the YKAN. A 55-year-old man was arrested during the operation to assist with the investigations. The operation took place in the afternoon, and the cannabis was discovered by the authorities.
The Anti-Narcotics Unit is conducting an operation in Paphos, where a large quantity of cannabis has been found. A 55-year-old man has been arrested to assist with the investigations. Police inquiries are ongoing. This is a significant drug-related case in the area.
Rapid developments in the case of the '80' group have emerged, as the 62-year-old suspect underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was ordered to be hospitalized in a psychiatric center. New testimony reveals that senior members of the group received financial rewards for handling the issues of distressed borrowers. The suspicions against them include charges of fraud and money laundering. The process for renewing the detention orders for the suspects is ongoing.
A young man was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. The conviction stemmed from incidents that occurred in 2023 in Limassol. The girl reported inappropriate acts while she was with her friends. The convicted individual has been taken to prison following the court's ruling.
Today, due to good weather conditions, there is a reduced demand for electricity in Cyprus, resulting in the disconnection of solar systems for safety reasons. This disconnection affects systems with a capacity from 0 to 499kWp. Meanwhile, there is a risk of power outages in the evening due to increased demand for heating. Users are urged to check their systems.
The government is moving forward with criminal prosecutions against associations that have debts to the Social Insurance Fund. Minister of Labor, Giannis Panayiotou, stated that there is no installment arrangement for debts, and employers are required to pay their employees' contributions on a monthly basis. In case of delays, legal procedures will be initiated. The minister emphasized that there are no exceptions for any individual or legal entity that does not comply with their obligations.
The report from the Electrical and Mechanical Services regarding the deadly fire in Agios Nikolaos has been completed. Officials consider the most likely cause to be the television connected to a power strip with other devices. However, investigations continue for other electrical appliances belonging to the family. This tragic incident has shocked the local community.
A police officer has been suspended while seven offenses are being investigated, including abuse of power and corruption. The Internal Audit Service of the Police is continuing its inquiries into the case. The police leadership reiterates its commitment to combating corruption. The aim is to maintain integrity and respect towards society.
The Ecologists' Movement is calling for an investigation into the living conditions of dogs at the shelter in Meniko, where 14 puppies have reportedly died. Photos reveal concerning living conditions, such as dogs exposed to low temperatures and poor hygiene. Additionally, questions are raised regarding the inspections and care of the animals. The movement urges immediate action for the welfare of the remaining dogs.
The energy supply situation in Cyprus is critical due to increased demand from expected cold weather. Authorities are monitoring developments and taking measures to minimize the risk of electricity cuts. Peak energy demand may create problems in the coming days if there are any system failures. Citizens are urged to reduce consumption, especially during peak hours.
The Minister of Transport announced the formation of a three-member Investigative Committee to address issues related to the recall of used vehicles. The Committee will investigate matters that were not covered by the previous administrative inquiry. The Minister also stated that there is no legislation to limit distributors' charges for replacing defective airbags. He urged distributors to avoid imposing additional costs on citizens.
The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, announced significant measures to support the labor market in Cyprus. The minimum wage will increase for 19 professions in the hospitality sector starting January 1, 2025, and efforts will be made to attract Cypriots working abroad to return. Additionally, a new framework for employing foreign workers and modernization of the volunteering sector is planned. These initiatives aim to strengthen economic development and create new job opportunities.
A driver in Limassol was fortunate to escape harm when their Takata airbag exploded during an accident. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis confirmed that further evaluations of the incident will clarify the exact conditions. He also noted that the rate of airbag replacements is expected to increase soon with the arrival of new stock. Honda and Toyota Cyprus are in the process of securing the necessary units.
Two days before the final report regarding the case of Thanasis Nikolaou is due, developments are ongoing with a focus on forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos. Stavrianos testified before the investigators and requested an appeal against a decision made by the Supreme Court. There are still questions surrounding Nikolaou's death, with Stavrianos insisting it resulted from a fall. The legal procedures continue to unfold simultaneously.
The establishment of branches of foreign universities in Greece is currently being discussed, with several Cypriot institutions expressing interest in expanding. The University of Frederick and the University of Nicosia are looking into the possibility of operating branches in the Greek market, offering programs such as law, engineering, and health education. The focus is primarily on Athens, and the preparation involved is time-consuming. Such procedures are demanding and require systematic efforts.
In Limassol, a family of five tragically lost their lives in a house fire. The last inspections of the building's electrical installations by the electricity authority took place in 2007 and only covered the ground and first floors. The second floor was never inspected, and there was no electricity meter for the family’s residence. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with specialists examining related electrical appliances.
The research indicates that we daily inhale and ingest microplastics, which may affect the human body. A recent study associates the presence of microplastics in the brain with dementia, although the conclusions are premature. Microplastics originate either from the intentional use of certain substances or the degradation of larger plastic items. Notably, the amount of microplastics in the brain has increased by 50% from 2016 to 2024.
A case involving a priest from Platanistasa has led to legal issues due to complaints about noise pollution. Priest Georgios Kourris is accused of prolonged use of the church bell and unauthorized loudspeakers. The complaints originated from village residents, including the village mayor, who recorded the noise. The priest denies the charges, emphasizing that the bell is part of the church's function.
Cypriot doctors will now be able to obtain specialties like infectious diseases and emergency medicine in Cyprus through processes followed in Greece. This development comes from a new agreement between Cyprus and Greece aimed at modernizing the healthcare sector in Cyprus. The agreement allows for the recognition of these specialties by Greece, enabling doctors to obtain certification through examinations. This deal is also expected to help secure medicines from Greece in cases of shortages.
The recent drop in temperatures has caused serious problems with electricity supply, especially during night hours. Dependence on renewable energy sources raises fears of periodic power cuts due to the Coral weather phenomenon. The government is planning energy-saving measures, but the increasing demand makes consumer cooperation challenging. The situation is critical as electricity infrastructure faces maintenance difficulties.