Ten migrant boats arrive over three days
476 irregular migrants have been intercepted in the last 72 hours, with nine people arrested on suspicion of people smuggling.
Marina
Three migrant boats carrying 150 people escorted to Ayia Napa Marina
Three migrant boats carrying around 150 people arrived in Cyprus, believed to have started their journey from Lebanon. Authorities escorted them to Ayia Napa Marina and then to the Pournara Reception Centre in Kokkinotrimithia. This is the second incident in two days, with a total of 271 migrants arriving on five boats. Four Syrian nationals were arrested as boat pilots. The National Security Council will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to address the migration issue.
Blue Limassol Forum 2024 to focus on climate-neutral cities
Limassol Municipality and Frederick University’s Department of Maritime and Commerce are collaboratively organizing the Blue Limassol Forum 2024, which is focused on the EU Mission for climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. Limassol was honored with the “EU Mission Label” by the European Commission, marking a significant milestone towards the city’s transition to climate neutrality. Limassol aims to become a green and smart city by 2030, ahead of most European cities. The forum serves as a platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue on key issues related to the Blue Economy and Coastal Sustainability. Limassol is one of the 100 EU cities participating in the Cities Mission, with Frederick University acting as a scientific advisor for the “Coastal and Port” thematic area. The event will feature discussions on the transformative potential and benefits for coastal communities and marine ecosystems under the EU Mission for Climate Neutral Cities.
Overnight pharmacies for Monday, 1 April
Fact: Michailidou (Peter) Chloe is located at Digeni Akrita 12 in Nicosia.
There is , ‘room for hope’ on Cyprus problem
– Culture Deputy Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou expressed hope that the deadlock over the Cyprus problem may be lifted.
– The appointment of United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin and the interest shown by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the international community, and the European Union have created room for hope.
– The government is pursuing a solution to reunite and form conditions for the development and well-being of the entire island and its people.
– The solution will strengthen stability and security in the wider region and allow Cyprus to take full advantage of its potential and prospects.
– Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli stated that President Nikos Christodoulides’ main concern is to achieve a solution for an independent and truly sovereign state.
– She envisions a solution free from anachronistic guarantees and the presence of occupying troops.
Overnight pharmacies for Saturday, 30 March
Fact: Mitsi Magda is located at Pindarou 18 in Nicosia, opposite the DISY building.
Festival explores experimental music scene
The Breach Festival, organized by Make Music Cyprus, returns for its third edition in April featuring musicians accomplished in the field of improvisation and experimental music. The festival will welcome participating musicians from Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, Switzerland, and Spain. The festival takes place in partnership with the Irtijal festival in Lebanon and Space21 festival in Kurdistan/Iraq.
Cyprus-Estonia business forum boosts bilateral ties
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Keve) successfully held an event to promote bilateral collaborations between Cypriot and Estonian businesses in the fields of shipping, cybersecurity, and information technology.
First circumnavigation of Cyprus for 50 years
On September 21, 2023, a crew led by IOC Young Leader Sophia Papamichalopoulos completed a circumnavigation of Cyprus, a feat not achieved in over 50 years. The project, named Winds of Change, involved young Greek and Turkish Cypriots sailing around the entire island to promote peace-building and dialogue. The journey took almost 70 hours, covering 326.9 nautical miles, and ended on the International Day of Peace. The initiative has gained international attention, with a documentary set to be released at the Paris Olympics.
Dams below 50 per cent capacity despite adverse weather
– Rainfall in February was only 48% of the average for that time of year, and temperatures were 2.1 degrees Celsius above normal.
– From October 2023 to February 2024, total rainfall was approximately 280.4mm, or 75% of normal.
– During the same period, 20 million cubic metres of rain flowed into reservoirs, which is below desirable levels.
– Reservoirs are at 47% capacity compared to 69% the previous year, containing 138 million cubic metres compared to over 200 million cubic metres going into the summer of 2023.
– The Kouris dam is at 40.8% capacity, Kalavasos at 30.3%, Lefkara at 63%, Asprokremmos at 55.6%, and Evretou at 54.6%.
– Inflow into reservoirs this winter has been low.
– It is unlikely there will need to be water cuts this summer, but there will be limits on the quantity given to agriculture.
– Measures are being promoted to inform farmers about improved irrigation practices and the maximum utilisation of reclaimed water.
– February’s weather included torrential rain, hail, snow in the mountains, and even a tornado, but these did not significantly contribute to reaching normal levels of rainfall for the month.
– Rainfall in Stroumbi in Paphos was 20% of the normal for February, while in Kelokedara it was 122% of the average. In the Larnaca district, rainfall ranged from 56% of normal in Meniko to 114% in Athienou.
– A tornado hit Yermasoyia on February 14, causing significant damage to houses, properties, and the electricity network, resulting in power cuts in several areas of Limassol.
– Nicosia district experienced flooding in the Potami area and damage in Kampos village due to bad weather.
– Torrential rain later in the month caused problems in Astromeritis, Evrycho, Agia Marina Xyliatou in Nicosia, and in Kofinou in Larnaca. The Kilrou dam also overflowed.
– The bad weather affected the entire island from February 13-18, impacting traffic flow on highways.
– Most weather stations recorded their highest maximum temperatures on February 6, 13, 25, and 29, reaching 16C and 17C. Only February 1 and 5 had temperatures below normal.