A flare and fireworks caused separate fires in forests in Cyprus at the end of April. Despite promises of having ten firefighting aircraft, the country only has one available. The lack of resources has led to a series of disasters and a history of negligence in firefighting efforts. The government’s failure to acquire necessary aircraft has put the country at risk for more devastating fires.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) announced a scheduled power outage on Friday between 9am and 10am in several areas including Parekklisia Pyrgos, Prasteio Kellakiou, Kellaki, Eptagonia, Melini, Akapnou, Arakapas, Dierona, Sanida, Klavari, Vikla, Ora, Odu, Ayioi Vavatsinias, Profitis Elias, and Sykopetra. The outages are planned due to scheduled work on the high voltage network.
Fact: A 35-year-old man was arrested for stealing an electricity transformer from a facility belonging to the electricity authority (EAC) in Larnaca.
Fact: Electricity bills have increased by 2.5 per cent compared to the previous month due to renewable energy targets.
Apartment buildings in a refugee estate in Cyprus were deemed unsafe over two decades ago, but people are still living in them.
Two small electrical explosions occurred at the north’s Ercan (Tymbou) airport. One worker received burns on both of his arms while performing unauthorized work on a panel box, and another employee was not injured when a transformer exploded. The airport is still operating on a transient current, posing a serious risk of danger. The airport operator has not completed the installation of the system, and the transfer to a regular current must be done immediately to prevent accidents. The airport had not passed the requisite electrical checks, and the transport minister is responsible for the incidents.
The energy ministry and the electricity authority (EAC) are studying alternative solutions for the provision of smart meters to avoid repeated delays.
Turkish Cypriot social media journalist Serdinc Maypa was released on bail on Monday after being charged with violating individuals’ right to privacy. Police insisted there was a chance he could tamper with evidence, but the judge disagreed. Records on his mobile phone and computer showed 2,586 relevant messages and 28,273 photographs and documents. Maypa has also made allegations regarding the institutions that filed complaints against him.
Fact: A 49-year-old man from Limassol was arrested as part of an investigation into the theft of over a kilometre’s worth of electricity cables.
Fact: A 33-year-old man was issued a four-day detention order in connection with the theft of electric cables belonging to the Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) in Kantou village worth approximately €2,800. Investigations revealed that over 1,400 meters worth of overhead copper cables were stolen and a total of six EAC electric poles were cut off, amounting to approximately €4,150 in damages.