🔊 Cyprus-style extreme: drivers clear a massive rock from a mountain road by hand
After a landslide on the Platres–Troodos mountain road, a huge boulder crashed onto the carriageway, completely blocking traffic. Before emergency services arrived, drivers and passers-by stepped in — working together, they managed to shift the rock and reopen the road.

Footage from the scene was shared on social media by the Kitasweather account. The author reminded motorists to stay especially cautious on mountain and foothill roads, where bad weather significantly increases the risk of landslides and falling rocks.
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🐢 **Cruelty on the Chloraka coast:
Sea turtle thrown and kicked in front of tourists**
A scandal has erupted in Chloraka, a suburb of Paphos, after a video filmed by tourists on the beach was published.

The footage shows several men, believed to be employees of the local community council, handling a sea turtle in a brutal manner — throwing it onto the ground and kicking it, while recording the scene on a mobile phone.

The video sparked strong public outrage on social media. Representatives of the council claimed the turtle was already dead and that the workers were preparing it for disposal.
The incident has been reported to the Animal Police, and the turtle’s body has been seized for forensic examination.
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💧Average rainfall at 31% of normal for Jan 1–12
Weather Dept preliminary: mean total rainfall 31.6 mm from Jan 1 to Jan 12 08:00, about 31% of January norm (102.4 mm). Last three days mean 22.4 mm. Last-3-days leaders: Platania 51.3 mm, Prodromos 49.5 mm, Pano Panagia 48.1 mm. By area Jan 1–12: Platania 73.8 mm (39% of norm), Stavros Psokas 67.6 mm, Pano Panagia 67.6 mm, Prodromos 65.5 mm, Saittas 46.2 mm (32% of norm). Data cover free areas of the Republic and are preliminary, released Monday by the Meteorological Department. Overall rainfall remains well below the monthly average.
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🇨🇾Young people in Cyprus pull back from climate decisions
- RESIsles study by AKTI, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and Nature Trust FEE Malta: 381 youths in Cyprus, Greece, Malta surveyed via polls, interviews and workshops.
- Despite strong climate knowledge, many withdraw from environmental decision‑making, citing 'political invisibility' and low trust in institutions.
- 42% unsure how to take part; two‑thirds point to poor infrastructure, lack of recycling schemes, weak public transport and high costs for green choices.
- AKTI: young people motivated but sidelined; urgent need for transparent, accessible, effective participation routes for policymakers.
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🎿🏔️Roads affected by frost and landslides
Current weather leaves some roads wet; drivers advised to be extra cautious.
In mountain, semi‑mountain and higher‑altitude areas, morning surfaces may be slippery from frost.
Open ONLY to 4x4 or vehicles with chains (frost/snow): Pedoula–Prodromou, Prodromou–Lemythou, Kakopetria–Pinewood–Pedoula.
Roads with landslides: Kalopanagiotis–Moutoullas–Pedoula, Kakopetria–Karvouna, Pedoula–Kykkos–Kampou, Kykkos–Tsakkistras, Kampou–Orkonta–Kato Pyrgou.
Road works in places may affect traffic. Police ask drivers to obey traffic rules and signs to avoid collisions.
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🚕Larnaca taxi drivers begin four-hour stoppage, warn of wider strikes
Four-hour stoppage in Larnaca today 07:00–11:00, union cites threat to livelihoods. If no action, 24-hour strike on 20 Jan; indefinite strike possible from 28 Jan. Drivers say passenger apps operate unchecked at Larnaca Airport. Demands: immediate blocking of app activity at the airport for vehicles licensed outside Larnaca; strict enforcement of taxi home-base rules by all apps. Licensing Authority says it is mediating, urges reconsideration and warns of possible economic and tourism effects.
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😮Heavy rains boost Cyprus dam reserves
Water Development Department: about 1.7 million m3 entered reservoirs over the past three days, nearly matching December’s 1.9 million m3. For the first time in months overall storage rose from 9.4% to 10%, equal to 28.995 million m3. Rain continues in several areas and snow on Troodos expected to add runoff. Major inflows 10–12 Jan — Kouris 1,134,000 m3; Asprokremmos 152,000; Arminou 146,000; Evretou 60,000; Kannaviou 57,000; Pomos 41,000. Achna and Vyzakia: none.
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⚠️Drivers: Roads hazardous from landslides and ice⚠️
Roads wet in many areas; drivers urged to slow down and take care.
In mountain and high‑altitude zones morning ice can make surfaces slippery.
Open ONLY to 4x4 vehicles with chains (ice/snow): Pedoulas–Prodromou, Prodromou–Lemythou, Kakopetria–Pinewood–Pedoulas.
Landslide-affected roads include Kalopanagiotis–Moutoullas–Pedoulas; Kakopetria–Karvouna; Pedoulas–Kykkos–Kampou; Kykkos–Tsakkistra; Kampou–Orkonda–Kato Pyrgou.
Roadworks may affect traffic. Police asks drivers to obey traffic laws and signs to avoid collisions.
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📊Earthquake off Cyprus at dawn
03:28 — A 3.7-magnitude earthquake occurred offshore, epicentre 73 km northwest of Polis Chrysochous. The tremor was felt by residents across Paphos district, with multiple registrations recorded by the European‑Mediterranean Seismological Centre. The event took place in the open sea of the northwestern Paphos sector. Residents reported short, light shaking and some household items rattling. Local authorities and seismologists are monitoring developments; no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage have emerged, citizens asked to report incidents.
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🫢31-year-old Stylianos dies after car falls into ravine; autopsy finds multiple fatal injuries
Paphos mourns the death of 31-year-old Stylianos Yeni. Around 08:50 Saturday he drove on a dirt road near Pentalia, lost control for reasons under investigation and the vehicle plunged into a ravine. Forensic pathologist Orthodoxos Orthodoxou performed the autopsy and ruled death due to multiple trauma from the accident. Funeral service set for Saturday 17 January, 11:30, at Agios Spyridon Church in Geroskipou. Family requests donations to the church instead of wreaths and will not receive condolences.
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⚠️🐾Troodos Nature Trails Closed Over Snow and Ice🐾
Dept. of Forests, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development & Environment reports several Nature Study Trails in Troodos closed from 13/1/2026 until further notice.
Closure due to intense erosion, landslides, snowfall and icy conditions.
Use of the trails under these conditions carries significant safety and disorientation risks.
The Department apologizes for any inconvenience and will issue a new announcement when trails become safe and accessible.
Public asked to await updates before visiting trails.
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👮Cyprus to set up Organized Crime Directorate with Greek support
Nicosia and Athens agree closer security ties; new Cypriot directorate will target financial crime, human trafficking and cross-border threats. Greek teams to advise on structure, staffing, training and facilities, modelled on Greek unit. Ministers Michalis Chrysochoidis and Konstantinos Fytiris discussed joint operations, cooperation with EU agencies and prison modernisation. Fytiris proposed six-month rotating security talks and Greek police academy training for Cypriot officers. Chrysochoidis will visit Cyprus ahead of a meeting of European ministers.
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💔Limassol: Appeal rejected in case of sexual abuse of a minor
Appeals Court dismissed in full the appeal of a man already convicted and jailed for repeated sexual abuse of a girl, including periods when she was under 13. The trial court’s findings and concurrent sentences totalling 12 years were upheld. Defendant argued victim unreliable, police investigation flawed and testimony coached. Court said witness credibility is for trial court; inconsistencies consistent with delayed disclosure and conservative background; no evidence of coaching. Absence of DNA testing not shown to be prejudicial. Conviction confirmed.
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😭Volunteers for Animals demand dismissal and prosecution over turtle abuse
Open letter to Ministry of Interior, Paphos District Officer, Fisheries Department, Cyprus Police, Animal Police and Ombudsman. Volunteers accuse Chloraka Community Council employees of brutal mistreatment of a sea turtle, calling the images evidence of serial criminal conduct that tarnishes Cyprus internationally. Say perpetrators breached national and EU law and abused public office. Demand immediate permanent dismissal and criminal charges. Urge strict protocols, mandatory training and heavy sanctions to end institutional cruelty and secure justice.
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📝Permanent Cyprus‑Greece interministerial committee
Agreement in Athens: Justice Ministers Giorgos Floridis and Kostas Fytires to establish a permanent interministerial committee for tracking pending files, deciding and implementing accords. Floridis presented Greek justice reforms and quicker case handling. Fytires met ministers Kikilias, Chrysochoidis and Michailidou. Agreed maritime cooperation memorandum on sea surveillance, anti‑smuggling and drug trafficking, organised crime and data exchange. Discussed a unified Cypriot Coast Guard and Greek training. Committee to meet biannually; yearly police academy places for Cypriot officers. Cooperation on gender‑based violence and transfer of best practices.
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Cypriot Flight Attendant Freed After Questioning in Turkey
Cyprus official: Cypriot flight attendant detained in Ankara in connection with the Libya plane crash probe has been released and has already left Turkey.
Nicosia says it was informed from the start and confirms her release and departure.
Turkish reporting said she was taken from her hotel after actions by Turkey’s intelligence service; she had been a crew member who transported the ill‑fated jet to Turkey.
Initial questioning reportedly found no concrete evidence against her.
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👩‍🎓1,800 scholarship applications pending after First Lady resigns
First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides resigned as President of the Independent Social Support Body. The Managing Committee expressed regret and urged reconsideration; she says the resignation is final and priority is ensuring eligible students receive scholarships. The Committee will ask the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance to secure uninterrupted processing, keep reserve funds for eligible students and prevent loss of higher-education support. Until the Council decides, the Accountant General will apply Audit Office rules on donor consent for publicity above €20,000. The Committee rejects claims undermining the Body; an Auditor General audit found no irregularities and donor publicity is legally restricted.
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😉Over 990 drug-soaked paper sheets found in Larnaca
Coordinated operation by YKAN and YDAP. 68-year-old resident arrested and detained after a court-ordered house search.
Police located 993 A4 sheets suspected to be impregnated with controlled drugs.
The arrested man is investigated for conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal supply of a controlled drug by another person, illegal possession of a controlled drug and possession with intent to supply.
Action followed evaluation of intelligence; samples sent for laboratory analysis and investigations continue.
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Cypriot Flight Attendant Escapes Tragedy, Father Speaks
Father tells Sigmalive his 26‑year‑old daughter, a flight attendant who studies in Athens, flew Athens–Turkey but was not due to stay on that aircraft; she had booked onward tickets for a planned holiday. She was later asked to join an unscheduled flight and refused because of her reservations. After the Libyan plane crashed in Turkey she was detained by Turkish authorities on suspicion of involvement; she was released, has left Turkey and will pursue legal action against the airline.
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👩‍🎓Students kept out of class over cold in Cyprus schools 2026
Acropolis High pupils stayed outside for two lessons in protest after central heating failed; classrooms were too cold for teaching. Repeated complaints to school authorities and the Ministry of Education remain unanswered. The fault is widespread: many schools face broken or outdated heating due to lack of maintenance. More than 80 schools received air conditioners in 2025 for exams, but those units are unused while core heating systems stay unresolved. Parents and teachers demand immediate state action to ensure dignified learning conditions.
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