💦Limassol: Spectacular overflow at Saitta Dam
Limassol — Saitta Dam overflowed after intense, prolonged rainfall across the district in recent days. Reservoir level climbed to spill stage and water poured dramatically over the dam crest. Footage shared online by a local observer captures a powerful cascade on the spillway and rising turbidity downstream. Municipal and water authority teams are monitoring the structure and inspecting downstream channels; no injuries reported so far. Residents and motorists urged to avoid riverbanks, bridges and low-lying roads until levels subside. Updates to follow.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

😩Chihuahuas abandoned in fenced section of Academy Park, Nicosia
Two chihuahua dogs were left alone inside a fenced area of Academy Park in Aglantzia, Nicosia district, a post by Marianna Sevasti on Lost & Found Pets of Cyprus reports. Videos show the animals frightened and in need of help. Passersby filmed the scene; images and clips circulated online. Local volunteers say dogs appear malnourished and stressed; immediate shelter and vet check recommended. Community asked to share info and approach with caution to avoid scaring them further.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🪙Cypriot to be extradited to France over $700M crypto fraud
Appeal Court overturned Nicosia District and approved a European Arrest Warrant from France in a multinational crypto fraud and money‑laundering case nearing $700M. Accused allegedly managed a Binance account via her company; hundreds of thousands USDT and other millions flowed to accomplices. District had denied surrender over wording about interrogation; Appeal ruled interrogation is part of criminal proceedings and extradition is justified. Charges include fraud, organised crime, money‑laundering and computer offences. Defence claims rejected. Court urged avoiding excessive formalism in EAW cases.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🤬Stolen motorcycle from south used in armed attack in occupied Nicosia
Motorcycle used in Jan. 6 armed attack on car sales business in occupied Nicosia was stolen from the Greek Cypriot side and hidden between Sinta and Kontea, say police-related reports. Three people detained in connection with the case, including a 17-year-old Turkish national identified as the shooter who rode the motorcycle. One of the other suspects reportedly entered the occupied area via Kyrenia, retrieved the hidden bike and handed it to the attacker. Investigation continues.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

📡VertexRSI 9m Antennas Installed at Kofinou Teleport
November 2025 — Two VertexRSI 9 m Earth Station antennas delivered and installed at Hellas‑Sat Kofinou Teleport in Cyprus. Upgrade boosts teleport capacity with multi‑band support (C, Ku, Ka), high‑precision pointing, 24/7 availability and resilience, and enhanced telemetry, tracking and control for geostationary and non‑geostationary satellites. Supports critical communications for government, defense, maritime and aviation, plus high‑speed satellite internet; enables hosting international customers and strengthens Cyprus as an Eastern Mediterranean satellite hub.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🩸Increased blood demand as donor turnout falls
Health Ministry issues appeal: demand for blood remains high while donor attendance has dropped, attributed mainly to seasonal infections. Many patients continue to need blood and blood products — red cells, plasma and platelets — for treatments, surgeries and other medical needs. The Ministry asks healthy volunteer donors to spare time and visit nearest transfusion centres. Services operate across Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta; opening hours vary by site. Donors are advised to contact local centres for times before visiting.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🚧🏃‍♀️Nicosia road closures for Sunday running races
Drivers, take note — Roads in Nicosia will be closed to traffic on Sunday 18 January 2026 for charity running events. Closures run from 05:45 until 13:00. Affected streets will be blocked to motor vehicles and traffic will be diverted via adjacent roads and detours. Police officers will be on site to assist the public and regulate movement; temporary road signs will guide motorists. Events include multiple routes of varying distances. Maps with routes, closed streets and parking areas are available online; plan journeys accordingly.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

😳12-year-old pupil punches teacher in Larnaca
Second school violence incident this week. A 12.5‑year‑old pupil allegedly struck his Gymnasium teacher in the abdomen after she made a remark. The teacher filed a complaint with police. The event happened last Wednesday and is being investigated by police together with school welfare and child‑protection services. Earlier, on Tuesday in Paphos two female pupils fought over personal differences; a verbal dispute at break escalated into a prolonged physical altercation. One girl received medical treatment; both were given hospital referral forms. Police continue inquiries.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🍸🥳Investigation of Channel 4 Ayia Napa exposé complex, authorities say
Police opened an ex officio probe after a Channel 4 documentary alleging exploitation and sexual harassment of workers in Ayia Napa. The Office for Combating Trafficking in Persons is working with police; director Eleni Michail says the full footage needs careful analysis and assessment. Authorities probe possible criminal offences; trafficking inquiries require methodical work, specific evidence and normally an identified victim to substantiate sexual or labour exploitation. Other offences may also emerge. Citizens urged to call the anti‑trafficking line 1497, anonymously if preferred. Some firms advertise online holiday‑plus‑work packages; no victim complaints reported so far.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🩺Seven flu deaths, Health Ministry holds coordination meeting
Seven hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza have died this season. Mostly elderly with comorbidities. Total 98 flu hospitalizations: 85 in public hospitals, 13 in private. 39 cases confirmed by molecular tests, 59 by rapid antigen. Emergency meeting held Friday at the Health Ministry to coordinate public–private response. Health system described as prepared; vaccination named main pillar. Citizens urged to follow hygiene, wear masks indoors, ventilate rooms and disinfect surfaces. If symptoms occur: self-isolate, wear mask, test (rapid or PCR) and contact GP. Vaccination recommended for high‑risk groups.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🏅APOEL U‑18 coach Giorgos Phaidonos passes away
Cyprus basketball community in mourning — Giorgos Phaidonos, coach of APOEL U18, died suddenly of cardiac arrest. The Cyprus Basketball Federation said the news hit the island’s basketball world like a thunderbolt, leaving an irreplaceable void and a lasting legacy of integrity, service and love for the sport. On the courts he served with passion and dignity, guiding, inspiring and teaching young players not only basketball but life values. The federation offers sincere condolences to his family and the APOEL community; his memory will remain alive in arenas and hearts.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

😨Poacher Chase in Demilitarized Zone: Gunfire Reported, Hares Seized
Wildlife Service mobilised yesterday evening after reports of gunfire and illegal hunting with quad bikes between Mammari and Deneia inside the DMZ.
Two patrols deployed shortly after 18:00, later reinforced by two more.
Suspect quads located; coordinated attempt to intercept failed due to open muddy plain. One quad headed toward occupied areas.
A concealment spot in the DMZ revealed four hares in plastic bags, seized as evidence.
Searches continued into the morning to locate further evidence and the suspects.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

❄️Cyprus to See Coldest Day of Winter on Monday
Monday likely coldest day so far. Interior morning lows around 10°C, mountains dropping below freezing. Meteorologist Panagiotis Ligkis forecasts a sharp 5°C fall, icy mornings and frost at higher altitudes. Tonight: cloudy, isolated showers in the west; sleet or wet snow possible over Troodos. Weekend outlook: Sat mostly cloudy with local showers and high-elevation snow at night; Sun scattered southwest showers and mountain snow; Mon isolated rain or mountain snow, temperatures below average. Tuesday gradual warming. Chionistra snow depth 28 cm. Winds light NW–NE, seas calm to slightly choppy. Bundle up.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

📝Cyprus: SAFE boosts defence and deterrence
- MoD: SAFE participation secures upgrade and expansion of National Guard, strengthening Cyprus's defence and deterrent capacity.
- 15 Jan 2026: European Commission approved Cyprus investment plan €1.18bn under SAFE; plan among first eight, 11 more expected.
- EC to send proposals; Council to decide within 4 weeks and loan deal will follow. Implementation underway; MoD continues.
➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿**
**👉FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧**
**👉CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺