🌪️Tornado spotted approaching Nicosia: hail and thunderstorms hit Cyprus mountains ⛈️
Weather conditions in Cyprus deteriorated sharply recently. A tornado was spotted near Nicosia, moving from the mountainous areas toward the city. The funnel formed amid a thunderstorm front and unstable atmospheric conditions.

⛈ At the same time, heavy thunderstorms and hail affected the mountainous regions. Rainfall was reported in Kalo Chorio, Moutoullas, and Askas.

⚠️ Residents were advised to stay cautious: avoid parking under trees, stay away from open areas during storms, and follow official weather warnings.

According to forecasts, unstable weather will persist, with more rain and thunderstorms expected in the coming days, especially in the mountains during the afternoon.
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☀️TODAY IS WEDNESDAY
📒APRIL 29, 2026
👋 KALIMERA, CYPRUS!

🌤It’s warm across the island today, but not perfectly clear everywhere: expect partly cloudy skies with a chance of brief local showers. Winds are light, and overall it’s a comfortable day — no extreme heat or major weather surprises.

☀️Today’s weather:

🌡️ Nicosia: +25°C
🌡️ Larnaca: +24°C
🌡️ Limassol: +23°C
🌡️ Paphos: +22°C
🌡️ Ayia Napa: +22°C
🌡️ Troodos: +18°C
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📡Cyprus digital TV switchover to DVB-T2 postponed to 1 July — viewers get two more months to prepare
The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy has pushed back the full transition to the new digital terrestrial television standard from 1 May to 1 July 2026 . The reason cited is technical complexity and a desire to give residents more preparation time.

🔄 Both platforms remain operational in the meantime

Until 1 July, broadcasting will run in parallel:

· the old standard (Velister, DVB-T)
· the new standard (Hellas Sat, DVB-T2)

This ensures viewers do not lose signal during the transition period.

🤔 What the switchover entails

Cyprus is replacing the outdated DVB-T standard (first generation, MPEG-2 compression) with the modern DVB-T2 standard (second generation, MPEG-4 compression) . DVB-T2 is already the mainstream standard in most European countries.

Advantages of the new standard:

· More channels — fits 30–50% more data in the same frequency bandwidth
· Better picture quality — higher bitrate, especially noticeable on HD channels
· More stable signal — performs better in multi‑storey buildings and remote areas
· Frequency efficiency — more effective use of radio spectrum

👪 Who is affected and what to do

The switch only affects those who receive television via a standard indoor or outdoor aerial (cable and satellite viewers are not affected).

· If your TV supports DVB-T2 (models from 2015–2016 onwards) — simply rescan your channels
· If your TV is older and does not support DVB-T2 — you will need an external DVB‑T2 set‑top box or a new television

Retailers have already reported high demand for DVB‑T2 decoders, with approximately 15,000 units sold so far .

📡 Who is the operator

The new platform is being launched by Hellas Sat, the winner of an open tender. CEO Christodoulos Protopapas has officially confirmed the extension of the deadline until 1 July .

Viewers now have substantially more time to prepare. 📺🛠️
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⚠️ In Limassol, a man in a wheelchair was pulling out onto the road, creating dangerous situations near a school
🗓 On the afternoon of April 28, in the Polemidia area, near the 7th Lyceum and Gymnasium, a disturbing incident occurred. An elderly man in a wheelchair repeatedly pulled out sharply into the roadway 🚗 and obstructed traffic.

👀 According to an eyewitness, he approached cars very closely and sometimes brushed against them, holding a metal object in his hands which he could use to hit the vehicles.

↩️ In one instance, he approached a car that was reversing, ignoring the driver's attempts to avoid contact.

🚓 The police have already been notified. Drivers are asked to be especially attentive and cautious.
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🚔 Night Police Operation 4 detainees and more than 300 traffic violations in one evening
🌙 During large-scale night raids across the cities, the police conducted enhanced patrols for crime prevention and public order control.

👮‍♂️ Main inspection results
• Vehicles checked: 643
• People checked: 810
• Persons detained: 4
• Violations in business operations identified: 8 (out of 39 inspected)

🚗 Traffic violations and control
• Total traffic violations recorded: 322
• Speeding: 89 cases
• Alcohol tests conducted: 76 (all results negative)
• Vehicles seized: 6

🚓 The police will continue to conduct such raids daily to ensure public safety.
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🚢 Larnaca takes to the streets: residents demand progress on port and marina project
📢 Today at 18:00, a protest will take place at the entrance to the Larnaca port (on the road near Nikolaides). The city is demanding that the development of the port, marina, and adjacent land areas no longer be stalled.

⏳ Two years without progress

It has been two years since the contract with the previous investor (Kition) was terminated, yet there has been no significant movement. Mayor Andreas Viras and ECDA Chairwoman Angela Hadjicharalampous remind the public that no clear plan has been presented to date.

📜 The city already has a position

On June 29, 2023, Larnaca submitted its proposals to the Ministry of Transport. These were unanimously approved by the City Council and the Development Committee. The core demand is that the development of land areas must benefit the city itself. The city rejects the Ministry's suggestion to limit these areas solely to the needs of the port and marina.

⏱️ Demand for a response within 1–2 months

The city demands that the Ministry present a concrete proposal within one to two months, including

• a preliminary master plan for the development of the port, marina, and land zones
• preliminary implementation costs
• a financial scheme (including potential involvement of the Port Authority)
• an implementation schedule

⚠️ The protest is only the beginning

Organizers warn that if their demands are not met, further and more intense protest actions will follow. The first step is today at 18:00.
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💰PENSIONS UP TO €1088 — How much will they actually pay in Cyprus and where is the catch?
Cyprus is preparing a pension reform, and the figures are starting to emerge. Authorities state that the basic pension will increase but will not exceed €1088. While the exact amount is still being calculated, it is clear that the maximum is limited by the fund's capacity.

📉 What is important
— A new basic pension is being introduced to replace the minimum and social pensions
— If you retire at age 63, you will face a 12% reduction in the amount
— More support is promised to those with low payouts

📊 Who will be affected
— New workers
— Mothers without work history
— Caregivers for relatives
— People with disabilities
— Even those who previously did not pay contributions

💼 Authorities also aim to
— Organize the fund and increase transparency
— Reduce illegal employment
— Improve working conditions and parental support

📈 The figures
In 2024, the fund collected €2.7 billion, paid out €2.06 billion, and had a surplus of approximately €290 million.

Pensions will grow slightly, but there will be no "golden mountains." And if you retire early — be prepared to lose money.
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🍽 Hot meals introduced in Cyprus schools for the first time — Menu and prices updated
📚 Starting April 20, 2026, a new buffet menu has gone into effect in all state schools across Cyprus. Students are now being offered hot dishes in addition to traditional pastries.

🥧 New menu items
The updated selection includes pita with honey or cocoa cream, fetopita, stuffed soufflé, kolokithia (stuffed zucchini), and muffins. Strict recipes have been approved for certain dishes, meaning they cannot be altered.

💶 Pricing
Prices range from €1.25 to €2.50 depending on the item chosen.

👨‍🍳 Standards and goals
School buffets are now required to adhere to specific preparation standards and must have all dishes approved by the Ministry of Health. The primary goal of this new menu is to make student nutrition more diverse and more filling.
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🔫 Night Shooting in Famagusta — 14 Detained and Shooter at Large
🌙 On the evening of April 28, around 22:30, a conflict broke out in an auto repair shop in occupied Famagusta, which escalated into gunfire.

👥 The dispute began between three individuals but quickly drew in other participants. In the heat of the altercation, one man opened fire with a pistol.

🚗 No injuries were reported, but a vehicle was damaged. Police recovered four 9mm shell casings at the scene.

🚓 Authorities have detained 14 people, while the shooter remains at large. He was using an unlicensed weapon. It is reported that one of the individuals involved in the conflict was a relative of the shooter.
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🖼️ Semi-governmental organizations of Cyprus 1,282 candidates for 94 positions — highest interest in EAC and Cyta
Today marks the beginning of the application evaluation process by the Scientific Advisory Council for vacant board positions in 12 semi-governmental organizations. Upon completion, a shortlist will be compiled (containing three times more candidates than available seats). This list will then be submitted to the Cabinet for the final decision.

🏢 Organizations involved

A total of 94 positions have been announced across the boards of 12 organizations:

· ΔΕΦΑ (Gas Natural Administration)
· ΘΟΚ (Cyprus Tourism Organization)
· Building Permits Authority
· Planning Authority
· RIK (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation)
· EAC (Electricity Authority of Cyprus)
· Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation
· CYTA (Cyprus Telecommunications Authority)
· ΟΠΣС (Road Transport Authority)
· Ports Authority
· Cyprus Land Development Organization
· Council of Construction and Technical Works Contractors

📊 Competition

A total of 1,282 nominations were submitted. The highest demand is seen in:

· EAC — 206 candidates
· CYTA — 183 candidates

💰 Remuneration

Compensation for attending meetings:

· For most organizations — €90 per session
· For EAC, CYTA, and the Ports Authority — €100 per session
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✅ Self-employed in Cyprus can study at the state's expense for the first time!
Starting April 6, 2026, self-employed residents of Cyprus have received an excellent opportunity — they can now participate in subsidized ANAD training programs on par with employees.

Access has been opened for approximately 31,000 people. Among them are many shop managers, accountants, lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, and technicians.

The cost is very low — only 0.5% of insurance income. On average, this amounts to between €50 and €160 per year.

Now, self-employed individuals can undergo training within their own company (even abroad), take group courses, and join special priority programs. Digital skills, green technologies, new tax regulations, and medical professional development are especially encouraged.

The subsidies are impressive: up to €20 per hour for regular training and up to €100 for important programs. When studying abroad, you can receive up to €8,400, including flights and accommodation! ✈️

Great news for all freelancers in Cyprus 💪 Now they will also be able to calmly update their knowledge and grow.
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🏊‍♂️Nicosia Municipal Pool to open on May 18 — prices may increase
After several years of unstable operation, the Nicosia Municipal Pool will begin its season on May 18. It will operate daily from 10:00 to 18:30 until mid-September. For comparison, last year the pool opened only in late June and operated for only half a season.

💰 Prices are not yet finalized (the municipal council will decide within two weeks). The reference point is the 2019 rates (the last full season), but an increase of €5–30 is expected.

For comparison, last year's single entry tickets were:

· Children under 5 — free
· Students, soldiers — €5
· Adults — €6
· Couple with 2 children (under 18) — €20

Seasonal passes (2019):

· Students/soldiers/pupils under 18 — €55
· Adult — €85
· Couple — €140
· Couple with 2 children — €160
· Discounts for large families, free for families with 6+ children
· Disability card holders — €42.50

❌ The Makedonitissa pool remains closed due to ongoing complete renovation. This year, at least one municipal pool will be operational.

Parking is free, sunbed rental — €2.
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🚫 «Border Express» at Larnaca Airport — The system should speed up control, but passengers are queuing again
Passengers at Larnaca Airport are complaining about delays at passport control. The automated Border Express system, which was intended to speed up border crossings, is increasingly failing and, according to travelers, only complicates the process.

🖥️ How it works

A passenger scans their passport or ID card, the system takes a photo, and prints a paper receipt. This receipt must then be handed to a police officer for final verification. The idea is clear: less manual work, faster passenger flow.

But in practice, things are not going so smoothly.

⚠️ What passengers are complaining about

— The system cannot always take a photo
— It sometimes issues invalid receipts
— Terminals may freeze or refuse to work
— Passengers are redirected to other control points where staff might not be present
— Queues grow, people get nervous and lose time

🗣️ Lawyer Achilleas Emilianidis publicly criticized the system, stating that it does not serve passengers, but literally "torments" them. In his opinion, there are too many unnecessary steps in the process, and the technology itself is unreliable.

👮‍♂️ Who is responsible for the system

Border Express is the responsibility of the Cyprus Police, not the airport operator Hermes Airports. Emilianidis suggests, at the very least, increasing the number of staff at manual control points to resolve situations faster during malfunctions.

For tourist Cyprus, such a problem looks particularly unpleasant: the country is fighting for a good image, but for some guests, the first impression begins not with the sea and sun, but with a queue, a frozen machine, and a piece of paper that still needs to be taken somewhere.
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🌧️April in Cyprus broke rainfall records with some areas receiving 3 times the normal amount
☔ According to the Meteorological Service, from April 1 to 29, the average precipitation on the island was 54.6 mm — which is 183% of the norm. In several districts, the figures are even higher.

☔ Where rainfall was highest (% of the norm)

· Aietiou — 316%
· Frenaros — 262%
· Xylotymbou — 255%
· Stavros tis Psokas (Prodromou) — 253%
· Klenas — 222%
· Litrodontas — 219%
· Paphos Airport — 200%

🏆 The absolute maximum rainfall for April was recorded in Stavros tis Psokas — 135.4 mm.

🧾 For the entire season (since October 1, 2024)
The average precipitation reached 112% of the norm for this period. The absolute leader since October is Stavros tis Psokas (Troodos Mountains): 1,019.4 mm.

The only station where April rainfall was close to the norm but did not exceed it was Attalassa (Nicosia): 94%.

🌾💧 Good news for reservoirs and agriculture
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🇬🇷Greece remains the top tourist destination for Cypriots with 600,000 visitors in 2025
According to the Greek Ambassador to Cyprus, Konstantinos Kollias, approximately 600,000 Cypriots visited Greece in 2025 for tourism and other purposes. It is expected that Greece will once again be the number one destination for Cypriot tourists in 2026.

✈️ Why they travel to Greece

· Frequent flights and short travel times
· Limassol – Piraeus ferry connections (offering even more options)
· Diverse tourism products: beyond beaches, including cultural, religious, gastronomic, agrotourism, ecotourism, medical, and conference tourism

🤝 Cyprus and Greece are partners rather than competitors

EOT Cyprus Director Athina Spakouri emphasized that the two countries can create joint tourism programs for long-haul markets such as China and the USA. Greek tourism expects a strong season in 2026, despite challenges posed by the war in Iran.

🚢 Airlines are strengthening connections

Aegean, SkyExpress, and Cyprus Airways have announced new flights and strengthened connectivity between Cyprus and the Greek islands.

The President of the Cyprus-Greece Business Association, Iosif Iosif, called Greece a "second home" for Cypriots for relaxation. The main focus is on gastronomy, cultural routes, religious tourism, and city breaks in Athens and Thessaloniki.
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👶 In 2025, 635 minors applied for asylum in Cyprus
According to Eurostat, out of 2,385 first-time asylum applications in the Republic of Cyprus, 635 were submitted by minors.

🌍 Across the EU

· 158,400 minor asylum seekers (23.7% of all applications)
· Of these, 13.3% are unaccompanied (3.8% of the total number)

Countries with the highest share of minors among applicants

· Austria — 57.3%
· Germany — 44.9%
· Finland — 31.2%

🚸 A high percentage of minors in the overall asylum flow was recorded in Slovenia (78.6%), Latvia (72.9%), Bulgaria (56.2%), the Netherlands (49.8%), and Lithuania (47.1%).

🗺️ Origins of minor applicants (EU)

· Asia — 39%
· Africa — 27.3%
· America — 18.2%
· Europe (Non-EU) — 13.9%

👥 Top nationalities (all minors)

1. Afghanistan — 16.9%
2. Syria — 13%
3. Venezuela — 10.7%
👤 Unaccompanied minors

· Afghanistan — 12.3%
· Eritrea — 11.6%
· Syria — 11.5%

⚖️ Asylum decisions in the EU (2025)

· Total decisions on minor cases — 229,485
· Protection status granted to 119,435 minors (at first instance or after appeal)
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🚨 Accident on Limassol highway: collision reported

A road traffic accident has occurred on the highway in the Limassol area. According to preliminary information, at least two vehicles were involved — one of them sustained significant rear-end damage.

❗ Information about possible injuries is still being уточняется.
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🚨 ROAD REPORT CY

🚧 Paphos – Polis Highway Scandal Who is stalling the project
📊 The Core of the Conflict
A new political battle has erupted in Cyprus. The DISY party has openly accused former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides of delaying the construction of the vital Paphos – Polis highway. According to DISY, during the budget approval stage, Michaelides demanded the removal of funding, labeling the project "questionable." The party claims this obstruction led to significant construction delays and an increase in total costs.

⚠️ The Main Dispute
The disagreement centers on two different approaches to governance:
— Michaelides viewed the project strictly "like an accountant," focusing only on the bottom line.
— He failed to account for road safety, regional development, and the potential isolation of the Polis area.
— DISY insists that infrastructure projects must be measured by quality of life, not just raw numbers.

🚗 Impact on the Region
For local residents, this highway is a lifeline. It is essential for improving accessibility to the region and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.

📢 The Conclusion
DISY is demanding that the project be accelerated and is calling for an end to any interference that hinders the development of Paphos.
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🏅 Two piers on the Limassol promenade have been named after great athletes
Now, the Molos area features the Pavlos Kontidis pier and the Karolina Pelendiritu pier. The ceremony was held quietly and touchingly.

⛵ Who is Pavlos Kontidis
He is Cyprus's first Olympic medalist. He won silver in sailing twice — in London and Paris. He is also a two-time world champion.

🏊‍♀️ Who is Karolina Pelendiritu
A Paralympic swimming champion. She holds three gold medals — from Athens, Beijing, and Tokyo. All three times, she won the 100m breaststroke distance.

Both athletes grew up in the Limassol Nautical Club.

🌊 What is Molos
This is the main promenade of Limassol — a seaside walking area with palm trees, cafes, and piers. The two circular piers that extend far into the water now bear their names.

The city decided that such athletes deserve to be remembered, even if just by those strolling along the promenade. 🏅🌊
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