Firefighters remain on high alert and conduct rescue operations in response to severe weather emergencies. They demonstrate their relentless spirit by saving individuals from incapacitated vehicles, removing uprooted trees, pumping out floodwaters, clearing debris, and handling non-weather related incidents like fires, ensuring community safety and providing vital information.
How do firefighters respond to severe weather emergencies?
Firefighters respond to severe weather emergencies by remaining on high alert, with off-duty personnel on standby. They conduct rescue operations, such as saving individuals from incapacitated vehicles, removing uprooted trees, pumping out floodwaters, and clearing debris. They also handle non-weather related incidents, like fires and provide community safety information.
Brave Acts Amidst Thunderstorms
As thunder rumbled across the skies, the fire service was put to the test with a staggering 20 calls for assistance due to severe weather conditions sweeping across the island. The last 24 hours have seen the brave men and women respond to various emergencies, demonstrating the relentless spirit of the firefighting force.
Limassol: The Focal Point of Rescue Operations
Limassol found itself at the heart of the action, accounting for eight of the distress calls. One particular incident saw the rescue of an individual whose car had become incapacitated under a bridge, a stark reminder of nature’s sudden ferocity. The team also tackled the aftermath of the weather’s wrath by removing trees uprooted by gusty winds and pumping out water that had invaded the basements of residents’ homes.
Larnaca and Famagusta: Clearing the Aftermath
The tempest did not spare Larnaca, drawing the fire brigade into action to clear debris from roads and remove trees that had succumbed to the storm’s strength. Similarly, Famagusta’s firefighters were summoned five times to manage the fallen trees, highlighting the widespread impact of the storm.
Paphos: A Mix of Challenges
Paphos also faced its share of weather-induced turmoil, with calls not only to remove trees but also to drain floodwaters and clear roads of debris, showcasing the diverse challenges posed by such severe weather events.
The Yellow Weather Alert
A yellow weather warning had been issued, heralding thunderstorms from 6pm on Saturday until the early hours of Sunday. This alert set the tone for the fire service’s heightened state of readiness.
The Fire Service’s Preparedness
Spokesman Andreas Kettis of the Fire Service informed the Cyprus News Agency of the force’s vigilant state on Sunday, with off-duty personnel on standby to bolster the efforts if needed. Kettis assured that equipment was primed and ready on their vehicles for any stormwater pumping that might be required.
Beyond Weather-Related Incidents
In a remarkable testament to their dedication, the fire service also attended to 23 fires and 14 other incidents. One notable call at around 8.30pm on Saturday required them to pump water from a house’s subterranean parking in Limassol, where rainwater had inflicted damage on a vehicle and other items stored there.
Vigilance Against Fire
The wee hours of Sunday saw firefighters extinguishing a blaze on the ground floor of a shop in Nicosia, which resulted in substantial damage to the premises and minor damage to an office above. The investigation into the fire’s origin is ongoing, reflecting the continuous effort to safeguard citizens against both natural and man-made hazards.
Community and Information
The fire service’s commitment extends beyond emergencies, with a focus on community engagement and information dissemination. They play a key role in maintaining public safety and awareness, often providing critical information on emergency and medical services, utilities, transport, telecoms, and consumer rights.
Always Ready to Serve
As always, the fire service remains a pillar of resilience and readiness, exemplifying a steadfast dedication to serving the community in times of need. Whether it’s a natural disaster or an unexpected fire, these heroes stand ready to face the challenges head-on.
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Quick Recap
- Firefighters respond to severe weather emergencies by remaining on high alert and conducting rescue operations, such as saving individuals from incapacitated vehicles, removing uprooted trees, pumping out floodwaters, clearing debris, and handling non-weather related incidents like fires.
- Limassol accounted for eight distress calls, including the rescue of an individual whose car was incapacitated under a bridge, while Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos also faced challenges clearing debris and removing fallen trees.
- A yellow weather warning was issued, setting the tone for the fire service’s heightened state of readiness.
- The fire service attended to 23 fires and 14 other incidents in addition to weather-related emergencies, showcasing their dedication to public safety.
- The fire service plays a key role in community engagement and information dissemination, providing critical information on emergency and medical services, utilities, transport, telecoms, and consumer rights.
