IT WORKED !
Heavy rain falls after church prayers
Heavy rain falls after church prayers
Hopes of end to dry spell
By Charlie Charalambous
Drought-hit Cyprus enjoyed consecutive days of heavy rain spells this week after the Orthodox Church ordered prayers for the heavens to open, as water reserves run dry.
Heavy downpours touched most parts of Cyprus, causing some disruption to traffic and with the emergency services called out on several occasions to deal with flooded property.
It has rained on successive days since storm clouds gathered over Cyprus on Tuesday.
The meteorological service forecasts that the unsettled weather will continue until the weekend, with showers and isolated thunderstorms expected in most parts. Temperatures will also take a slight dip with highs at around 17ΦC and strong winds on the coast.
Minimum temperatures dropped low enough for it to snow on Troodos to complete the adverse weather outlook.
On the orders of Archbishop Chrysostomos II, Cypriot clergy prayed for rain during Sunday services in efforts to end the holiday island's two-year drought.
In his circular, the Archbishop said he was convinced that collective prayer would end the dry spell.
Water cuts
"We are certain that by praying together with the warmest of spirit and deepest of faith it is possible that Almighty God will hear our prayers and grant our request, " he said.
Prolonged heavy rainfall is needed if the island is to avoid water cuts, with restrictions already in place for crop irrigation. A hosepipe ban is also in force.
Since last year Cyprus has received below average rainfall with record hot weather placing huge demands on reserves, especially during the lengthy tourist season.
Dams are at only 7.8% of their capacity, compared with 25% a year ago, official figures show.
The last time the reservoirs were this low was in 1998.
To combat prolonged dry spells the government is tapping into strategic water reserves usually set aside for the military. It is planning to build three more water desalination plants in Limassol and Paphos.
Weather experts say there must be much more heavy rainfall before the end of January to avoid a chronic shortage.
Rainfall during November reached only 76% of the normal average, despite hail and sleet recorded in some areas.
Cumulative average precipitation between October-November was lower at 59% of the norm.
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