Cyprus’ heat wave is straining both residents and hospitals, with emergency rooms reporting a surge in patients suffering from heat exhaustion, sunstroke and dehydration.
Most cases involve older adults and other vulnerable groups, as well as outdoor workers exposed to high temperatures for hours.
Hospitals in coastal areas are also seeing heavier attendance as locals and tourists crowd beaches. Accident and emergency departments across all cities have recorded increased patient numbers, and many require admission.
National Health Service spokesperson Charalampos Charilaou said hospitals are adding reserve beds to meet demand, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. He said staff shortages caused by summer leave are being covered to ensure critical units remain fully staffed.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel and direct sun exposure during peak hours, drink plenty of fluids and monitor children, the elderly and other at‑risk individuals as temperatures remain dangerously high.
