Larnaka, Cyprus
Larnaka is a low-lying coastal municipality in south-eastern Cyprus highly affected by flooding. Dense residential zones are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and strongly impacted by the urban heat island effect, due to the increasing incidence of heatwaves and excessive use of concrete and asphalt, combined with the lack of green spaces. Summer temperatures can reach 40°C, with a recorded increase in tropical nights.
Larnaka municipality hosts one of the most precious wetlands and birdwatching destinations of Cyprus, the Larnaka Salt Lake, a complex of four salt lakes. The city is a tourist spot with many beaches and infrastructures, such as the main Cyprus airport and Larnaka port.
Nature-based Solutions
Permeable materials
As the area facing flash flooding is urban and densely built, the NBS interventions to be examined include the replacement and use of permeable materials such as pervious asphalt, or pervious paving materials.
Rain gardens and Urban Greenery
Blue-green infrastructure such as rain gardens, combined with expanded green areas and corridors in the urban fabric of Larnaka, will increase the infiltration ability of the area while combatting extreme heat and enhancing the urban ecosystem.
Riverbank restoration
Restoration of the proper material and flora of the riverbank in sections that have not been channelised upstream of the flood-prone area could help manage flood risk. Enhancing these sections can significantly contribute to reducing the velocity of the water and increasing the permeability of the soil, while increased vegetation will reinforce the riverbanks against erosion and offer better conditions for the riverine ecosystems.
Med-IREN Benefits
Protection of areas close to vulnerable groups (social housing, public spaces)
Protection of main road networks
Overflowing prevention of the existing stormwater system
Resilient telecommunications networks
Climate Resilience Policies
National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan
The Department of Environment has recently updated the National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. The strategic objectives of the Plan include several actions addressing the climate hazards facing Larnaka Municipality – such as reducing flood risk through river ecosystem restoration and rewilding in both rural and urban areas. These measures include the creation and maintenance of urban parks and other green spaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect – actions closely aligned with the Med-IREN pilot.
European Directive 2007/60/EC and the Cyprus Law on Floods
The Water Development Department (WDD) is responsible for implementing European Directive 2007/60/EC and the Cyprus Law on Floods. It has drafted the Flood Risk Management Plans, which identify areas of potential significant flood risk. The accompanying Flood Risk Maps form part of these Plans and illustrate areas affected by flooding for different return periods, indicating both water height and the number of people potentially affected. The Management Plans are reviewed and updated every few years.