STATE broadcaster CyBC reports that a tornado hit the Paphos villages of Milia and Fyti this afternoon, sparking fear amongst their residents.
According to their Paphos correspondent it was the first time that locals had come across such freak weather conditions in the area.
The tornado lasted just four minutes destroying everything in its path along a 30 metre residential stretch causing severe damage.
Trees were uprooted, prefab buildings were overturned and a number of holiday homes were destroyed.
Such events are rare in Cyprus. In January 2003 an unusually powerful tornado swept through the coastal town of Limassol, causing extensive damage to shops and homes, uprooting trees, tearing apart roofs and overturning vehicles.
