This week in North Cyprus > 2nd-9th January 2006
Call for tighter TRNC controls after third bird flu death
Scientists and health officials are calling for fresh precautions against bird flu in the TRNC, after the deaths this week of three children in Turkey who had contracted the disease from their family's poultry. Health minister Esref Vaiz said he would also ask his cabinet colleagues to ban the small game hunting season, which mostly targets migratory birds that it is feared might carry the disease. Meanwhile deatils have also emerged of a government 'action plan' in case bird flu is identified in North Cyprus. Quarantine cordon would be thrown around any area in which bird flu was found, and all birds within it would be culled and burtnt in mobile ovens. People and poultry breeders in the area would be kept under close observation and be vaccinated with the Tamiflu and anti viral drug, of which the health ministry has stocks for 20,000 people. Ministry information leaflets are to be distributed to the public.
Sharon holding on
Surgeons managed to stop new bleeding in israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's brain in an emergency operation yesterday and he remained in a critical but stable condition last night. Doctors kept Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in an induced coma yesterday as they waited to assess the severity of brain damage from a stroke that left him clinging to life. Sharon suffered his stroke at a crucial time in Israeli politics as he was fighting for re-election on a promise to end conflict with the pakestinians.
Asbestos found in 14 schools
Banned and potentially deadly asbestos has been found in 14 schools, a report by the National education and Culture Ministry and the Environmental protection Department has revealed. It has been insisted that there is no risk to health at present, and no need for alarm. The asbestos is to be removed as a precaution. 500,000YTL has been set aside to remove the asbestos but it is not clear when it will be carried out. The discovery of asbestos has also exposed an apparent loophole in TRNC law. Importation of asbestos has been banned since January 1st 2005 although it is still being widely used in the TRNC.
Driest winter in 30 years
Cyprus is experiencing the driest winter for 30 years, and farmers are now pinning their hopes on rainfall during the next two months. While average December rainfall totalls some 100.3mm, just 7.3mm fell during the last month, and reservoir water levels are dropping. Fears were voiced this week that the dry winter could lead to difficulties not only for the farmers, who say December is a critical month for crop growth, but for the entire country, which faces the likelihood of a severe water shortage this summer. Prayers for rain are expected to be answered this week, but January rainfall is still likely to be below average.
Currency exchange rates
US Dollar |
1.34 |
UK Pound |
2.33 |
Cyprus Pound |
1.69 |
Euro |
1.59 |
The weather this week in North Cyprus
A wet week lies ahead with showers expected every day except Monday when it will be clear partly. Temperatures will fall to a maximum of 13 - 16C normal for this time of year and winds will be north westerly, strong at first but moderating and becoming east to north easterly.
Maximum, mimimum and rainfall in North Cyprus last week
Town/City |
Minimum Temperature |
Maximum Temperature |
Rain |
Lefkosa |
3.6 |
19.6 |
0.2 |
Ercan |
5.2 |
19.4 |
0.6 |
Gazi Magusa |
4.6 |
19.4 |
0.0 |
Girne |
12.0 |
19.6 |
0.5 |
Güzelyurt |
6.3 |
21.3 |
0.2 |
Resources: Cyprus Today and Cyprus Times
Contact
Us 
You can contact
us with any question about Properties
for sale in North Cyprus or related
services. You can contact us directly
by phone, fax or email.
info@cyprusislandhomes.com
|
