NICOSIA. Cyprus was taken by surprise, as it was hit by three tornadoes Monday in the southern coastal town of Limassol, injuring people and causing extensive damage as storms lashed the east Mediterranean island.

One tornado struck the new port area of the southern resort and commercial centre of Limassol, followed by another two hours later some 50 kilometres (35 miles) to the east in the suburbs of Larnaca.

Authorities reported 30 people hurt by the Limassol twister, ten of whom were kept in for further treatment at the city's general hospital, although none of the injuries were said to be life-threatening.

Most of the injured suffered mainly cuts and bruises from flying debris. Police said property was damaged, trees uprooted, power lines brought down and cars overturned, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Larnaca police reported property damage in the village of Kiti but no immediate injuries.

It's unbelievable what has happened here, I've never seen anything like it

said one Limassol eyewitness, Demos Costi. The capital Nicosia was also hit by large hailstones and thunderstorms while other areas were under a blanket of thick fog.

Local experts called it the worst combination of bad weather in Cyprus for more than 30 years, and the interior ministry called an emergency meeting to survey the tornado damage. Bad weather also delayed the arrival of a British naval task force, led by the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, at the British military base of Akrotiri west of Limassol, en route to the Gulf for possible action against Iraq.

Copyright 2003 - WeatherOnline & AFP