NICOSIA Fri Sep 18, 2009 (Reuters) - A freak tornado ripped through Cyprus Friday, injuring at least 11 people and wreaking havoc in the capital Nicosia, police said.
The whirlwind accompanied by hammering rain tore off rooftops and uprooted trees which smashed into cars during rush hour traffic.
Parts of the city were blocked by trees, while flying debris smashed shop windows and factory roofs collapsed.
"It was unbelievable, the damage is huge. Thank God we had no victims," said Panayiotis Kyprianou, mayor of the Nicosia suburb of Latsia.
Police said those injured were hit either by flying debris or when trees crashed onto their vehicles. Their condition was not serious.
Extreme weather conditions in Cyprus are very rare.
