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Historical flooding of the Pedieos River in Nicosia, Cyprus

  • Last update: 08 November 2016
  • Author: Charalambous, K., A. Bruggeman, N. Bakirtzis, M.A. Lange.

This study examined the historical flooding of urban Nicosia caused by the Pedieos River and the mitigation measures adopted throughout the city’s history. Historical records showed prayers and other religious rituals as means to manage floods in the 14th century, while technical measures such as stormwater drainage networks and dam construction prevailed in the 20th and 21st century. The study concludes that as flooding issues still persist and become more complex with the rapid development of the city, integrated planning and informed policy implementation that makes good use of the lessons of history can be of critical importance.

Charalambous, K., A. Bruggeman, N. Bakirtzis, M.A. Lange. 2016. Historical flooding of the Pedieos River in Nicosia, Cyprus. Water History 8 (2), 191-207, doi: 10.1007/s12685-016-0162-1.

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