Active landslide threatens Stavrovouni Monastery dependencies and quarry

Monks from the Stavrovouni Monastery have raised urgent concerns regarding an active landslide on Efkali mountain near Pyrga, Larnaca. The landslide has caused significant ground fissures, with one reaching 1.20 meters in width and 4.30 meters in depth, and has resulted in a noticeable tilt to the monastery’s hermitage building. The monks formally communicated these risks to the President of the Republic on September 25 and to the Department of Town Planning and Housing, citing fears for the safety of personnel and religious staff in the area.

Government authorities, including the Mines and Quarries Service and the Geological Survey Department, conducted a site inspection on Tuesday alongside monastery representatives and experts. Officials confirmed the landslide is active, attributed to the instability of scree located above solid bedrock. As a result, mining operations in the affected section of the Skyra Lima quarry have been suspended. The quarrying company has agreed to fund a comprehensive geotechnical study to be conducted by experts from Greece to assess the stability of the terrain.

Moving forward, authorities are deploying drones to monitor the movement and progression of the landslide. While the Mines and Quarries Service oversees the current site, a broader assessment of the cause and long-term implications for the site remains ongoing.