Giant potato monument collapses in Xylofagou due to severe weather

On March 15, 2026, the landmark giant potato sculpture located in the village of Xylofagou, Cyprus, collapsed due to severe weather conditions and strong winds. Local community leader Giorgos Ioulianos confirmed the incident and stated that the structure was detached from its base by the force of the wind. Beyond the monument, the extreme weather caused widespread damage in the region, including uprooted trees, destroyed aluminum fencing, damaged power lines, and the sinking of a boat at a local fishing shelter. Expert technicians have already inspected the site and moved the sculpture to the manufacturer's workshop for repairs. Ioulianos denied claims of construction faults, attributing the damage exclusively to the severity of the weather. Authorities plan to reinstall the sculpture at its original location with reinforced safety measures shortly. The incident occurred amidst widespread weather-related damage across Cyprus, which prompted at least 38 calls to the Fire Service.