The Civil Defence Force was placed on immediate mobilisation after receiving notification from the National Guard regarding an incident in the area of the British Bases in Akrotiri. Authorities stressed that there was no danger to the civilian population, but all prescribed precautionary measures were activated.
Civil Defence Commander Maria Papa, speaking alongside Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, said the service was informed at around 12:30 am by the National Guard, which had been briefed about the incident in the vicinity of the British Bases.
She explained that Civil Defence acts upon official notification from the military. Once informed, it activated its forces and dispatched units to Akrotiri without delay. Coordination also took place with local authorities, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the area, while communication with the British Bases was conducted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Precautionary accommodation at Limassol State Exhibition Centre
Although official information indicated there was no threat to civilians, residents in the area were informed as a precaution. Those wishing to relocate were offered accommodation at the Limassol State Exhibition Centre, where the relevant mechanism was activated to ensure their safe stay.
Civil Defence teams remained on site for precautionary reasons in case assistance was required. Coordination was also established with the Cyprus Red Cross to provide vehicles if needed, particularly to transport persons with disabilities or other vulnerable individuals facing mobility difficulties.
Ms Papa underlined that updates from the National Guard were continuous and confirmed that the airspace was clear, a position also relayed by the British Bases through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All actions, she said, were preventive.
2,500 shelters covering up to 45 percent of the population
Reference was made to the country’s shelter readiness. According to the Civil Defence Commander, approximately 2,500 shelters are available nationwide, covering between 40 and 45 percent of the population.
Citizens can locate the nearest shelter via the SafeCY application or by contacting the Civil Defence Crisis Management Centre. Where no nearby shelter exists, individuals are advised to remain indoors in a structurally secure area. If caught outdoors, guidance is to lie flat on the ground and, if possible, seek temporary protection in a trench or ditch.
Public alerts in case of danger are issued through sirens, which can be activated locally, as well as through mass media and other communication channels.
Shelter coverage increased from 30 to 45 percent
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou noted that for decades shelter coverage did not exceed 30 percent of the population. Over the past two years, he said, the current administration has increased coverage to 45 percent, reaching 2,500 shelters.
He acknowledged that full population coverage is not currently feasible, citing challenges in securing cooperation from private property owners. He announced that next week a Ministerial Order will be issued, in coordination with the Department of Town Planning and Housing, to provide incentives through additional building coefficients for the construction of underground shelters in new apartment buildings.
Regarding existing shelters, he clarified that Civil Defence conducts inspections to ensure functionality, while maintenance responsibility rests with property owners.
Early Warning System progressing
On the Early Warning System, Mr Ioannou described it as critical infrastructure for timely public information. Following the cancellation of the initial tender and the revision of specifications with expert input, the tender was reissued in December 2024.
The contract was awarded last September, with implementation targeted for June. According to the Minister, timelines are being met and an issue that had arisen with service providers has been resolved. He said the implementation goal for the Early Warning System remains achievable.