Recent hostile drone attacks on the British base in Akrotiri have brought renewed attention to significant gaps in Cyprus’ civil defence preparedness, including limited shelter capacity and the absence of a fully operational early warning system. Authorities confirmed that existing shelters cover less than half of the population, while the national alert system is still under development.
Civil Defence Commander Maria Papa stated yesterday that there are approximately 2,500 shelters across Cyprus, covering only 40 to 45 per cent of the population.
“Citizens can locate the nearest shelter either through the SafeCY application or by contacting the Civil Defence Crisis Management Centre. If there is no nearby shelter, they are advised to remain indoors in a structurally solid building. If someone is outdoors, the guidance is to lie on the ground and, if there is a trench or ditch nearby, to seek temporary protection there,” Papa said during a joint press conference with Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.
New incentives for underground shelters
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou acknowledged that full population coverage is not currently feasible, citing difficulties in cooperation with private property owners regarding the allocation of suitable spaces.
He announced that next week a Ministerial Order will be issued, in coordination with the Department of Town Planning and Housing, providing incentives in the form of additional building density allowances for the construction of underground shelters in new apartment buildings.
Maintenance of existing shelters
Concerns have also been raised regarding the condition of existing shelters, with images periodically published in the media showing some being used as storage spaces.
Ioannou stated that Civil Defence conducts inspections to ensure functionality, but clarified that responsibility for maintenance lies with property owners.
Early warning system not yet operational
Referring to the Early Warning System, Ioannou described it as critical infrastructure for the timely and accurate information of citizens.
Following the cancellation of the initial tender procedure and the revision of specifications with the assistance of an expert, the tender was reissued in December 2024. The contract was awarded last September, with implementation targeted for next June.
According to the Minister, project timelines are currently being met and an issue that arose with service providers has been resolved. He stated that the objective of deploying the Early Warning System remains achievable.
Public alert mechanisms
In the event of danger, public notification currently relies on sirens, which, according to Maria Papa, can be activated locally. Information is also disseminated through mass media and other available communication channels.
Guidance when no shelter is available
“If there is no nearby shelter, citizens are advised to remain in a safe indoor location within their home or workplace, such as underground parking areas or spaces with solid walls. At the same time, trained neighbourhood wardens will be stationed in areas of increased need to guide and assist the population,” Civil Defence announced following the drone attack on the British base in Akrotiri.