Cyprus authorities will carry out a second test of the SMS alert system for civil protection today, following technical adjustments after the initial trial. The messages will be sent gradually across the country’s districts to assess the system’s ability to deliver a large number of alerts within a short period. Officials say the measure forms part of broader preparedness efforts while a new early warning system is being developed.
Second test of the SMS alert system
The Ministry of Interior announced that a new trial of SMS alerts containing self-protection instructions will take place on 6 March 2026. The test follows the first pilot transmission carried out earlier this week.
After the initial test, technical adjustments were made by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy in cooperation with telecommunications providers to improve the message delivery process.
The trial messages will be sent progressively between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm, according to the following schedule:
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Pre-paid subscribers (without registered address): 4:30 pm
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Paphos district: 5:00 pm
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Famagusta district: 5:30 pm
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Nicosia district: 6:00 pm
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Larnaca district: 6:30 pm
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Limassol district: 7:00 pm
Each message will indicate the district to which the simulated incident relates.
How messages are assigned to recipients
Authorities clarified that SMS alerts are sent based on the registered address declared by each subscriber to their telecommunications provider, rather than their real-time location at the moment the message is sent.
As a result, subscribers who are physically located in a different district from their registered address may receive a message referring to their declared district.
Subscribers whose address has not been registered with their provider will receive a message regardless of district.
Purpose of the test
The aim of the exercise is to verify the system’s capacity to distribute a high volume of messages in a short period of time.
Officials said the SMS alerts are intended to function as an additional communication tool for informing citizens, complementing existing civil protection communication channels if required.
The current arrangement is temporary and will be replaced by the new national Early Warning System, which is expected to become operational in June.
Civil protection guidance to citizens
Authorities reminded citizens that if they receive such a message on their mobile phone, they should remain calm and follow the recommended self-protection measures.
The guidance includes the following instructions:
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If there is a basement in their home, a neighbouring building, or nearby, citizens should proceed there calmly on foot.
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If they are indoors without access to a basement, they should remain inside the building, away from doors, windows and glass surfaces.
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If they are outdoors, they should move to the nearest indoor space.
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In locations such as schools, hospitals and stadiums, the designated emergency protocols will be implemented by responsible staff. Citizens are advised to avoid travelling to such facilities by vehicle.
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Until further instructions are issued by the competent authorities, citizens should remain in basements or indoor spaces and avoid moving in open areas, whether on foot or by vehicle.