Nicosia, Cyprus. The audit office reported perceived weaknesses in the management and operation of evacuation shelters, calling for improved information and coordination among competent authorities. The findings stem from a limited-scope audit that focused on citizens’ experience locating and using civil defence shelters.
Scope and focus of the audit
The audit examined the clarity and reliability of available information, the ease of locating shelters, and their accessibility in an emergency. As part of the review, the SafeCY application was tested between March 4 and 7, alongside on-site inspections of 30 shelters in Nicosia district, including 21 in urban areas and nine in rural locations. Information provided through the civil defence operations control centre was also reviewed.
Changes to planned review
The audit office said a broader audit had initially been planned for June last year but was postponed due to a parallel review by the Republic’s internal audit service covering October 2024 to June this year. That report was shared in January this year. Following recent developments at the British bases, which were hit by an Iranian-made drone earlier this month, and corrective measures announced by the interior ministry, the audit was narrowed to focus mainly on the SafeCY app.
Discrepancies and missing shelter details
Test calls to the civil defence operations centre found discrepancies between information provided by phone and that available on the app, raising concerns over data accuracy. The audit office also reported errors in addresses, photographs and shelter details that made identification difficult. In several cases, key information such as signage numbers and capacity was missing, complicating verification.
Have you tried using the SafeCY app to locate a civil defence shelter?
