Dhekelia, Cyprus. Authorities said operations at the British bases in Dhekelia were running smoothly on Wednesday, following precautionary mobile alerts sent to nearby communities a day earlier.
Precautionary alerts and official response
On Tuesday, residents of Xylotymbou, Xylofagou and Ormidia received warning messages on their mobile phones from the Civil Defence, raising concerns in communities around the British bases.
Andreas Efthymiou-Soulis, deputy director of civil defence for Larnaca and Famagusta, said the messages were “guiding and precautionary” measures for emergencies. He said there was no need for panic and that the service maintained constant contact with the three communities, volunteers and standby staff.
Community guidance and contingency plans
Xylofagou community leader Giorgos Ioulianos urged residents to remain calm. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, he said residents were informed on Tuesday that, if necessary, they should move to Frenaros.
He said the community council was monitoring developments and awaiting official announcements from state departments so it could keep residents informed. “Panic should not prevail, but we can deal with concern,” he said.
Ioulianos said around 60 per cent of Xylofagou lies within the British bases, making precautionary measures necessary in case of any incident.
Shelter readiness
Ioulianos said the community has five shelters, which staff were inspecting to ensure they are accessible and suitable to host people if necessary.
How prepared do you feel to follow official instructions if an emergency alert is issued in your area?