Nicosia, Cyprus. Authorities in Cyprus are reinspecting bomb shelters across the island and reviewing emergency systems, Civil Defence said on Thursday, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the US-Israel war on Iran.
Shelter inspections and coordination
Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasidis told CNA that inspections will be carried out in collaboration with other competent services to re-evaluate and reinspect shelters.
“Inspectors evaluated all shelters last June and documented their findings. Recently, officials issued instructions to reassess the shelters’ condition to facilitate improvements,” he said.
Capacity concerns
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou acknowledged on Wednesday that Cyprus’ roughly 2,500 shelters can accommodate less than half the population.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, he said this was not unusual internationally.
“Only two countries worldwide can fully accommodate their entire population in shelters, Israel and Switzerland,” he said. “All other states rely on civil defence protocols similar to those announced on Wednesday.”
Public guidance and preparedness
Liasidis urged the public to locate their nearest shelter in advance using the SafeCY application or by contacting the Civil Defence operations control centre at +357 22 403 451 or +357 22 403 452.
The public is advised to prepare an emergency backpack containing essentials such as water, long-lasting food, personal hygiene items, a dust mask, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, a portable charger, a battery-powered radio, multi-tool, whistle, medicines, important documents, cash, a few clothes and baby food if needed.
In the event of an alarm, authorities said residents should remain calm and follow official instructions.
Those indoors without access to a basement should stay inside, away from doors, glass, and windows, while people outdoors are advised to enter the nearest building immediately.
Have you identified your nearest shelter and prepared an emergency backpack in advance?