Civil Defence re-examines shelters across Cyprus
Civil Defence re-examines shelters across Cyprus
In view of the tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the Cypriot authorities have begun to re-examine the existing network of shelters and bomb shelters throughout the island. The aim of this measure is to check the operational capability of the systems, to identify possible defects and to make improvements if necessary.
The Cypriot Civil Defence confirmed on Thursday that comprehensive inspections are currently taking place. Various government agencies are working together to reassess the condition of the shelters and review the existing emergency structures. The background to the initiative is the increasing tensions in the Middle East in connection with the conflict between the USA, Israel and Iran.
The spokesman for the Civil Defense, Panayiotis Liasidis, told the CNA news agency that a first comprehensive inventory was already carried out last summer. The current controls are now intended to ensure that the shelters can continue to be used and can be activated quickly if necessary.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou also commented on the capacities of the existing shelters. According to the report, Cyprus currently has around 2,500 registered emergency shelters, but their capacity could accommodate less than half of the population. According to the minister, however, this situation is not a special case.
He pointed out that only a few countries in the world can accommodate their entire population in shelters. As examples, he cited Israel and Switzerland, whose protection systems have historically been greatly expanded. Most other countries, on the other hand, rely on combined civil protection measures and emergency plans.
Shelters in different regions
As part of the current inspections, a total of 138 shelters within the city were recorded in the district of Larnaca and 39 other facilities in the municipality of Aradippou. In addition, a further 38 shelters are available in surrounding communities such as Livadia, Meneou, Kiti and Psematismenos.
In the district of Paphos, 81 suitable shelters have also been identified so far. According to official figures, these could take in around 17,000 people in an emergency.
During the checks, the authorities check two points in particular:
- whether the premises are accessible
- and whether they can actually be used as a shelter in an emergency.
Many of these facilities are privately owned, for example in basements or underground building sections.
Where citizens can find shelters
The population is called upon by the authorities to find out about the nearest shelter in good time. This is possible via the SafeCY app. Alternatively, citizens can also contact the civil defence operations control centre.
Currently, the Civil Defense is also working on fixing technical problems with the app. In some cases, incorrect locations of shelters were displayed. This data is currently being updated and reviewed together with the developers.
Preparing for an emergency
The authorities recommend that all residents prepare a personal emergency backpack. This should include the following items:
- Drinking water ,
- non-perishable food ,
- hygiene products
- , dust mask
- , first aid kit ,
- flashlight and batteries
- , mobile charger
- , battery-operated radio
- , multifunctional tool
- , whistle for signaling,
- personal medication ,
- important documents and cash
- , change of clothes
- , baby food if necessary.
In the event of an alarm, citizens should remain calm and follow the instructions of the emergency services.
According to the authorities, anyone who is in a building and does not have access to a basement should stay in the building and stay away from windows, glass surfaces and doors. People outdoors should go to the nearest building as soon as possible.
Public facilities and infrastructure
Facilities such as schools, hospitals or large stadiums have their own emergency protocols. The population is asked not to visit these places unnecessarily in the event of a crisis in order to keep escape routes clear.
The head of civil protection, Maria Pappa, also explained that most of the shelters are only designed for short-term stays and do not serve as long-term accommodation.
Search for new shelters
Since many modern buildings in Cyprus no longer have basements, the search for new shelters is becoming increasingly difficult. The authorities are therefore currently examining legal options to promote the construction of new shelters in the future.
Municipalities have already been asked to propose suitable basement rooms or underground facilities. In the municipality of Akki, for example, three possible locations have already been reported.
Role of volunteers in civil defence
Volunteers are also an important part of the system. They are regularly trained in areas such as first aid, communication, civil protection and neighbourhood help.
The training usually lasts two years and is aimed at men after military service and women after completing their studies, among others. The aim is to strengthen the resilience of local communities and ensure rapid support in the event of a crisis.
Pets and special needs
An issue that is currently still unresolved concerns pets. The existing shelters are not yet designed for animals. According to civil protection, however, possibilities are being examined to create rooms in the future where people can take their animals with them in an emergency.
At the same time, the authorities are working on solutions for people with health restrictions or for people who need support in reaching a shelter.
Important note:
The locations of most shelters are not publicly published in full for safety reasons. However, citizens can access them directly via the SafeCY app or via the Civil Protection.
Map of Shelters in Cyprus (SafeCY System)
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has launched an official app called SafeCY.
It shows all registered civil protection shelters on an interactive map and allows citizens to find the nearest shelter by GPS or address.
It shows all registered civil protection shelters on an interactive map and allows citizens to find the nearest shelter by GPS or address.
The app shows for each shelter
:- Exact location on the map
- Address / coordinates
- Capacity of the shelter
- Directions to the location
The application works in Greek and English and is available free of charge for Android and iOS.
In addition, users can use the map to check whether a shelter is accessible or report problems.
Example: How the map works
- Enable location sharing
- SafeCY automatically shows all shelters in the area
- Alternatively, search by postcode or address
This digital map was introduced to modernize the country's early warning and civil protection system.
Number of shelters in Cyprus
According to the Ministry of the Interior and the Civil Defense, there are currently approximately:
≈ 2,200 – 2,500 shelters on the island,
with enough capacity for about 30–50% of the population in case of emergency.
Many shelters are:
- basements of residential buildings
- underground garages underground
- rooms of public buildings
- special civil defense facilities
Distribution of shelters by city (public data)
The government does not publish a complete public list, but the following figures can be derived from official inspections and media reports.
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
largest network on the island
- estimated 600–800 shelters ,
- many in apartment blocks and government buildings,
- large facilities in the city center and Strovolos
, Limassol (Lemesos)
- estimated 400–500 shelters ,
- many under hotels and office buildings,
- additional facilities in industrial areas
Larnaca
, - 138 shelters in the city
- 39 more in Aradippou
- 38 in surrounding municipalities
(e.g. Livadia, Kiti, Meneou)
→ a total of about 200+ facilities
Paphos
- 81 registered shelters
- capacity about 17,000 people
These figures come from the latest civil protection inspection reports.
Where there are larger underground facilities
In addition to the civil shelters, there are also larger military or strategic facilities on the island. Some of these are publicly known.
RAF Akrotiri (British military base)
- west of Limassol ,
- one of the most important NATO-like bases in the eastern Mediterranean ,
- large underground shelters for aircraft and personnel
- , regularly used for operations in the Middle East,
Dhekelia Base (UK Sovereign Base Area),
- east of Larnaca ,
- British military base
- has its own bunkering and protection systems
National Guard installations
various underground facilities of the Cypriot Army:
- Troodos Mountains
- Machairas Region
- Surroundings Nicosia
These are mainly used as:
- Command Centers
- Ammunition Depots
- Radar and Air Defense Positions
Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) – Larnaca
- National Center for Rescue and Emergency Coordination
- works with the army, police and civil defence
Important to know (civil defence system)
Many shelters in Cyprus are located:
- in private buildings
- under churches or public buildings
- in underground car parks In
the event of an alarm, owners must make them accessible within 24 hours.
Interesting fact
: Cyprus is currently trying to increase the capacity of the shelters to 70% of the population, because the existing facilities can only accommodate about a third to a half of the population.
Author: Redaktion
Quellen CyprusMail.com / CY Government
