Authorities will inspect shelters across Cyprus in cooperation with other competent services to reassess their condition and readiness, Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasidis said.
Speaking to CNA, Liasidis explained that the inspections aim to re-evaluate and recheck the shelters as part of ongoing preparedness measures.
Citizens urged to locate nearest shelter
Citizens can locate the nearest shelter using the SafeCY mobile application or by contacting the Civil Defence Operations Control Centre at +357 22 403 451 or +357 22 403 452.
Officials advise residents to identify the closest shelter in advance wherever they live or work.
Authorities also recommend preparing a personal emergency backpack containing essential supplies such as water, long-life food, personal hygiene items, a dust mask, a first-aid kit, a torch, batteries, a portable charger, a battery-powered radio, a multi-tool, a whistle, medication, important documents, cash, a few clothes and baby food if needed.
In case of an alarm, citizens should remain calm, follow instructions from authorities and monitor several sources for updates.
Civil Defence presence continues in Akrotiri
Liasidis confirmed that Civil Defence personnel remain deployed in the Akrotiri area until authorities complete a new assessment and issue further instructions.
Earlier this week, the Interior Ministry announced that the Akrotiri municipal district would remain under evacuation status until Friday, 6 March, when officials will review the situation again.
Schools in Akrotiri will also remain closed until Friday, according to the Ministry of Education.
Around 250 people accommodated
Responding to questions, Liasidis said around 250 people are currently staying in accommodation facilities, where authorities provide housing and meals in cooperation with the Cyprus Red Cross.
Test SMS alert sent to public
Liasidis also clarified that the message sent on Wednesday about preventive self-protection measures was a test SMS and not part of the official early warning system.
“It was a test. In the future, when a message is sent in an emergency, it will be a short alert with instructions,” he said.
Authorities will now evaluate reports that some citizens received the message late or did not receive it at all. The Deputy Ministry of Research and Innovation and telecommunications providers will review the system to identify any technical problems.
Officials described the SMS system as a temporary solution until the Early Warning and Information System becomes operational in June.
Also read: Warships deployed for Cyprus naval protection
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