Cyprus Civil Defence has provided an update on the Cyprus emergency alert system (Public Warning System- PWS) and related evacuation plans, following public discussion on how the population will be informed during emergencies.
The original tender, launched in 2022, was cancelled in May 2024 after appeals to the Tenders Review Authority. Civil Defence then consulted the Legal Service on whether the project could be treated as a matter of national security, which would allow for a shorter process. The response was negative.
To minimise delays from possible new appeals, an expert was brought in to amend and redesign the tender documents. A new call for bids was issued in December 2024, with the submission deadline set for February 2025. Technical evaluation concluded on 16 July 2025, and bidders were notified. The appeal period ends on 3 August 2025.
If there are no further appeals or cancellations, the contract will be signed in the third ten days of September 2025, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.
The government has designated the Cyprus emergency alert system as a priority as part of a wider reorganisation of civil protection.
Evacuation plan “Polyvios”
Alongside the alert system, Civil Defence outlined the “Polyvios” evacuation plan, which details the process for evacuating communities in emergencies.
The plan designates a community leader (such as a mukhtar or another appointed person) as the first point of contact until authorities arrive.
Training meetings for community leaders on the plan’s provisions took place between January and May 2025. Leaders are responsible for recording residents’ details and contact information.
If Civil Defence instructs an evacuation, leaders inform residents through:
- SMS alerts
- Door-to-door visits
- Church bells, sirens, or other audible signals
A designated gathering point within each community is established until relocation can occur. Leaders coordinate movement to other safe locations as required.
The Cyprus emergency alert system will work alongside existing methods to ensure timely notification for all residents, including those without access to smartphones or in situations where power or communications fail.
Also read: Who is responsible for maintaining civil defence shelters?
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