Epikentrosis project launches to tackle earthquakes
Cyprus and Greece launched the cross-border “Epikentrosis” project on Wednesday to strengthen readiness and management of natural disasters, especially earthquakes. The European Regional Development Fund supports the initiative.
Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis spoke at a press conference held at the Fire Service headquarters in Nicosia. He said the “Epikentrosis” project, along with upgrades to emergency services, technology, training, and operational tools, helps build a more resilient and safer state.
The project runs under the 2021–2027 programme. It focuses on climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention.
“The importance of such a project is enormous. It directly protects lives and citizen safety while ensuring social and economic cohesion in our regions,” Mr Hartsiotis said.
He congratulated the Cyprus Fire Service, the lead beneficiary, and partners from Greece, Crete, Syros, and Cyprus Civil Defence. The presence of Greek Fire Corps Chief Lieutenant General Theodoros Vagias and other heads underlined the effort’s value.
Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean sit in one of Europe’s most seismic areas. Recent strong earthquakes shook the entire island but caused no major damage. This reality demands stronger prevention, readiness, and crisis management, the Minister noted.
New vehicles and rescue equipment
The “Epikentrosis” project delivers targeted actions. These include modern rescue, coordination, and recovery vehicles for rapid and effective response. Specialised rescue equipment will also boost operations.
Joint training programmes focus on earthquakes. They aim to improve staff skills, create shared operational understanding, and familiarise teams with modern prevention and crisis-management technologies.
These measures shape a common operational framework for natural disasters, with emphasis on earthquakes. They strengthen readiness, resilience, and community protection.
“The government places top priority on civil protection. Protecting lives, property, and social cohesion is a fundamental state duty,” Mr Hartsiotis stressed. He added that projects like “Epikentrosis”, combined with better emergency services and tools, create a tougher, safer country.
Beyond equipment and know-how, the project builds collective awareness and lasting cooperation among agencies.
“I am certain the results will prove valuable for Cyprus, Greece, and our wider cooperation. Together we can build a safer, more resilient society for future generations,” he concluded.
Strategic cooperation against seismic risks
Interior Ministry Director General Elikkos Elias said the Epikentrosis project forms a strategic Greece-Cyprus partnership. It addresses the ongoing challenge of managing earthquake risks and large-scale disasters.
The entire cooperation area lies in one of the world’s most seismic zones. “That reality does not change. What we can and must change is our level of readiness, prevention, resilience, and coordinated response,” he said.
The Epikentrosis project shifts from isolated efforts to a shared operational approach and cross-border mechanism.
Partners include the Cyprus Fire Service, Greek Fire Corps, Cyprus Civil Defence, the Decentralised Administration of Crete, and Syros Municipality.
New rescue and coordination vehicles plus specialised equipment will enable faster, more effective response. For Civil Defence, the new coordination vehicle will act as a mobile command centre even when telecommunications fail.
Three specialised workshops on seismic disaster management will exchange experience and expertise. Fire service members from both countries will train first and then teach others in Cyprus and Crete.
“This training is vital for Civil Defence. It improves coordination, sharpens skills in rubble rescue and first aid, cuts response time, and strengthens psychological resilience – factors that save lives in the critical first hours,” Mr Elias pointed out.
The “Epikentrosis” project goes beyond equipment and training. It invests in unified prevention and response methods and joint resource use to establish lasting cross-border synergy.
The launch marks a major step toward a safer, more resilient future with faster response and higher-quality operations based on science, modern tools, and real cooperation.
The project aligns with government efforts to upgrade civil protection under President Nikos Christodoulides. Plans to transform the Interior Ministry into the Ministry of Interior and Civil Protection aim to optimise resources and boost disaster response.
Fire Service Chief highlights seismic threat
Cyprus Fire Service Chief Nikos Longinos said the Epikentrosis project operates under Interreg VI-A Greece-Cyprus 2021-2027. The European Regional Development Fund and national resources provide €2.5 million.
Funds will buy high-capacity rescue vehicles, specialised search, rescue, and communication equipment, and support training and field exercises.
The project strengthens both local and cross-border readiness. Cyprus sits on the Cyprus Arc where the African and Eurasian plates converge, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
“We must treat earthquakes not as a possibility but as a real and constant risk,” Chief Longinos said.
High seismicity and environmental changes demand constant adaptation. The Epikentrosis project meets that need in partnership with Greek and Cypriot agencies and local authorities in Crete and Syros.
Soon all districts will gain specialised seismic equipment and local rapid-response teams for simultaneous, coordinated operations after major earthquakes. This will cut response time and raise survival chances.
“Unity, solidarity, and joint action form our strongest defence against disasters,” the Chief concluded. The Epikentrosis project shows the deep trust and operational harmony between Cypriot and Greek fire services.
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