Cyprus authorities have begun updating information on shelters in the SafeCY application, with completion expected by the end of the week. The initiative aims to improve civil protection and provide citizens with accessible information in case of emergencies.
History and challenges of shelters in Cyprus
Until 1999, Cyprus had no formal shelter provisions. That year, the Council of Ministers approved the creation of approximately 2,200 shelters. The policy ended in 2013 due to the financial crisis, and subsequent voluntary efforts to establish new shelters saw limited participation. Recent inspections revealed some shelters had been sold, altered, or demolished, and previous checks were insufficient.
New approach to civil protection
In September 2023, authorities decided to change the approach to shelter creation, considering alternative locations such as churches, hotels, parking areas, and public spaces. Communities were consulted to identify spaces with basements suitable for shelter use, with 24 communities responding so far. Officials also noted the existence of numerous unregistered basements that could be used in emergencies.
Role of the National Coordinator
The recent bill submitted to Parliament aims to upgrade the Civil Protection Mechanism and rename the Ministry to the Ministry of Interior and Civil Protection. The appointment of Chief Fire Officer Nikos Logginos as National Coordinator of Civil Protection ensures an operational leader dedicated exclusively to crisis preparation and coordination, particularly regarding fires. Once the law passes, a broader National Coordinator for all crises will be appointed.
SafeCY application and public outreach
The SafeCY app will serve as a key tool to inform the public about available shelters. Authorities will launch a campaign to promote the app and urge citizens to install updates. Meanwhile, efforts continue to secure approval for the 112 emergency application on Apple devices by June.
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