Life returns to normal in Akrotiri following the lifting of the evacuation order, allowing pupils to return to their schools on Monday. Deputy mayor Giorgos Konstantinou expressed relief, stating, “We have returned to our daily lives and the children are back in the primary and kindergarten schools of Akrotiri.”
The evacuation order was suspended on Friday after officials deemed the security situation in the village adequately safe, despite ongoing alerts regarding potential threats. The interior ministry noted that it had consulted with various state authorities and determined that conditions in Akrotiri had improved since an Iranian-made drone struck the nearby British base on March 2.
As the community settles back into routine, a preventive evacuation exercise is scheduled for Wednesday at the elementary school. This initiative aims to prepare students and teachers for emergencies, ensuring they know how to react when sirens sound. Polina Argyrou, head of the parents’ association at the Akrotiri primary school, discussed the recent meetings with Education Minister Athena Michaelidou and other officials to address safety concerns for the children.
Argyrou reported that after temporarily relocating to the 2nd Primary School of Kolossi, all children from Akrotiri are now back in their original schools without any issues. The planned exercise will include discussions about appropriate gathering points and temporary shelter options should they need to be activated in the future.
The lifting of the evacuation order marks a significant step for the residents of Akrotiri, who have endured uncertainty in recent months. With schools reopening and community activities resuming, there is a sense of optimism as families return to their daily lives.
