earthquake response — The focus of the recent exercise in Cyprus was to test the nation’s earthquake response capabilities during the Artemis 2025 drill. Completed over two days, from Thursday to Friday, this crucial training evaluated how well the country could mobilise in the event of a significant seismic event.
Earthquake response: Testing Readiness Across Larnaca
The exercise took place in the Larnaca district, including the disaster response unit (Emak) facilities in Kofinou and Zygi. Civil Defence spokesman Panayiotis Liasides stated that the drill was designed to assess coordination among various state services during a large-scale earthquake emergency.
Scenario Simulation and Operations
Artemis 2025 simulated a 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurring off the southern coast of Larnaca, leading to extensive building collapses and numerous individuals trapped beneath debris. The scenario required immediate mobilisation of both land and sea rescue forces.
During the operational phase, rescue teams undertook practical exercises to locate and free trapped civilians. This included surface searches, accessing internal spaces with specialised equipment, and opening evacuation routes. First aid was administered, and simulated casualties were transferred to designated handover points, mirroring the procedures that would be followed in a real emergency.
Cooperation Among Agencies
The exercise involved collaboration with the fire brigade’s Emak unit and the ambulance service, emphasising the importance of effective teamwork in managing emergencies. Liasides remarked that the drill contributed to ongoing preparation and training, enhancing the overall readiness for potential disasters.
Success and Future Preparedness
Liasides assessed the exercise as highly successful, highlighting the teams’ readiness, inter-agency cooperation, and ability to manage prolonged operations under pressure. He described Artemis 2025 as a pivotal exercise for bolstering Cyprus’ preparedness for natural disasters.
Recent Earthquake Activity in Cyprus
The relevance of such preparedness efforts has been underscored by a series of earthquakes and tremors experienced in Cyprus in recent months. On December 3, a 3.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Limassol, with no reported damage or injuries. This was followed by smaller seismic events, including a 2.9 magnitude quake on December 4.
In November, Cyprus experienced two notable earthquakes, both measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, felt widely across the island. These recent activities have prompted officials to prioritise drills like Artemis 2025, ensuring that the nation’s response capabilities remain robust.
