Cyprus is set to enhance its civil defence shelters to accommodate up to 45 per cent of the island’s population, as the interior ministry prepares a proposal for the cabinet. This initiative, reportedly months in the making, will be introduced at the next cabinet meeting.
- To encourage compliance, authorities are considering granting developers an additional building coefficient of five per cent, allowing for up to 50 square metres of extra space.
The proposed expansion aims to address concerns raised after inspections earlier this year highlighted weaknesses in the current shelter infrastructure. Following a review conducted in May, which was deemed insufficient by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, the government is taking steps to bolster the country’s emergency preparedness.
Civil defence: New Requirements for Residential Developments
One of the significant components of the proposal is the introduction of mandatory contributions from future residential developments towards the shelter network. New apartment buildings will need to allocate basement space, where feasible, for use as civil defence shelters. These shelters will be equipped with essential amenities such as toilets and drinking water, moving away from the previous reliance on voluntary participation by developers.
To encourage compliance, authorities are considering granting developers an additional building coefficient of five per cent, allowing for up to 50 square metres of extra space.
Ongoing Assessments and Infrastructure Improvement
In the past few days, around 90 personnel have been engaged in evaluating the condition of existing shelters across Cyprus. This effort is part of a broader civil protection strategy designed to enhance emergency response and public warning systems. Officials have underscored that the shelters are designated for use solely during instances of war or imminent danger.
Public Safety Guidance During Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, authorities stress that the public should not rush to shelters, as this could create significant traffic congestion and impede emergency response efforts. Instead, residents are advised to follow specific safety protocols, which include moving to a basement if one is available, staying indoors away from windows, or seeking the nearest indoor space if outdoors.
To keep the population informed during emergencies, various warning methods are being employed, such as SMS alerts, sirens, church bells, and direct notifications. A national emergency alert system utilising the 112 platform is also planned for future implementation. Currently, the SMS alert system aims to deliver warnings within approximately five minutes, although technical issues with the telecom provider Cyta are being addressed.
Enhancing Communication for Residents and Tourists
Messages sent via the SMS alert system are tailored to the language preferences registered with mobile providers. Additionally, individuals working in a district different from their residence will receive alerts pertinent to the affected area. For tourists, hotel and accommodation providers will primarily deliver emergency information, as roaming services can cause delays in message delivery.
Authorities are working on a more advanced warning platform that will include geolocation features, which is expected to rectify many of the current limitations. Tests of an alternative application using geolocation technology are anticipated in the coming weeks.
As this initiative unfolds, officials remain committed to enhancing both the infrastructure of civil defence shelters and the systems used to inform the public, ensuring that Cyprus is better equipped to respond effectively in times of crisis.
