The Civil Defence will inspect and re-evaluate shelters across the island in cooperation with other competent authorities, spokesperson Panayiotis Liasidis said, as the Akrotiri municipal district remains under an evacuation order until at least Friday.
Around 250 people are currently being housed at various locations, where accommodation and meals are being provided in cooperation with the Cyprus Red Cross, Liasidis said.
The Civil Defence presence in the Akrotiri area is continuing until the situation is reassessed and new instructions are issued.
The Ministry of Interior announced that the evacuation order for the Akrotiri municipal district will remain in place until Friday 6 March, when it will be reviewed based on the situation on the ground.
Schools in Akrotiri will also remain closed until Friday, according to the Ministry of Education.
Citizens can locate their nearest shelter through the SafeCY app or by calling the Civil Defence Operations Control Centre on +357 22 403 451 or +357 22 403 452.
Residents are advised to identify their nearest shelter in advance and prepare an emergency kit containing water, long-life food, personal hygiene items, a dust mask, a first aid kit, a torch, batteries, a portable charger, a battery-powered radio, a multi-tool, a whistle, medication, important documents, cash, a change of clothes, and infant supplies if applicable.
On yesterday’s test alert, Liasidis clarified that the messages sent were bulk SMS messages and not the early warning system — describing them as a temporary solution.
“It was a test. When there is a future message in a case of emergency, it will be a short message with instructions,” he said.
Asked about reported delays and some recipients not receiving the message at all, Liasidis said an evaluation would be carried out by the Deputy Ministry of Research and Innovation and mobile providers to identify what went wrong and what remedies are available.
“All of this is a supplementary temporary measure until June, when the early warning and information system will be put in place,” he said.
(information from CNA)
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