The Cyprus Interior Ministry activated Civil Defence forces and opened emergency shelters on Monday following the drone strike on RAF Akrotiri, as the volatile situation prompted evacuations of Akrotiri residents.
The Civil Defence Force was activated from the first moment of the incident, sending forces to the area to provide assistance to residents, the ministry said.
In coordination with the mayor of Kourion and deputy mayor of Akrotiri, as well as the British Bases administration, Civil Defence teams took precautionary measures to inform residents they could be accommodated at the Limassol Reception and Accommodation Centre. Civil Defence officers and volunteers are on site at the centre to assist residents who wish to use the temporary accommodation.
Civil Defence teams remain on site in Akrotiri municipal district to inform residents and assist in transporting those who wish to temporary accommodation facilities. Patrols are being conducted in the area to provide assistance to residents if needed.
The force remains in continuous communication and coordination with local authorities and the British Bases administration to support efforts, the ministry said.
Due to the volatile and fluid situation in the area, the ministry warned the public that if necessary, sirens will sound in affected areas and announcements will be made through various channels, including radio and television, to direct people to the nearest shelter.
Shelters can be located through the SafeCY app or through the Civil Defence General Administration Operations Control Centre on 22 403 451 or 22 403 452. If there is no shelter nearby, residents are advised to remain in a safe place inside their home or workplace, such as underground parking areas and rooms with solid walls. Staying indoors is preferable to staying outdoors.
Trained neighbourhood wardens will be at points of increased need to direct and assist the public, the ministry said.
The Interior Ministry reminded residents of Civil Defence instructions:
If you are in an area where there is no nearby shelter:
- Find a space inside your home away from windows, doors and glass to protect yourself in case of alarm
- Make sure you have a portable radio, torch and first aid supplies (water, dry food, first aid kit)
- In case of alarm, lie face down and cover your head with your hands
- If you are outside and there is no time to seek shelter, lie on the ground preferably in a small pit or ditch
- Remain calm and follow instructions from the competent authorities
Instructions for short-term use of shelters:
- Locate your nearest shelter in advance
- Prepare an emergency kit containing basic items: water, dry food, first aid supplies, torch, batteries, radio, medicines, important documents, some money and baby food if you have children
- In case of alarm, go to the nearest shelter following instructions from the competent authorities
- Maintain your composure and try to have access to various sources of information
The Interior Ministry is closely monitoring developments within the framework of the ESTIA Plan and in coordination with all competent services, and remains ready to contribute with available means, it said.
The statement came as the UK Ministry of Defence announced it was evacuating military families from RAF Akrotiri to alternative accommodation in Cyprus following the Iranian drone strike shortly after midnight.
President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle struck military facilities at the British Bases at Akrotiri at 12.03am, causing minor material damage, and declared that Cyprus will not be part of any military operation.
(Picture by MATTPRESS)
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