Cyprus expands civil defence shelter network and updates emergency protocols

The Cypriot Ministry of Interior is preparing a proposal for the cabinet to mandate the inclusion of civil defence shelters in new apartment buildings, aiming to increase total capacity to 45 per cent of the population. New developments will be required to designate basement areas as shelters equipped with water and toilets, with developers receiving a 5 per cent building coefficient incentive. This initiative follows recent, widespread inspections of existing facilities, which currently number approximately 2,500 across the island. In the Paphos district alone, 210 shelters have been identified, 81 of which are public. Authorities have clarified that requisitioning private property is not currently under consideration. Meanwhile, an evacuation order remains in effect for the Akrotiri municipal district until at least March 6, with approximately 250 people receiving support from the Red Cross. Residents are advised to identify their nearest shelter via the SafeCY mobile app or by contacting the Civil Defence Operations Control Centre and to prepare emergency kits containing essential supplies.