Cyprus upgrades safety app and updates civil defense shelter policies

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Cyprus Council of Ministers announced significant updates to the SafeCY application and civil defense protocols. The application now supports push notifications for emergency alerts, serving as a temporary measure until the cell broadcasting-based Early Warning System becomes operational in early June. Following recent inspections of 2,480 shelters, authorities removed 194 locations from the public list due to unsuitability or demolition, while 288 others were reclassified as private. The government introduced a 5% urban planning incentive to encourage the creation of new shelters equipped with water and sanitation. Additionally, the Council of Ministers approved the Civil Protection Law of 2026, establishing a National Civil Protection Mechanism and appointing Fire Chief Nikos Longinos as the temporary coordinator for fire management. Separately, the government approved the expropriation of 21,000 square meters of land for the construction of the new Polis Chrysochous Hospital.