Cyprus’ Interior Ministry said on Monday it was closely monitoring developments regarding the situation in the region, and that, within the framework of the ESTIA national plan and in coordination with all competent services, it stands by to contribute with all available means.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou and the Commander of the Civil Defence Maria Papa are pictured above.
At the same time, Civil Defence crews remain on site in the Akrotiri Municipal District following the attack by an unmanned drone on the British Bases in the Akrotiri area, to inform residents and assist with the transfer of people who wish to move to temporary accommodation areas. Patrols are also being carried out in the area to provide any assistance to residents, if required.
The Ministry said in an announcement that due to the tense and volatile situation in the region, precautionary instructions are being issued in case the need arises.
According to the Ministry’s announcement, following the attack by an unmanned drone on the British Bases in the Akrotiri area of the Municipality of Kourion, the Civil Defence Force was activated from the very first moment of the incident, dispatching units to the area to aid residents.
In consultation and cooperation with the Mayor of Kourion, the Deputy Mayor of Akrotiri as well as with the Administration of the British Bases, Civil Defence informed area residents that there is possibility of being accommodated at the Limassol military recruitment facility (KEN).
Patrols are also being carried out in the area to provide any assistance to residents, if necessary.
Precautionary Instructions to members of the public
The Ministry informs members of the public that, “due to the tense and volatile situation in the region”, that, should the need arise, sirens will sound in the affected areas and announcements will be made through various media, including radio and television, to inform the population to proceed to the nearest shelter.
Shelters can be located through the “SafeCY” application (click here for app on Google Play and here for app on the App Store) or via the Operations Centre of the Civil Defence Headquarters by calling 22403451 or 22403452.
It is noted that if there is no shelter nearby, citizens are urged to remain in a safe place inside their home or workplace, such as underground parking areas and spaces with solid walls. Remaining indoors is preferable to staying outdoors, it adds. At the same time, trained neighbourhood guards will be present at points of increased need to direct and assist the public.
It is recalled that, according to Civil Defence instructions if someone is in an area where there is no nearby shelter, they should find a place inside their home away from windows, doors and glass panels for protection.
They are also urged to remain calm and follow competent authorities’ instructions.
As regards the use of shelters, members of the public are urged to identify in advance their nearest shelter and prepare an emergency kit containing essential items: water, dry food, first aid supplies, torch, batteries, radio, medicines, important documents, some cash and baby food if they have children.
The Interior Ministry also said that it is closely monitoring developments within the framework of the ESTIA National Action Plan which is activated in case of emergency or crisis, to allow for the safe evacuation of civilians from a nearby crisis area (from the wider Middle East region) through the Republic of Cyprus.
(Source: CNA)
