Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou, in an interview with OffsiteNews, outlined the government’s plans to enhance civil protection measures in Cyprus. The new initiatives aim to improve the response capabilities of both authorities and citizens during emergencies or disasters.

One key decision involves the implementation of the EU-wide emergency number 112, supported by a mobile app. This app will allow citizens to locate the nearest shelter in real-time.

The minister highlighted plans to significantly increase shelter coverage. Currently, shelters serve only 30% of the population. Under the new measures, this figure is set to rise to 70%. Since September, the Civil Defence Force has been evaluating potential spaces in accessible buildings to accommodate large numbers of citizens. Ioannou clarified that no country ensures 100% shelter coverage, as specific groups like security personnel, healthcare workers, and volunteers are engaged in managing crisis situations.

Modernizing public warning systems is another priority. Ioannou announced the development of a next-generation management system for the European emergency number 112, integrating advanced technologies. Additionally, outdated siren systems will be replaced with modern early-warning mechanisms. Citizens will also benefit from real-time notifications through mobile phones during emergencies, ensuring timely information for better prevention and response.

By 2025, the government plans to launch an electronic application to guide citizens to the nearest shelter during crises. This initiative complements ongoing efforts to establish an effective national civil protection mechanism, including the reorganization of the Civil Defence Force and public awareness campaigns.