Public safety preparedness has moved back to the center of discussion, along with a core question: are shelters actually ready for a large-scale emergency?
An on-site check in Nicosia using the SafeCY app found clear gaps between mapped information and real conditions. In several locations, listed shelters could not be identified, either because they were missing or because no relevant signage was in place.
Many designated spaces are currently used as underground parking areas, while others are being used for storage or were found in poor sanitary condition. Conditions vary sharply from one area to another.
Civil Defence says around 2,500 shelters are available nationwide, covering roughly 40%–45% of the population. It also notes that SafeCY provides the nearest shelter address, but users still need another app for navigation.
Responsibility for cleanliness and upkeep lies with property owners, while suitability checks are carried out by Civil Defence. The practical challenge now is turning nominal capacity into real operational readiness.
