Sirens sounded for 14 minutes at the Akrotiri military base at midday on Friday, prompting fresh concern in the community after residents received mobile phone messages warning of an ongoing “security threat”, even though the evacuation status in the area had earlier been lifted.
The Interior Ministry had earlier said the evacuation regime for the Akrotiri area would not be extended, after the mayor of Kourion and the deputy mayor of Akrotiri were informed of the decision and reviewed the latest data with the competent state authorities.
According to the ministry’s announcement, the area remains on heightened alert despite the end of the evacuation status, while the situation will continue to be reassessed so that any new measures can be taken in time if needed. Civil Defence teams are also staying in the area as a precaution and continuing patrols.
Akrotiri Primary School, the local kindergarten and the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre will reopen and operate normally from Monday, March 16, with classes taking place on site. Optional all-day schooling at the primary school and kindergarten will also resume as normal, according to the Education Ministry.
Normal life has largely returned to the community, with most residents back in their homes and businesses operating as usual, according to the source text. The report said many residents have grown used to the sound of the sirens and are reacting calmly, although some, especially older people, remain concerned.
Kourion mayor Pantelis Georgiou said Civil Defence was remaining in the community as a precaution after coordination with the Interior Ministry. He added that local authorities, working with the British Bases, would draw up an evacuation protocol for the community so residents could be directed by area to schools in Episkopi, Kolossi, Erimi and Ypsonas, according to the source text.
Georgiou also said the Kourion municipality was preparing to install sirens at key points in its municipal districts, according to the source text.