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Cyprus: Deficiencies in Shelter Coordination and SafeCY App Functionality

Published March 27, 2026, 07:11
Cyprus: Deficiencies in Shelter Coordination and SafeCY App Functionality

The Audit Office has identified serious deficiencies in the coordination and operation of the Civil Defence shelter system in Cyprus. The investigation, conducted in March 2026, highlighted inconsistencies in the information provided to citizens regarding the location and characteristics of shelters. The SafeCY application presents significant malfunctions, such as incorrect addresses, outdated photos, and incomplete information. Specifically, a test call to the Operations Centre resulted in a different shelter location being provided compared to that displayed by the SafeCY application, indicating a lack of an updated registry. Furthermore, shelters were found that do not appear on the application, while others appear in the wrong locations, such as on agricultural land. The absence of postal codes and the lack of a guidance function in the application further complicate access to shelters. In addition to the digital problems, the investigation highlighted deficiencies in the signage of shelters. In some buildings, the signage is confusing or completely absent, while in others, different shelter numbers appear. The categorization of shelters in the application is also unclear, with the use of the terms 'Public' and 'Common' without explanation. The Audit Office points out that these findings endanger the safety of the population in the event of a crisis and calls on the competent authorities to take immediate measures to improve the shelter system and inform citizens.