Second Team of US Experts Arrives in Cyprus to Assess Civil Defense

A second team of US experts is set to arrive in Cyprus to examine the role of the Police and Civil Defense during evacuations. The arrival follows an initial assessment and suggests an implicit admission by the government that there is room for improvement.

The team will focus on the state's response when citizens are at risk. Their report will contribute to the government's roadmap for preventing future incidents.

The upgrading and restructuring of Civil Defense into a General Directorate of Civil Protection is underway, as approved by the Council of Ministers in June. The aim is to modernize Civil Defense and strengthen cooperation between agencies such as the Fire Service, the Police, the Forestry Department, and the Ambulance Service.

The Ministry of Interior seeks to reform the national emergency management framework, with a bill to be submitted to Parliament in the fall.

Watch the report by Giorgos Chrysanthou: