Cyprus Residents Fearful as UK Tourists Receive 'Terrible' Warning Amid Middle East Conflict
People in Cyprus are experiencing heightened fear as the country becomes entangled in the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the USA, Israel, and Iran. Concerns have escalated following a drone attack on a military base, prompting warnings for UK tourists and exposing critical deficiencies in the nation's civil defence infrastructure.
Inadequate Bomb Shelters Spark Panic
Approximately 20% of bomb shelters in Cyprus are either unsuitable or non-existent, according to officials. This alarming statistic has left residents, particularly the elderly, in a state of panic. Valentinos Pangalos, a local official, reported that calls have been flooding in at all hours from frightened individuals seeking information on the nearest refuge and safety procedures.
"People have felt very scared," Pangalos stated. "They've been panicking since the drone attack. Unfortunately, there aren't many of us here because we're so understaffed."
Officials Admit Poor Preparedness
Maria Papa, the chief officer of civil defence, confirmed the severity of the situation in an interview with the Guardian. She emphasised that the security crisis has starkly revealed the country's lack of readiness.
"This security crisis has exposed just how ill-prepared we are," Papa said. "Improvement is needed all round, starting with shelters, our staff being increased and the building we are standing in. I've been requesting changes for years."
Drone Attack Heightens Tensions
The tensions were further ignited on March 2, when a suspected Iranian-made Shahed-type drone struck a hangar at RAF Akrotiri, a British military base in Cyprus. This incident has intensified fears among the local population and led to official warnings for British nationals in the area.
The Foreign Office has advised British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas to follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration, while those in the Republic of Cyprus should adhere to guidance from Cypriot local authorities.
Government Response and Public Outcry
President Nikos Christodoulides expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the shelters, refusing to downplay the issue. He highlighted the historical context of Cyprus, referencing the invasion and occupation 52 years ago.
"We're not at all happy with the state of the shelters," Christodoulides said. "I'm not going to embellish the situation, especially in a country where 52 years ago we had an invasion and occupation. The first thing that should have happened was [the construction] of shelters."
Despite the concerns, Papa reassured that Cyprus remains a safe country, attributing the current fear to a siege mentality stemming from the 1974 conflict. However, residents like a 67-year-old local remain unconvinced.
"I won't hide it, I'm scared," the resident admitted. "Why are all these ships here, if we are as safe as they say? It's terrible that shelters are in this state, that governments have turned a blind eye, wasted money and not cared at all about us."
The situation underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and increased staffing in civil defence to address the growing anxieties among Cyprus residents and ensure the safety of both locals and tourists amidst the volatile regional conflict.
