In a major step to improve its disaster response, Cyprus is buying advanced earthquake equipment and starting joint training programmes with Greece. This initiative is funded by a €2.5 million grant from the European Union. The project, named "Epicentres," addresses the island's high risk of earthquakes, as it is located in one of Europe's most active seismic zones. Cypriot and Greek officials announced the plan together, showing a united effort to improve regional safety.
The new equipment includes special rescue vehicles, tools for seismic events, and an important mobile command centre. This centre is designed to keep working even if phone and internet systems go down. Alongside the new equipment, there will be three specialised workshops on managing earthquake disasters. The training will use a "train-the-trainer" method. This means that personnel from the Cypriot and Greek fire services will be trained first, so they can then lead their own training programmes in Cyprus and Crete. This approach helps share vital knowledge and skills across the region.
Government officials all stressed how necessary this project is. Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis referred to recent strong earthquakes that shook the island as a serious warning. "This makes strengthening prevention, readiness, and effective crisis management absolutely essential," he said.
Interior Ministry Director-General Elikkos Elia agreed, explaining the "decisive importance" of the training. He said it improves coordination, strengthens key skills like rescuing people from rubble and providing first aid, and shortens response times. It also helps build the mental strength of rescue workers. All of these factors save lives in the first crucial hours after a disaster. Fire Service Chief Nikos Longinos added that the project improves both local abilities and cross-border cooperation, noting that the high earthquake risk requires "increased readiness and continuous adaptation."
This project is part of the government's larger plan to reform civil protection. A key part of this reform is the planned change of the Interior Ministry into the "Ministry of Interior and Civil Protection." This aims to make disaster management more centralised and efficient. By investing in both modern technology and the skills of its people, Cyprus is taking a comprehensive approach to reduce the serious risks it faces from its active geology.