Glitches in SMS test will be ironed out
The trial sending of a test emergency SMS to all Cyprus residents on Wednesday evening led to delays and inconsistencies, Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasidis said on Thursday.
Some received messages before 7pm, others around 7pm – the time the government had stipulated – and some much later, while others received no messages. There was also confusion over the language with some non-Greek speakers receiving the message in Greek.
The test run of the message system was carried out against the backdrop of the US-Israel war on Iran and Monday’s drone attack on the British base in Akrotiri.
Liasidis clarified that the messages were a temporary measure and not part of the full early warning system which will be rolled out in June.
He added that future alerts in real incidents will contain short, clear instructions for immediate self-protection.
Liasidis said the situation highlighted areas for improvement and stressed that residents should follow guidance from authorities in emergencies.
The interior ministry has ceased further test messages until the island’s full rollout of an early warning system is activated in June.
A technical evaluation is underway by the deputy research ministry and telecommunications providers to identify and resolve issues, including delays and incorrect links.
The messages included links requiring internet access, which were intended to direct residents to the ministry’s website for additional instructions.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Wednesday that the SMS system is “a preventive measure and an important tool for immediate and valid information of residents”.
He advised residents receiving a warning to calmly move to the nearest underground room, or remain indoors away from doors and windows if a basement is unavailable.
Schools, hospitals, and stadiums will follow existing emergency protocols implemented by trained staff.
The public are urged not to travel unnecessarily, by foot or vehicle, to such locations.
Authorities recommend remaining in underground or indoor spaces until further instructions are issued.