CY-Alert and 112 are two different things—as is currently the case—clarified the Civil Defense Press Spokesperson, Panagiotis Liasidis, clarified while speaking on the Alpha Enimerosi program.

The new, upgraded 112 system will be rolled out within the next 20 months and will support voice calls, text messages, live video, and location data. This is the pan-European emergency number that citizens currently call to receive assistance from the relevant government agencies.

“Today in our country, 112 is the number citizens call when they want to speak with government agencies because they need assistance or are facing an emergency. CY–Alert, the early warning system, is the system through which the government sends messages to citizens to inform or warn them of a threat or danger; these are two different things,”.

SEE ALSO: From video to SMS and eCall: The new 112 emergency system is coming—here’s how it will work

For now—that is, until the new, upgraded 112 system is rolled out—it remains a phone call that connects you to the appropriate government agency.

“In 20 months, next-generation equipment will be installed, which will enable us to handle voice calls, text messages in real time, video, video, location data, and automatic eCall alerts. It will help emergency services respond more effectively so that no valuable time is lost.”

READ ALSO: Next Generation 112 in the Works: How the New Emergency System Will Work

The NG112 system will enable the management of voice calls, real-time text messages, images, video, location data, and automatic eCall alerts from vehicles, providing first responders with more comprehensive and timely information during critical incidents, where every second can be crucial.

The system will function as the national Emergency Call Center, serving all of the Republic’s emergency response services, including the Fire Department, the Cyprus Police, the Ambulance Service, the Forestry Department, the National Guard, the Search and Rescue Coordination Center, and Civil Defense.

The implementation of the project will enable the unified management of all emergency communications at the national level, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the relevant agencies and improving the speed and quality of their response. At the same time, it will ensure equal access to emergency services for people with disabilities, in line with European standards.

Upon completion of NG112, the Republic of Cyprus will have a modern, unified, and resilient emergency call management system, fully aligned with European standards, which will significantly strengthen civil protection, public safety, and the protection of human life, meeting the modern needs of society and the expectations of citizens.

However, regarding CY-Alert and its potential use for locating missing persons, Mr. Liasides clarifies that “the system is available upon request by the agencies handling the incident.”

“We will certainly send the necessary message. The agencies are aware that, for the safety and protection of citizens, they can use the system if necessary.”