The relevant agencies reject claims that there was a delay in sending the alert via CY ALERT, emphasizing that it was sent as soon as it became clear that the situation was widespread, in order to alert all citizens.
Speaking on the “Alpha Summer” program, Andreas Chrysanthou, Press Spokesperson for the Meteorological Service, pointed out that it had been emphasized for days that severe weather was expected.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
He clarified that a yellow warning indicates potentially hazardous weather, while an orange warning indicates dangerous weather, with the Meteorological Service including in its forecast that unusual phenomena are expected to occur.
Mr. Chrysanthou points out that there is no ban on sailing in Cyprus, clarifying that such bans are issued by local Greek authorities based on the marine bulletin and are issued when winds reach 8–9 Beaufort. In Cyprus, a marine bulletin is issued, which is published and updated three times a day and covers an area extending eight kilometers offshore.
When asked whether the Meteorological Service provides guidance to Civil Defense regarding CY ALERT notifications, he replied that they are in direct communication with Civil Defense, however, their role is advisory. Responding to a question about the time at which the Meteorological Service notified Civil Defense on Saturday, he states that communication is ongoing.
“The role of CY ALERT is not to serve as an orange alert. CY ALERT is designed to alert you in real time—just a few hours before anything happens—through direct communication with every citizen. The Meteorological Department is responsible for issuing the warning, and it did so a day in advance. CY ALERT—and this is its purpose—is when there is a final warning that something in your area, right around you, requires you to take protective measures.”
““The CY ALERT was issued when the weather phenomena had become widespread, when the severe thunderstorms had taken on a localized character, and in several cases this was deemed dangerous in many areas,”, she added.
Responding to complaints from citizens about a delay in the CY ALERT notification, Deputy Press Spokesperson for Civil Defense Chara Lazarou stated that there was no delay.
When asked about the island-wide alert, she explained that there is an option for geographic targeting, which can be utilized on a case-by-case basis.
“Specifically, given the weather activity at the time and the updates we were receiving from the Department of Meteorology, we were informed around noon that the phenomenon had become widespread. So, from isolated thunderstorms, we suddenly had a situation affecting more than 60% of the island’s area.”
He notes that the deputy commander was in contact with the fire chief and the Ministry of the Interior, and they determined that the calls they were receiving were coming from many different areas.
“Citizens who saw that there was no rain outside their window or who, in their own judgment, perceived an extreme situation, set out to go wherever they wanted and found themselves in adifficult situation—or even hinder the work of the relevant authorities—it was deemed necessary and appropriate to issue a warning throughout the territory of free Cyprus.”
When asked if they had received any complaints, she answered in the affirmative and reminded citizens that they must upgrade their cell phones.
Among the complaints they received was one from a person who requested that his device be removed from the early warning system.
“We received a complaint from someone who was startled by the alert, and an elderly relative of theirs felt that, due to health issues, they should not be receiving the alert.”
Ms. Lazarou explains that there is no option to opt out of receiving the alert.
“That is why this is a system that will be used—and must be used—sparingly in true emergency situations. And the channel dedicated to national emergency alerts cannot be turned off. All other channels on mobile phones can be turned off. In this specific case, there is no option to do so, precisely so that everyone can receive the alert and be protected.”
