Cyprus government enhances forest fire prevention and emergency coordination

Cypriot authorities are implementing comprehensive fire prevention measures for the 2026 summer season. The Ministry of Interior and Civil Defense have allocated increased funds to provincial administrations for clearing flammable vegetation in and around communities. The Civil Defense has completed nationwide visits to communities, reviewing and updating the 'Polyvios' evacuation plan, with evacuation exercises scheduled through the end of May. On May 12, 2026, the Director of the Department of Forests, Savvas Iezekiel, met with the Commissioner for Mountain Communities, Charalambos Christofinas, and local leaders in Fikardou to discuss fire suppression strategies during the 'Forest Protection Week' (May 11-17). Despite these measures, the disaster management system remains fragmented across four ministries after the proposal for a unified National Civil Protection Mechanism and a National Coordinator failed to pass. Nikos Longinos currently serves as the temporary coordinator. Local stakeholders emphasize that village communities act as the first line of defense through constant vigilance and cooperation with state services.