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Schools Prepared for Possible Evacuation - Exercises Being Conducted

Published March 3, 2026, 17:11
Schools Prepared for Possible Evacuation - Exercises Being Conducted

Schools in Cyprus are fully prepared for a possible evacuation of students and staff, said the Head of the Civil Defence Office of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ilias Markatzis. Regular preparedness exercises are being conducted for various scenarios, including hostilities and other emergencies. A circular has been sent to schools with instructions for dealing with isolated hostile incidents, in accordance with the Civil Defence Plan. In the event of hostilities, the priority is to keep students and staff inside the building and in the classrooms, following specific protocols. If the danger passes and evacuation is necessary, it will be carried out in an orderly manner and students will be led to a predetermined gathering place. The Ministry of Education is awaiting instructions from the competent state authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior and the Police, to guide the actions of the schools. The goal is to avoid panic, but to ensure readiness for any unforeseen event. The circular includes simplified information on dealing with hostilities and the steps to be taken, while further instructions are expected.