Cyprus activates earthquake, tsunami measures amid Greece seismic activity

Cyprus has implemented emergency preparedness measures in response to seismic activity in the Dodecanese region and broader Mediterranean area, civil defence officials said on Saturday. 

The measures, outlined in the national “Engelados” emergency plan, have been activated despite officials noting that the ongoing seismic sequence in Santorini appears unlikely to directly affect Cyprus.

“While Cyprus may not face immediate risk, our location in a seismically active region means we could face a strong, destructive earthquake at an undetermined time,” the Geological Survey Department said in a statement.

The Civil Defence and Seismological Centre of the Geological Survey Department have issued detailed safety protocols covering three critical phases: pre-earthquake preparation, immediate response during an earthquake, and post-earthquake actions.

Officials have also highlighted tsunami risks, noting Cyprus’s historical vulnerability to such events. The country operates within the Tsunami Early Warning System for the Mediterranean and North Atlantic (NEAMTWS) framework, with plans to designate Larnaca as “Tsunami Ready” by 2025.

Key safety recommendations include:

• Securing heavy furniture and appliances
• Identifying safe spots within buildings
• Maintaining emergency supplies
• Following evacuation procedures during earthquakes
• Avoiding coastal areas after strong tremors