The interior ministry is preparing to submit a proposal to the cabinet aimed at significantly increasing the number of civil defence shelters across Cyprus, with the plan expected to be presented at the next meeting.

The proposal, which has reportedly been under development for several months, seeks in its initial phase to expand shelter capacity so that facilities can accommodate up to 45 per cent of the island’s population.

Sources familiar with the matter said the plan also introduces new requirements for future residential developments to contribute to the shelter network.

Under the proposal, new apartment buildings would be required to allocate basement space, where available, for use as civil defence shelters equipped with toilets and drinking water.

The measure would no longer rely on voluntary participation by developers.

As an incentive, authorities are considering granting an additional building coefficient of five per cent, up to a maximum of 50 square metres.

Government sources said the initiative follows concerns raised after inspections carried out earlier this year revealed shortcomings in the current shelter system.

A previous review, conducted in May, was later understood to have been only a sample inspection.

Sources informed that Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou expressed dissatisfaction with the scope of those checks and has since been examining ways to strengthen preparedness.

Over the past two days around 90 people have been involved in assessing the condition of shelters across the island.

Officials say the expansion of shelter infrastructure forms part of a broader civil protection strategy as authorities review emergency preparedness and public warning systems.

In the event of a serious emergency, authorities stress that the public should not automatically attempt to travel to shelters.

Officials warn that such movement could lead to severe congestion on roads and hinder emergency responses.

Instead, members of the public are urged to follow the official safety guidance issued by the interior ministry, which includes moving to a basement where possible, remaining indoors away from windows and glass surfaces if no basement is available, and seeking the nearest indoor space if outside.

Authorities are also relying on multiple warning methods to inform the population during emergencies.

These include SMS alerts, sirens, church bells and direct notifications within communities.

A national emergency alert system using the 112 platform is expected to be implemented at a later stage.

Officials said the current SMS alert system is designed to deliver warnings within approximately five minutes, although technical issues with Cyta are still being addressed.

Messages are sent according to the language subscribers have registered with their mobile provider, while people working in a different district from their residence will receive alerts related to the affected area.

Tourists will primarily be informed through hotels and accommodation providers because roaming services can delay message delivery.

Authorities say a more advanced warning platform incorporating geolocation is expected to resolve many of the existing limitations.

Tests of an alternative application using geolocation technology are expected to take place within the coming weeks.

Officials emphasised that shelters are intended for use only in situations involving war or serious danger.

Current emergency alerts, including those issued in areas near the British bases, do not instruct residents to move to shelters.

Civil defence officials say the ongoing review aims to improve both the infrastructure and the systems used to inform the public, while ensuring the country can respond effectively in the event of a crisis.