Newsroom
When flames threatened communities near Kalo Chorio in Larnaca, Cyprus' emergency alert system was facing its biggest test yet.
But instead of performing flawlessly, CyAlert experienced an unexpected technical failure while sending warning messages to the public, according to the company responsible for operating the system.
In a statement on Wednesday, GCC Computers Ltd said the issue occurred during the first time CyAlert was used under real-life emergency conditions, as authorities worked to warn residents about the fast-moving wildfire.
The company described the problem as an unforeseen technical fault that affected the delivery of emergency alerts.
According to GCC, its technical teams responded immediately, identifying and fully resolving the issue while also taking additional steps to strengthen the system's reliability and ensure smoother operation in future emergencies.
The company apologized for any disruption or concern the malfunction may have caused.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting CyAlert, saying its priority remains the timely warning and protection of the public during emergencies.
The malfunction drew attention after questions were raised over the timing of evacuation alerts during the Kalo Chorio wildfire, which forced residents from nearby communities to leave their homes as the blaze spread rapidly.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of Cyprus' emergency warning systems at a time when wildfires are becoming more frequent and more dangerous, making fast and reliable public alerts more critical than ever.
