Cyprus prepares for Lebanon evacuations, beds ready in Larnaca schools

Cyprus is fully prepared to implement its Estia Plan for potential evacuations from Lebanon, Foreign Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos announced on Tuesday. The government has already set up beds in schools in Larnaca and prepared hygiene facilities to accommodate citizens who may need temporary shelter before being transferred to their home countries. This readiness comes in response to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“All necessary measures have been taken in case of citizen evacuations from Lebanon,” Kombos told the Cyprus News Agency. He emphasized that Cyprus stands ready to carry out organized evacuations as part of the Estia Plan, a humanitarian effort that was previously activated in 2006 and 2023.

When asked about international cooperation, particularly with Canada, Kombos confirmed that agreements have been made with several countries to facilitate these evacuations. “This means organized evacuations of citizens through the Republic of Cyprus, followed by their transfer to destination countries,” he explained.

The Minister highlighted that Cyprus is prepared to handle a significant number of evacuees, recalling that in 2006, the country managed to accommodate up to 60,000 people. “We can accommodate large numbers as long as they are departing and not staying for an extended period,” he noted.

Kombos also addressed reactions from the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus, where officials have criticized the Cypriot government’s actions. He dismissed these claims as baseless, reaffirming that the government’s efforts are strictly humanitarian.

Cyprus continues to monitor the situation closely, with regular coordination meetings taking place among relevant state services to ensure readiness for any developments.

[With information from CNA]