Shelter meant for emergencies looks more like a hazard than a refuge

Concerns over the state of civil defense shelters in Cyprus have flared after a lawmaker shared shocking footage of a facility in disrepair.

Christos Orphanides posted a video on social media showing a shelter that is flooded with stagnant water and filled with garbage and paint, supplies that should be there for civilians are nowhere in sight. “One of the Civil Defense shelters that I visited and warned about a long time ago. Unfortunately, there are such and similar ones scattered throughout Cyprus,” he wrote.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Christos Orphanides (@orphanides_christos)

Civil defense shelters are designed to protect people during emergencies, from missile attacks to natural disasters. They should be structurally secure, easy to access, and stocked with essentials such as clean water, first-aid supplies, ventilation, emergency lighting, and sanitation facilities.

The video shows a flooded, neglected space where the only items visible are trash and paint, a stark contrast to what a functioning shelter should provide. Residents and experts warn that facilities in this state could put people at greater risk rather than offering protection.

With regional security concerns on the rise, the condition of shelters has become more than just a bureaucratic issue. Lawmakers and citizens alike are asking whether these facilities can truly serve their intended purpose or if staying at home is ironically the safer option.

The footage shared by Orphanides has raised a heated conversation online, with many expressing disbelief that emergency shelters on the island could be left in such a state. The video paints a vivid picture of neglect and raises urgent questions about Cyprus’ emergency preparedness.