CYPRUS Management of Earthquake Risk TAFF Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness 0 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 07 INTRODUCTION 15 EARTHQUAKE RISK OVERVIEW 17 EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT CAPACITY 23 GOVERNANCE OF EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT 24 UNDERSTANDING EARTHQUAKE RISK AND USE OF RISK DATA 29 EARTHQUAKE RISK PREVENTION, REDUCTION, AND MITIGATION 33 EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS 38 EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE 43 EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY, RECONSTRUCTION, AND POST-DISASTER FINANCING 49 CROSS-CUTTING TOPIC: SOCIAL RESILIENCE AND INCLUSION 52 CROSS-CUTTING TOPIC: PRIVATE SECTOR 56 INVESTMENT NEEDS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 58 ANNEX 1. REFERENCES 63 ANNEX 2. SUPPLEMENTAL TABLES 65 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. PGA DISTRIBUTION FOR CYPRUS (LEFT 475-YEAR AND RIGHT 2,500-YEAR EVENT) 18 FIGURE 2. SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN CYPRUS BETWEEN 1896 AND 2018 20 FIGURE 3. STRUCTURE OF THE CYPRUS CIVIL DEFENCE 24 FIGURE 4. PROCEDURE FOR POST-DISASTER ASSESSMENT IN CYPRUS ESTABLISHED BY THE GDNDR 45 FIGURE 5. DRF LAYERING APPROACH — NO SINGLE INSTRUMENT CAN ADDRESS ALL RISKS 51 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1. KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR EARTHQUAKE RISK 26 TABLE 2. KEY INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CYPRUS IN EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT ACROSS SEC- TORS 59 TABLE 3. SPECIAL NATIONAL THEMATIC PLANS 65 LIST OF BOXES BOX 1. THE MULTI-TIERED APPROACH TO SEISMIC SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS IN CYPRUS 37 BOX 2. THE PAN-CYPRIOT EXERCISE ‘ENGELADOS 2018’ 48 BOX 3. THE POTENTIAL OF CYPRUS TO BECOME A HUB FOR THE UCPM IN THE SOUTHEASTERN MEDITERRANEAN 48 BOX 4. GREEK GDNDR’S ROLE IN RECOVERY AFTER THE SAMOS ISLAND EARTHQUAKE 51 BOX 5. ROMANIA’S INCLUSIVE APPROACH FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE 55 BOX 6. EXAMPLE OF PRIVATE HOUSING EARTHQUAKE RETROFIT INCENTIVE PROGRAM IN CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES 57 Acknowledgment This report is part of the technical assistance under the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF), financed by the European Commission—Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO)—and implemented by the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). Delivered as part of Component 2 (cross-cutting/multi-country) activities funded by the TAFF budget allocated in 2024, this report is part of a set. World Bank staff and experts prepared this report, consolidated by Maryia Markhvida (Sr. Disaster Risk Management Expert) and Stella Karafagka (Sr. Disaster Risk Management Expert), under the supervision of Zuzana Stanton-Geddes (Sr. Disaster Risk Management Specialist). Inputs were provided by Evangelos Katsaros (Cyprus Disaster Risk Management Experts), Nicole Paul (Sr. Disaster Risk Management Expert), Soraya Ridanovic (Disaster Risk Management Analyst), Tara Juarros Lukic (Disaster Risk Management Consultant), and peer reviewed by Antonio Pomonis (Sr. Seismic Engineer). The report was designed by Tamas Torok. The cover photo imagery was provided by © The European Commission. The team is grateful for guidance and comments received from the DG ECHO B3 unit and other units of the European Commission.The team would also like to acknowledge all the experts and institutions consulted throughout the process, whose insights and contributions significantly informed this work. Disclaimer May 2025 © International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: +1-202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved. 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Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, the World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: pubrights@worldbank.org. 03 ACRONYMS ASP Adaptive Social Protection BBB Building Back Better CCD Cyprus Civil Defencea CEA California Earthquake Authority CGSD Cyprus Geological Survey Department CSR Corporate Social Responsibility DG ECHO Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations DRF Disaster Risk Financing DRM Disaster Risk Management DRR Disaster Risk Reduction EEW Earthquake Early Warning EU European Union EWS Early Warning System GDNDR General Directorate of Natural Disasters Recovery GDP Gross Domestic Product GoC Government of the Republic of Cyprus JRCC Joint Rescue Coordination Center MMI Modified Mercalli Intensity NGO Nongovernmental organization NRA National Risk Assessment PGA Peak Ground Acceleration PPP Public-Private Partnership PWD Public Works Department RVS Rapid Visual Screening SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises UCPM Union Civil Protection Mechanism UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization UNFICYP United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Notes: a. Name as of April 2025. 04 KEY TERMS Secondary perils, also known as earthquake-trig- gered perils, are hazards triggered by the primary earthquake event. These include landslides, soil Earthquake risk is the combination of seismic liquefaction, tsunamis, and fire following, which can hazard (for example, the frequency of earthquake significantly increase the overall damage, losses, occurrence, the strength of ground shaking given an and disruption. earthquake), exposure (for example, the number of people exposed, the value of assets exposed), and Earthquake risk assessment is a process that vulnerability (for example, the susceptibility of combines hazard, exposure, and vulnerability assets to damage, the ability of populations to cope information to assess expected infrastructure and with earthquake effects). human losses after an earthquake. Typically, this involves probabilistic calculations considering a Hazard: A potentially destructive physical phenom- range of hypothetical earthquake scenarios. enon, such as a natural hazard (for example, earthquake, wildfire). Microzonation: Microzonation studies involve geological and geotechnical surveys and analysis, Exposure: The situation of people, infrastructure, which are used to create detailed maps of seismic housing, production capacities, and other tangible hazards in an area. This information can be incorpo- human assets located in hazard-prone areas. rated into building codes, inform territory and land use management, and guide post-earthquake Vulnerability: The conditions determined by reconstruction. physical, social, economic, and environmental factors or processes which increase the susceptibil- Building code: A set of ordinances or regulations ity of an individual, a community, assets, or systems and associated standards intended to regulate to the impacts of hazards. aspects of the design, construction, materials, alteration, and occupancy of structures necessary Earthquake magnitude is a quantitative measure of to ensure human safety and welfare, including the size or energy released by an earthquake at its resistance to collapse and damage. source. It is determined using seismic data and reflects the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by Early warning systems (EWSs) are integrated seismographs. The most common magnitude scale systems that disseminate timely and meaningful used today is the moment magnitude scale (Mw), information to users threatened by a hazard. These which largely replaced older scales such as the systems enable protective actions to reduce harm Richter scale. Unlike intensity, which measures the posed by the hazard. Examples of EWSs include observed effects of an earthquake at specific sirens, text messages/SMS, and TV or radio broad- locations, magnitude provides a standardized casts. Different hazard types may require different measure of an ear thquake's overall strength, technical capabilities and infrastructure. For earth- regardless of where it is measured. quakes, EWSs typically provide post-event information such as earthquake details, impact Earthquake shaking intensity measures the estimations, public advisories, and aftershock strength of ground shaking at a specific location and potential. EWSs can also include earthquake early its effects, such as damage or human perception. warnings (EEWs) which are alerts that give imminent Intensity varies with distance from the epicenter notice before shaking begins, but these are not and local site conditions. In Europe, a commonly widely implemented. used intensity scale is the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98), which ranges from I (not felt) to XII Earthquake early warning (EEW) involves detecting (completely devastating) and is based on observed initial ground shaking and rapidly notifying end effects on people, buildings, and infrastructure. users before imminent, stronger ground shaking. Another widely used intensity scale is the Modified The lead time between notification and stronger Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which is used in the ground shaking varies by location, depending on United States and other regions. Quantitative factors such as the density of seismic stations in the measures like Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and area, the distance from the epicenter, and the similar parameters are also used in engineering performance of data telemetry/EEW algorithms. design and seismic assessment and are based on While EEWs can be a part of the EWS, they are highly ground motion recorded by instruments. specialized and location specific and are not widely available. 05 Coping capacity: The ability of people, organiza- Losses refer to indirectly quantifiable losses tions, and systems to manage adverse conditions, (declines in output or revenue, impact on well-being, risks, or disasters using available skills and disruptions to flow of goods and services in an resources.1 economy), or additional operational costs associated with response and initial repairs. Resilience: The ability of a system and its compo- nents to anticipate, absorb, accommodate, or Reconstruction: The medium- and long-term recover from the effects of a hazardous event in a rebuilding and sustainable restoration of resilient timely and efficient manner, including ensuring the critical infrastructures, services, housing, facilities, preservation, restoration, or improvement of its and livelihoods required for the full functioning of a essential basic structures and functions.2 community or society affected by a disaster, aligning with the principles of sustainable development and ‘Build back better’ (BBB) principle: The use of the BBB to avoid or reduce future disaster risk. recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction phases after a disaster to increase the resilience of nations Rehabilitation: The restoration of basic services and communities by integrating disaster risk reduc- and facilities for the functioning of a community or tion measures into the restoration of physical society affected by a disaster. infrastructure and societal3 systems and into the revitalization of livelihoods, economies, and the environment. Damage: Total or partial destruction of physical assets existing in the affected area. Damage occurs during and after the disasters and is measured in physical units (that is, square meters of housing, kilometres of roads, and so on).3 1 Mysiak, J., V. Casartelli, and S. Torresan. 2021. Union Civil Protection Mechanism - Peer Review Programme for Dis- aster Risk Management: Assessment Framework. Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change. Link. 2 World Bank and European Commission. 2021. Investing in Disaster Risk Management in Europe Makes Economic Sense, Background Report. Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness. Link. 3 World Bank and European Commission. 2021. 06 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Republic of Cyprus (hereafter referred to as ‘Cyprus’) faces various natural hazards, including earthquakes. According to the National Risk Assessment (NRA) for the Republic of Cyprus, earthquakes pose the second greatest risk of high impact, following wildfires.4 Based on national and European-wide seismic hazard assessments, Cyprus is classified as a high-hazard seismic area, with the highest risk concentrated in the southern part of the island. Since it has been many decades since the last deadly large earthquake (the 1953 M w 6.3 Paphos earthquake 5 ), public awareness of the earthquake risk and its consequences is relatively limited. Thus, risk reduction, prevention, and preparedness efforts are essential to mitigating the impacts of future earthquakes. This report summarizes the results of a rapid review of earthquake risk and management capacity in Cyprus, highlighting potential risk management actions and investment opportunities to inform policy dialogue and future research. The review considers capacity across multiple dimensions, including governance, understanding earthquake risk, risk reduction and mitigation, early warning and public awareness, preparedness and emergency response, recovery and post-disaster financing, and cross-cutting topics such as social resilience and the role of the private sector. Drawing on available information, each chapter reviews the general context, current arrangements, and key challenges and opportunities to enhance earthquake resilience in Cyprus. 4 Cyprus Civil Defence. 2018. National Risk Assessment for the Republic of Cyprus. Link. 5 Magnitude M6.3 - 9 km WSW of Paphos, Cyprus. Link. 07 �. KEY MESSAGES The e�rthqu�ke h�z�rd level is high for Cyprus, with the potenti�l for signific�nt imp�cts. The highest risk is concentr�ted in the southern p�rt of the isl�nd, where the tourism industry is prim�rily loc�ted, with Lim�ssol �nd P�phos projected to suffer the most d�m�ge. The following key messages can be 2. highlighted based on the Cyprus h�s recently developed � N�tion�l Dis�ster Risk review of earthquake risks Reduction (DRR) Str�tegy, �ddressing � long-st�nding g�p and risk management in n�tion�l dis�ster govern�nce, �s it previously l�cked capacity: both � comprehensive str�tegy �nd � leg�lly m�nd�ted �uthority to coordin�te dis�ster risk m�n�gement (DRM) �cross �ll levels of government �nd sectors. Previous l�ck of � centr�l coordin�ting �gency, h�s hindered the system�tic integr�tion of seismic resilience into n�tion�l policies �nd the effective mobiliz�tion of resources for long-term seismic risk reduction �nd prep�redness, resulting in fr�gmented responsibilities �nd potenti�l overl�ps �mong �gencies. In response to these g�ps, the Cyprus Civil Defence (CCD) is developing � new legisl�tive fr�mework to est�blish � centr�l coordin�ting �uthority �nd oper�tion�lize the DRR str�tegy. �. The use of risk inform�tion in sp�ti�l pl�nning �nd risk reduction efforts is limited. Modern technology �nd tools could f�cilit�te risk-informed decision-m�king. Risk �ssessment insights could be used by region�l �nd loc�l �uthorities in l�nd use pl�nning �nd risk reduction str�tegies �nd progr�ms to better coordin�te risk reduction �ctivities. Improving dis�ster loss d�t� m�n�gement systems �nd dis�ster loss tr�cking tools is �lso import�nt for evidence-b�sed risk m�n�gement. �. Although there h�ve been sever�l e�rthqu�ke risk reduction efforts in Cyprus, they �re not integr�ted into � bro�der n�tion�l e�rthqu�ke risk reduction progr�m, where knowledge sh�ring �cross dep�rtments �nd sectors is limited. The n�tion�l school retrofit progr�m �nd the efforts by the Public Works Dep�rtment (PWD) �re ex�mples of comprehensive e�rthqu�ke risk reduction initi�tives in Cyprus; however, there is currently no inter-ministeri�l coordin�tion mech�nism for effective coll�bor�tion �nd cross-sector knowledge sh�ring �mong relev�nt dep�rtments. This l�ck of coordin�tion results in � limited exch�nge of inform�tion �nd lessons le�rned rel�ted to �ssessment methods, prioritiz�tion fr�meworks, funding opportunities, �nd other key �spects necess�ry for efficiently sc�ling e�rthqu�ke DRR efforts. 5. While m�ny buildings in Cyprus h�ve �lre�dy undergone or �re currently undergoing energy efficiency upgr�des supported by Europe�n Union (EU) funds, dedic�ted fin�ncing for seismic strengthening or retrofitting is limited. Conducting energy efficiency upgr�des �nd seismic retrofits sep�r�tely is � missed opportunity �nd might result in higher over�ll costs. A joint progr�m for e�rthqu�ke s�fety improvements �long with energy efficiency improvements for public �nd priv�te buildings could �cceler�te e�rthqu�ke resilience in � cost-efficient m�nner �nd lever�ge diverse funding sources. 08 �. While Cyprus is t�king steps to improve its e�rly w�rning systems (EWSs), � comprehensive EWS is currently un�v�il�ble, �nd there is � need for inter-�gency coll�bor�tion in effectively pl�nning �nd implementing public �w�reness c�mp�igns. Cyprus currently relies on � siren network �s its m�in tool under EWS, with key upgr�des being developed, including � ��2-emergency m�n�gement system, �n SMS-b�sed �lert system, �nd the repl�cement of outd�ted sirens. Among government institutions, there is no str�tegy rel�ted to r�ising public �w�reness �bout e�rthqu�kes, which is critic�l for improving public prep�redness due to the infrequency of e�rthqu�ke events. Integr�tion of the tourism sector in �w�reness �nd prep�redness c�mp�igns is limited but is critic�l due to its contribution to the Cyprus economy. 7. Recognizing th�t its response c�p�city could be overwhelmed by � m�jor e�rthqu�ke, Cyprus is �ctively t�king steps to enh�nce its prep�redness. This risk is heightened by Cyprus being �n isl�nd �nd the f�rthest Member St�te from the EU m�inl�nd, which presents logistic�l ch�llenges for response efforts �nd Union Civil Protection Mech�nism (UCPM) support. To �ddress these ch�llenges, the CCD org�nizes e�rthqu�ke-specific tr�ining exercises, such �s DEMONAX, �imed �t improving dis�ster prep�redness �nd f�cilit�ting the tr�nsfer of knowledge from other EU countries. The CCD �lso developed educ�tion�l tools such �s the “FEMA building codes” booklet �nd the “My S�fe Y�rd” c�mp�ign to promote public underst�nding, especi�lly �mong children, of h�z�rd-specific risk reduction, illustr�ting effective �ppro�ches th�t could be �d�pted for e�rthqu�ke prep�redness. Prep�redness �nd response pl�ns, known �s ZENON pl�ns, provide � c�p�city �nd prep�redness building fr�mework in Cyprus; however, in pr�ctice, regul�r �nd system�tic exercises for e�ch pl�n �re not conducted . While Cyprus h�s �n over�rching methodology for post-dis�ster d�m�ge �ssessments, there m�y be insufficient hum�n resources, p�rticul�rly tr�ined engineers for on-site post-dis�ster t�sks, �s w�s the c�se in recent EU e�rthqu�kes. Volunteer org�niz�tions pl�y � key role in �w�reness-r�ising �nd �re well-integr�ted into emergency response efforts through the CCD. These efforts l�rgely focus on institution�l responses �nd l�ck bro�der eng�gement with the priv�te sector, civil society, �nd the gener�l public. Exp�nding p�rticip�tion in e�rthqu�ke tr�ining �nd drills could signific�ntly strengthen Cyprus’s over�ll prep�redness. 8. Cyprus currently does not h�ve � N�tion�l Dis�ster Recovery Fr�mework with ‘build b�ck better’ (BBB) principles. Previous recovery efforts h�ve been �d hoc by v�rious ministries �nd dep�rtments, with the government issuing ordin�nces specific to the dis�ster. While this c�n work for sm�ller dis�sters, following l�rge d�m�ging events, such �s � m�jor e�rthqu�ke, � system�tic, coordin�ted, �nd pre-est�blished post-dis�ster recovery mech�nism is needed to ensure efficient recovery. Incre�sing household e�rthqu�ke insur�nce penetr�tion would help ensure the �v�il�bility of pre�rr�nged funding to cover immedi�te liquidity needs following �n e�rthqu�ke. In �ddition, est�blishing dedic�ted psychologic�l support mech�nisms in the �fterm�th of �n e�rthqu�ke, which �re currently limited, represents � critic�l opportunity to enh�nce the psychologic�l recovery of first responders, �ffected communities, �nd vulner�ble groups. 09 �. The current soci�l protection system does not explicitly consider dis�sters. While Cyprus h�s Soci�l Welf�re Services, the current fr�mework does not explicitly use these ch�nnels for post-dis�ster support for the vulner�ble popul�tion. Since 20��, the CCD h�s �dopted the “TRIPOS” Pl�n to support people with dis�bilities or other function�l needs during dis�sters, providing � fr�mework for t�rgeted �ssist�nce through � n�tion�l registry �nd reinforcing inclusivity in line with UCPM principles. However, the pl�n h�s not yet been fully oper�tion�lized or integr�ted into the N�tion�l DRR Str�tegy or the bro�der DRM fr�mework. Migr�nts �nd refugee communities who �re not f�mili�r with Cyprus's dis�ster risk context �nd �v�il�ble resources could �lso f�ce ch�llenges in � l�rge e�rthqu�ke. �0. Sm�ll �nd medium enterprises (SMEs) could f�ce ch�llenges in business continuity in c�se of � m�jor e�rthqu�ke. There is no leg�l fr�mework requiring priv�te comp�nies to develop business continuity pl�ns, le�ving businesses, especi�lly SMEs, vulner�ble to disruptions from n�tur�l h�z�rds, including e�rthqu�kes. While some excellent ex�mples exist, such �s the SupportCY volunteer network of the B�nk of Cyprus, which h�s v�rious �ctivities on prep�redness, response, �nd r�ising �w�reness �g�inst dis�sters including e�rthqu�kes, priv�te sector involvement in prep�redness efforts is limited. 10 11 �. PRIORITIES GOING Review �nd consider strengthening the govern�nce for FORWARD e�rthqu�ke risk m�n�gement by developing � N�tion�l E�rthqu�ke Risk Reduction Progr�m or �dopting � Ro�dm�p for e�rthqu�ke risk m�n�gement. Developing fr�meworks to �ssess �nd mitig�te e�rthqu�ke risk th�t �lign n�tion�l efforts with EU �nd intern�tion�l st�nd�rds �nd form�lizing mech�nisms for continuous Cyprus should prioritize improvement �nd �ccount�bility would enh�nce effectiveness in actions and investments e�rthqu�ke risk m�n�gement. Design�ting � centr�l DRM coordin�ting to manage earthquake �uthority to cl�rify roles �nd responsibilities, stre�mline cross-sector risk across various coordin�tion, promote coll�bor�tion between different st�keholders, dimensions. These may �nd foster � whole-of-government �ppro�ch would improve include the areas coordin�tion �mong st�keholders �nd oper�tion�liz�tion. The N�tion�l summarized below. E�rthqu�ke Risk Reduction Progr�m could �im to st�nd�rdize progr�ms, sh�re knowledge, unlock different stre�ms of funding (for ex�mple, by coupling seismic resilience with energy efficiency me�sures), �nd employ � comprehensive prioritiz�tion fr�mework th�t �ccounts for seismic risk, energy upgr�de needs, infr�structure critic�lity, function�l upgr�des, �nd �ccessibility, ensuring cost-effective, high-imp�ct investments �cross government institutions. 2. Exp�nd seismic risk �ssessment to more sectors �nd integr�te risk inform�tion into pl�nning �nd government continuity �nd response pl�ns. Strengthening seismic risk �ssessment studies to comprehensively cover �ll sectors, including critic�l entities �nd infr�structure, distributed systems, herit�ge structures, �nd c�sc�ding effects, is essenti�l. This �lso includes incorpor�ting recent �dv�nces in h�z�rd modeling, second�ry perils, det�iled d�t� on the built environment, �nd soci�l vulner�bility to ensure th�t risk �ssessments effectively support comprehensive risk reduction str�tegies. E�rthqu�ke �nd second�ry perils risk �ssessments could be used by region�l �nd loc�l �uthorities in l�nd use pl�nning �nd risk reduction str�tegies �nd progr�ms to better coordin�te DRR �ctivities. The risk �ssessments should �lso consider vulner�ble popul�tions �nd the seismic vulner�bility �nd s�fety of their housing. �. Ad�pt best pr�ctice tools �nd integr�te modern technologies for d�t� collection, m�n�gement, �nd risk inform�tion sh�ring to improve �nd stre�mline pl�nning, knowledge exch�nge, e�rthqu�ke risk �w�reness, �nd the use of risk inform�tion �cross v�rious �pplic�tions. St�nd�rdizing �nd dissemin�ting risk inform�tion through web-b�sed tools with GIS c�p�bilities could enh�nce the us�bility of seismic risk �ssessment results �nd incre�se �w�reness of e�rthqu�ke risks. Improving dis�ster loss d�t� m�n�gement systems �nd dis�ster loss tr�cking tools is �lso import�nt for evidence-b�sed risk m�n�gement. �. Promote �nd �cceler�te seismic retrofit progr�ms t�rgeting critic�l entities , infr�structure, �nd housing. This c�n be supported by providing guid�nce on tiered seismic s�fety �ssessments for different infr�structure types �nd their �pplic�tion in investment pl�nning. In �ddition, tr�ining engineers �nd m�int�ining � n�tion�l registry for pre- �nd post-e�rthqu�ke r�pid visu�l screening (RVS) would help prioritize buildings for �ssessment �nd retrofit interventions. For public infr�structure, knowledge sh�ring �nd lessons le�rned from previous retrofit progr�m implement�tions could help �cceler�te �ction �cross sectors. For priv�te housing, incentives for seismic upgr�des could include me�sures such �s t�x credits, insur�nce premium reductions, �nd gr�nts, supported by simplified screening tools �nd cle�r guid�nce for property owners. 12 5. Promote �n integr�ted seismic retrofit, energy upgr�de, �nd function�lity improvement progr�m for the existing priv�te �nd public building stock . Given th�t existing buildings �re key drivers of e�rthqu�ke risk in Cyprus �nd signific�ntly contribute to long-term energy dem�nd �nd greenhouse g�s emissions, implementing retrofitting progr�ms th�t enh�nce both seismic resist�nce �nd energy efficiency could yield subst�nti�l benefits. Integr�ting upgr�des for e�rthqu�ke resilience with energy improvements, function�l upgr�des, �nd �ccessibility enh�ncements �ligns with Europe�n �nd intern�tion�l go�ls to reduce greenhouse g�s emissions while optimizing investments by providing co-benefits, extending the lifesp�n of buildings, enh�ncing s�fety, �nd lowering life-cycle costs. Novel incentives such �s t�x reliefs m�y be required to incre�se the upt�ke of retrofitting priv�te buildings. �. Exp�nd educ�tion�l c�mp�igns on e�rthqu�ke risk �w�reness �nd enh�nce the EWS. Incre�sing community prep�redness �nd �w�reness of e�rthqu�ke risk through educ�tion�l c�mp�igns, inclusive tr�ining progr�ms, life-s�ving tools such �s first �id �nd e�rthqu�ke prep�redness kits, �nd modernized digit�l resource pl�tforms would enh�nce underst�nding of e�rthqu�ke s�fety �nd w�ys to reduce risk. These c�mp�igns should be designed with �ccessibility in mind, ensuring th�t vulner�ble groups �re effectively re�ched �nd supported, �nd th�t visitors, tourists, �nd newcomers, who m�y be unf�mili�r with loc�l risks �nd s�fety protocols, �re �lso considered. Enh�ncing EWSs �nd investig�ting the fe�sibility of �n e�rthqu�ke e�rly w�rning (EEW) system could potenti�lly le�d to implement�tion of critic�l s�fety me�sures to mitig�te losses before the e�rthqu�ke ground sh�king st�rts. 7. Strengthen public �dministr�tion c�p�city for emergency response �nd civil society eng�gement. Consolid�ting the 2� ZENON response pl�ns �nd est�blishing � form�l mech�nism for their regul�r upd�tes �nd the incorpor�tion of lessons le�rned would enh�nce their relev�nce �nd improve coordin�tion during dis�sters. Integr�tion of the "TRIPOS” Pl�n into Cyprus’s N�tion�l DRR Str�tegy �nd oper�tion�l emergency pl�ns would �lso ensure th�t the needs of persons with dis�bilities �re �ddressed consistently �cross �ll dis�ster scen�rios, including e�rthqu�kes. Improving priv�te sector �nd public p�rticip�tion in drills �nd emergency response exercises would �lso enh�nce bro�der prep�redness in c�se of �n e�rthqu�ke. Given its geogr�phic�l loc�tion in the e�stern Mediterr�ne�n, Cyprus is well positioned to become � hub for UCPM in the southe�stern Mediterr�ne�n �nd m�ke bil�ter�l �greements with neighboring countries in the Middle E�st, which would improve Cyprus's DRM c�p�city �nd region�l cooper�tion. 8. Upd�te recovery legisl�tion �nd improve c�p�city. Cre�ting � multi-h�z�rd recovery fr�mework with BBB principles for resilient reconstruction, design�ting coordin�ting �uthorities, �nd stre�mlining �dministr�tive processes would help recovery �fter disruptive events, including e�rthqu�kes. In �ddition, strengthening cooper�tion �mong v�rious st�keholders, including government bodies, �c�demic institutions, profession�l societies, �nd volunteer org�niz�tions, c�n stre�mline e�rthqu�ke response �nd recovery efforts. 13 �. Est�blish � dis�ster risk fin�ncing (DRF) �nd insur�nce str�tegy �nd introduce �n �d�ptive soci�l protection (ASP) system . Post-dis�ster fin�ncing �t �ll levels (government, businesses, individu�ls), considering diverse needs �nd soci�l vulner�bility, is critic�l to �n equit�ble �nd efficient recovery. Developing � multi-h�z�rd dis�ster fin�ncing str�tegy for Cyprus, contingent fin�ncing solutions, �nd incre�sing e�rthqu�ke insur�nce upt�ke becomes p�r�mount to �void overreli�nce on extern�l funding. This includes integr�ting soci�l protection with DRM �nd clim�te �d�pt�tion to provide flexible, sc�l�ble support for vulner�ble households. Introducing �n ASP system th�t builds on the existing soci�l protection system could enh�nce inclusion �nd improve support for vulner�ble popul�tions �fter �n e�rthqu�ke. �0. Foster public-priv�te p�rtnerships (PPPs), business continuity pl�nning , �nd incentive progr�ms. Strengthen �lli�nces between public �uthorities, priv�te entities—including insurers—�nd civil society to foster innov�tive fin�ncing, risk-sh�ring mech�nisms, �nd comprehensive e�rthqu�ke prep�redness �nd risk reduction. This includes supporting sm�ll businesses through business continuity pl�nning, such �s toolkits for scen�rio-b�sed pl�nning, while eng�ging l�rger corpor�tions vi� their corpor�te soci�l responsibility initi�tives �nd investments into business continuity �nd enh�nced resilience. Given th�t tourism is � critic�l industry for Cyprus �nd is concentr�ted �long the e�rthqu�ke-prone southern co�st, involving the Ministry of Tourism �nd hotel �ssoci�tions in civil protection pl�nning is essenti�l. Developing prep�redness pl�ns for tourism-dependent SMEs �nd est�blishing systems to keep tourists informed in c�se of �n e�rthqu�ke or other dis�ster events could help reduce dis�ster risk in the sector. 14 INTRODUCTION This report is part of a series aimed at improving the understanding of the needs and priorities for disaster resilience investments in relation to two disaster risks: wildfires and earthquakes. The broader objective is to provide actionable insights and recommendations to help the European Union (EU) and its Member States make informed, strategic investments to enhance resilience against wildfires and earthquakes. This report focuses on earthquakes and describes current risk trends, risk management capacity, investment needs, and recommended approaches for Cyprus. To provide further perspectives, this note is complemented by two other country-specific case studies for Croatia and Romania as well as an EU-wide policy note on earthquake risk management overview based on existing information and data gathered across EU Member States.6 This report provides a rapid, high-level overview based on existing information and data. Consultations with key national and EU organizations as well as researchers have been conducted to improve understanding of key areas listed above. The note can serve to inform policy dialogue and future research. The analysis is structured following the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Peer Review Assessment Framework.7 The approach considers six key disaster risk management (DRM) elements, with a targeted focus on earthquake risk: 6 Overseas Countries and Territories are not considered. 7 Mysiak, Casartelli, Torresan. 2021. 15 �. 5. Govern�nce of risk m�n�gement E�rthqu�ke prep�redness �nd considers the over�ll govern�nce emergency response focuses on �ctions fr�mework for e�rthqu�ke risk t�ken in the immedi�te �fterm�th to d�ys m�n�gement, including dedic�ted str�tegies, or weeks �fter �n event, �s well �s �ctivities th�t institution�l fr�meworks, coordin�tion mech�nisms, bolster th�t c�p�city. �nd fin�ncing str�tegies. �. Recovery, reconstruction, �nd 2. Underst�nding risk ex�mines the post-dis�ster fin�ncing covers the identific�tion, �n�lysis, ev�lu�tion, processes �nd �ctions t�ken �fter � communic�tion, �nd c�p�cities dis�ster event, including d�m�ge �ssessment, �ssoci�ted with �ssessing e�rthqu�ke risks. restor�tion efforts, �nd recovery pl�nning. �. 7. Risk prevention, reduction, �nd Cross-cutting topics: soci�l resilience mitig�tion explores legisl�tive reforms, �nd inclusion explores �ppro�ches to development �nd enforcement of building �ddress the disproportion�te imp�ct of codes, �nd integr�tion of h�z�rd consider�tions into dis�sters on vulner�ble popul�tions, with speci�l l�nd pl�nning documents, �s well �s retrofitting focus on people with dis�bilities. Me�nwhile, priv�te efforts �nd �dministr�tive c�p�cities rel�ted to risk sector covers relev�nt st�keholders’ involvement in prevention. the context of e�rthqu�ke risk m�n�gement, including building owners �nd property m�n�gers, �. E�rly w�rning �nd public �w�reness insur�nce comp�nies, business owners, utility ex�mines the processes �nd e�rly providers, construction �nd engineering firms, but w�rning systems (EWSs), including the �lso civil society org�niz�tions, �nd so on. potenti�l for e�rthqu�ke e�rly w�rning (EEW), �s well �s public �w�reness c�mp�igns th�t en�ble protective �ctions to be t�ken from such systems. 16 EARTHQUAKE RISK OVERVIEW This chapter provides a brief overview of earthquake risk trends in Cyprus. It draws on available data and information and focuses on the tectonic regime and hazard, drivers of risk, and exposure across sectors while also highlighting locations with high concentrations of risk. It offers a comparison of seismic risk to other EU countries and provides insights into and estimates of expected future risk trends. 17 EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS AND providing an up-to-date seismic hazard assessment SECONDARY PERILS for the Euro-Mediterranean region, including Cyprus. Both hazard assessments confirm that Cyprus is a seismically active country, with a southern Cyprus experiences high seismic hazard, history of destructive earthquakes and potential comparable to the levels found in Greece and Italy. for significant events in the future. It is situated at the boundary between the Eurasian, Arabian, and Seismic risk across Cyprus's four major cities African tectonic plates, within a complex tectonic varies, driven by factors such as building stock setting. The Anatolian subplate, which includes vulnerability and seismic activity. Limassol, the Cyprus, is being pushed westward due to the second largest city by population, faces the highest north-northeastward movement of the African plate seismic risk on the island, primarily due to its relative to the Eurasian plate, and the faster north- location near active seismic zones. The city's high ward movement of the Arabian plate.8 The Cyprus concentration of buildings, especially older rein- Arc, which forms the boundary accommodating forced concrete (RC) structures without seismic movement between the African and Anatolian design, makes it particularly vulnerable. Limassol subplates, is relatively less active than neighboring has the highest expected monetary loss in the event fault systems such as the Hellenic Arc, Dead Sea of a seismic disaster, with losses concentrated in Fault, and East Anatolian Fault, though it is still the areas densely populated with vulnerable building source of shallow earthquakes. types. An evaluation of a 475-year 9 magnitude Mw7.7 scenario triggered by the activation of a fault Based on national and European-wide seismic in the vicinity of Limassol estimates €1.6 billion in hazard assessments, Cyprus is classified as a monetary losses, 310–700 casualties,10 and around high-hazard seismic area, with the highest risk 12,000 potentially long-term displaced residents in concentrated in the southern part of the island. In Limassol city and its surroundings.11 2018, as part of the National Risk Assessment (NRA) of the Republic of Cyprus, a probabilistic seismic Paphos, the fourth most populous city, is highly hazard assessment, the modern standard for vulnerable to earthquake risk because it is located evaluating earthquake hazards, was conducted close to several active seismogenic faults, notably using the 2013 Euro-Mediterranean Seismic Hazard the Paphos fault. Historical records highlight Model (ESHM13), using the OpenQuake engine, an significant earthquakes affecting the city, such as open-source tool developed by the Global Earth- the 1996 Mw6.8 earthquake. The risk of structural quake Model (GEM) Figure 1. In 2020, the European damage in Paphos is considerable, especially in Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM20) was updated, older buildings constructed without seismic 8 Papazachos B.C. and Papaioannou C.A. 1999. ‘Lithospheric boundaries and plate motions in the Cyprus area.’ Tectonophysics, 308:193–204. Link 9 A 475-year return period corresponds to an earthquake that has about a 10 percent chance to occur over a 50-year span—roughly a standard building lifetime. In earthquake risk analysis, it represents a key design-level event that guides building codes and resilience planning. 10 Kazantzidou-Firtinidou, D., N. Kyriakides, R. Votsis, and C. Z. Chrysostomou. 2022. ‘Seismic Risk Assessment as Part of the National Risk Assessment for the Republic of Cyprus: From Probabilistic to Scenario-Based Approach.’ Natural Hazards 112 (1): 665–695. Link. 11 Cyprus Civil Defence 2018. Figure 1. PGA distribution for Cyprus (left 475-year and right 2,500-year event) Source: Kazantzidou-Firtinidou, D., N. Kyriakides, R. Votsis, and C. Z. Chrysostomou. 2022. "Seismic Risk Assessment as Part of the National Risk Assessment for the Republic of Cyprus: From Probabilistic to Scenario-Based Approach." Natural Hazards 112 (1): 665–695. Note: PGA distribution for left: T = 475y and right: T = 2500y according to the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment. EARTHQUAKE RISK OVERVIEW considerations. Under a high-magnitude scenario ments should not be ignored.13 A notable historic occurring near Paphos (return period of 2,500 event was the 1222 Paphos earthquake on the years), the city could experience significant destruc- Cyprus Arc that generated a tsunami causing tion, both in terms of infrastructure (€645 million in flooding of the coastal areas in Paphos and Limas- losses) and hundreds of human casualties.12 sol. A recent model of the 1222 tsunami scenario showed maximum wave heights of 4.02 m in Kouklia, Nicosia, the capital and most populous city, is less 2.85 m in Paphos, 2.58 m in Episkopi, and 2.06 m in exposed to seismic hazards compared to other Peyia, indicating that southern coastal areas of major cities like Limassol and Paphos due to its Cyprus are par ticularly vulnerable to tsunami distance from seismic sources. However, the city impacts.14 Considering a 2,475-year return period still faces moderate seismic risk, primarily because event, with a 2 percent probability of exceedance in of its high population density and the large number 50 years, some areas in Cyprus can see a mean of older masonry and RC buildings constructed inundation height above 5 m, comparable to other without modern seismic design standards. In the areas in the Mediterranean, such as the coasts of event of a significant earthquake, these older Libya, Egypt, and Greece.15 structures are particularly vulnerable to damage. While the overall expected economic losses are lower Landslides and other slope instabilities in Cyprus than those in Limassol, Nicosia's vulnerability lies in occur primarily in hilly and mountainous areas, its dense urban population, which could lead to high where steep topography and weak geological human impact during seismic events, including conditions often trigger hazardous events. The injuries and displacement. most significant landslides affecting the built environment are concentrated in the mountainous Larnaca, the third largest city by population, faces and hilly regions of Paphos and Limassol. In some moderate seismic risk, with its location along the cases—such as Choletria, Ayios Photios, Statos, southern coast contributing to its exposure to Fasoula, Phinikas, Korfi, Kivides, and Pentalia—the seismic activity. While the risk is not as pronounced landslides led to the abandonment and relocation of as in Limassol or Paphos, Larnaca still has a sub- entire villages under the guidance of the Cyprus stantial number of vulnerable older buildings, Geological Survey Department (CGSD).16 To monitor particularly in its urban center. and assess these risks, the CGSD has developed a geographic information system (GIS)-based land- Earthquakes result in ground shaking that can slide database for Paphos, which includes detailed damage buildings and infrastructure but may also landslide mapping, terrain classification, suscepti- trigger secondary perils such as tsunamis, land- bility assessments, and indicative ‘risk’ maps. slides, and liquefaction, which often exacerbate damage and loss. The tsunami risk in Cyprus stems from its proximity to significant seismic zones in the Mediterranean, specifically near the Hellenic and Cyprus arcs. These zones are capable of producing earth- quake-induced tsunamis that can affect the island. The overall tsunami potential in Cyprus and the surrounding region is considered low compared to other Mediterranean areas, but the destructiveness of historical tsunamis indicates that hazard assess- 12 Kazantzidou-Firtinidou et al. 2022. 13 Fokaefs, A., and G. A. Papadopoulos. 2007. "Tsunami Hazard in the Eastern Mediterranean: Strong Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Cyprus and the Levantine Sea." Natural Hazards 40: 503–526. Link. 14 Ulutaş E. 2020. “The May 11 Paphos, Cyprus, earthquake: implications for stress regime and tsunami modelling for the Eastern Mediterranean shorelines.” Arab Journal of Geosciences 13:970. Link. 15 Basili, Roberto, et al. 2021. “The Making of the NEAM Tsunami Hazard Model 2018 (NEAMTHM18).” Frontiers in Earth Science 8: 616594. Link. 16 Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus. n.d. Developments in Cyprus and their Conse- quences on the Built Environment. Link. 19 EARTHQUAKE RISK OVERVIEW IMPACTS FROM PAST EARTHQUAKES were lightly damaged, including 1300 in Paphos district, 1500 in Limassol district, 30 in Larnaka Historical records in Cyprus show that the island district and 400 in Nicosia district.17 In 1999, another has experienced at least 16 significant destructive earthquake with a magnitude of Mw5.6 struck near earthquakes in the past 200 years, with most large Limassol, resulting in 40 injuries. More recently, in events occurring in the southern part of the island 2015, an Mw5.8 earthquake significantly affected the (see Figure 2), affecting areas like Paphos, Limassol, districts of Paphos and Limassol, causing substantial and Famagusta. Major earthquakes include events content damage and shaking the area violently. in 342 (Mw7.4), 1785 (Mw7.1), and the deadly 1953 earthquake (M w 6.3), which caused significant damage across 158 villages, 165 injuries and 40 fatalities. In the recent past, there were three notable earthquake events in Cyprus in 1996, 1999, and 2015. In 1996, an earthquake with a magnitude of M w6.8 occurred offshore to the southwest of the island, causing violent shaking that was felt across Cyprus, leading to 20 injuries and two fatalities, while regarding buildings damages, 1060 buildings were heavily damaged (500 in Paphos district, 500 in Limassol district, 10 in Larnaka district and 50 in Nicosia district), 3141 buildings were moderately damaged (1300 in Paphos district, 1500 in Limassol district, 90 in Larnaka district, 250 in Nicosia district and 1 n Famagussta district), and 5400 buildings 17 Solomi K, Stavrakakis G, Kalogeras I. 1999. “The October 9, 1996 earthquake in Cyprus: seismological, macroseismic and strong motion data.” Annals of Geophysics, 42(1). Link. Figure 2. Seismic activity in Cyprus between 1896 and 2018 Source: Kazantzidou-Firtinidou et al. 2022. Based on CGSD 2017. 20 EARTHQUAKE RISK OVERVIEW FUTURE EARTHQUAKE RISK AND RISK In Cyprus, the vulnerability of buildings to seismic DRIVERS activity is closely linked to their construction types and the era in which they were built. The predomi- Cyprus has the highest seismic risk among all EU nant building typology in the country is low- to Member States in terms of loss relative to its mid-rise RC buildings without seismic design building stock asset value. 18 The percent of (pre-1992), which constitute 57 percent of the building stock value at risk on an annual basis (or building stock and house over half of the population average annual loss ratio19) is 0.126 percent, compa- (54 percent).22 These buildings are highly vulnera- rable to Albania, Romania, and Greece (0.126, 0.119, ble, particularly in urban centers where seismic and 0.0971 percent, respectively). This concentra- hazards are elevated. Another significant portion of tion of risk results from a combination of Cyprus’s the building stock, around 17 percent, is made of limited geographical area, high seismic activity, and masonry, mostly found in the northern part of the a large portion of the building stock built before island. These masonry structures, many of which earthquake standards. A 1-in-100-year earthquake were built before 1975, are the most vulnerable to loss could result in 7 percent gross domestic seismic events. Mudbrick and stone masonry, product (GDP) decrease and cause 7–18 percent of prevalent in rural areas, further add to the vulnera- the GDP in government liabilities.20 bility of the country’s building stock. In contrast, RC buildings constructed after the introduction of The expected M6.9 earthquake scenario (a seismic design regulations in 1992 are more resilient, 475-year return period event scenario) in the though they represent a smaller percentage of the vicinity of Limassol is projected to result in an building inventory (26 percent). It should be noted estimated €7.7 billion in losses, equating to about that these percentages are based on the 2011 31.2 percent of the island’s GDP.21 This scenario is census for the Republic of Cyprus and the 2006 expected to cause significant structural damage to census for Northern Cyprus, and that modern 25 percent of the total building stock, with roughly infrastructure and buildings developed since then 83,000 buildings reaching the ‘complete’ damage would have affected the current distribution. state. The human toll in this scenario includes approximately 730 to 1,500 injuries, with an esti- mated 100,000 people displaced. One of the key drivers of seismic vulnerability in Cyprus is the relatively old building stock, which was not designed to withstand earthquake forces due to the lack of an enforced seismic code before 1994. The seismic code in Cyprus evolved after the 1978 Thessaloniki earthquake, leading to the creation of the first guidelines for building design. In 1992, the first Cypriot Seismic design code was drafted and became mandatory in 1994. In 2012, Eurocode 8, along with its national annexes, was adopted as the standard for seismic design, replac- ing earlier codes. In Northern Cyprus, the Turkish Earthquake Code was enforced in 1999, with an update in 2007. 18 Crowley, H., J. Dabbeek, V. Despotaki, D. Rodrigues, L. Martins, V. Silva, X. Romão, N. Pereira, G. Weatherill, and L. Danciu. 2021. European Seismic Risk Model (ESRM20). Eucentre. Link; World Bank and European Commission. 2024a. Valuing Climate Adaptation Helps Us Orient Our Compass Toward Effective and Resilient Pathways: Climate Adaptation Costing in a Changing World. Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness. Link. 19 Average annual loss ratio is expected yearly loss expressed as a fraction or percentage of the total value at risk. For low-frequency, high-impact hazards like earthquakes, the this ratio often misrepresents the consequences, as the rare but severe consequences get ’averaged out’. 20 This estimate is combined with floods that make a negligible contribution from floods. 21 Cyprus Civil Defence 2018. 22 Cyprus Civil Defence 2018; Kazantzidou-Firtinidou et al. 2022. 21 22 EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT CAPACITY The following chapters provide an overview of key gaps and vulnerabilities in existing risk management systems relevant to Cyprus, along with examples of successful strategies, investments, and approaches. It draws on publicly available information (such as NRAs, government reports, and studies) as well as information gathered during consultations. Cyprus is exposed to several natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires in forests and rural areas, water scarcity, large-scale technological accidents, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and marine pollution. According to the National Risk Assessment,23 the greatest impact is caused by wildfires followed by earthquakes, with earthquakes posing the greater risk of a high-impact/lower-probability event. Considerable impacts are also caused by floods and water scarcity. As an island located away from the EU mainland, Cyprus faces additional challenges in coordinating and accessing rapid response and support mechanisms from the UCPM, which can further complicate disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. The island’s separation of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities poses a challenge for a unified DRM system. After Cyprus gained independence in 1960 from the United Kingdom, due to the tensions between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has operated on the island since 1964. The UNFICYP oversees a buffer zone that separates the internationally recognized government of Cyprus from a de facto administration in the northern third of the island, which has been under de facto division since 1974 and is recognized only by Türkiye. This creates an additional challenge for DRM as policies and interventions for cross-buffer natural hazard risks are fragmented. In 2018, the UCPM conducted a peer review of Cyprus's DRM system to evaluate its effectiveness in managing and reducing disaster risks. The review involved international experts who assessed Cyprus's policies, legal frameworks, risk assessment processes, and inter-agency coordination. The report provided a series of recommendations to strengthen Cyprus’s DRM approach, focusing on areas such as establishing a central coordinating agency, improving risk data sharing and integration, and developing a holistic, legally mandated disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy. 23 Cyprus Civil Defence. 2018.. 23 GOVERNANCE OF GENERAL CONTEXT EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT Regarding Cyprus's general DRM framework, the Minister of Interior, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, is responsible for implementing the Civil Defence Law of 199624 and related regulations and holds the overall authority and oversight of the civil defence system. The Cyprus Civil Defence (CCD) operates under the Ministry of Interior and This chapter focuses on plays a key role in DRM and response coordination within Cyprus. It is seismic risk governance, responsible for assessing risks, managing disaster response together emphasizing the with the Fire Brigade and Forestry Department, and maintaining legislative, institutional, preparedness plans for various hazards. Its activities are governed by strategic, and planning the Civil Defence Law of 1996 and its amendment in 199825 and the framework. The framework Civil Defence (General) Regulations of 199726 and its amendments describes mandates, roles, through 2017.27 The CCD is staffed by permanent personnel, volun- and responsibilities as well teers, and conscripts obligated to serve in the Cyprus Civil Defence as coordination Force. Currently, there are over 400 volunteers serving in the CCD.28 arrangements among the All DRM activities are concentrated at the central level as there are no different stakeholders, regional governments. The CCD, however, has five district administra- their policies, instruments, tion offices across the country under the General Civil Defence and investments. Administration (GEDPA)—Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta—that handle local-level implementation (see Figure 3). Other emergency services are distributed across ministries: Police and Fire Services under the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, and Medical Services under the Ministry of Health. These services are independently active across Cyprus’s five districts but collaborate under the CCD’s leadership during significant crises. If a major incident occurs, a Ministerial Committee, led by the Minister of Interior and supported by the CCD, coordinates the national response. Depending on the nature of the incident, other ministers may be assigned to lead the Ministerial Committee. During the recovery phase, various departments may take responsibility for managing resources and budgets. For example, the Technical Services of the Interior Ministry, assisted by the Public Works Department (PWD), the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber, and District Offices, handles recovery for buildings and infrastructure. For forest-related recovery, the Forest Department works alongside the Commissioner for the Environment. 24 Law 117(Ι)/96 - The Civil Defence Law of 1996. 25 Ν. 42(Ι)/98] - The Civil Defence (Amendment) Law of 1998. 26 P.I. 221/97 - The Civil Defence (General) Regulations of 1997. 27 P.I. 509/2004 - The Civil Defence (General) (Amendment) Regulations of 2004, P.I. 97/2006 - The Civil Defence (General) (Amendment) Regulations of 2006, and P.I. 61/2017 - The Civil Defence (General) (Amendment) Regulations of 2017. 28 Government of the Republic of Cyprus (GoC), Ministry of Interior. Volunteerism - General info - Application form. Link. Figure 3. Structure of the Cyprus Civil Defence Source: UCPM Peer review; based on the CCD. 24 GOVERNANCE OF EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT Cyprus’s national DRM framework is structured CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS around the main national plan ZENON , which is composed of 26 special national thematic plans.29 Earthquake risk in Cyprus is managed under a The ZENON master plan, addressing natural and broader DRM framework and is a shared responsi- man-made disasters, is approved by the Council of bility. Within this framework, the CCD coordinates Ministers, with thematic plans endorsed by the closely with other government departments and relevant ministries. These plans cover prepared- international partners to ensure readiness, conduct ness, response, and, to some extent, recovery, training exercises, and manage communication with involving both governmental and non-governmental the public during crises. The organization also aids public organizations. The CCD plays a central role in in national planning efforts under the ZENON risk assessments, response planning, and coordina- master plan, ensuring a unified response to tion across departments. Each ministry and agency emergencies across different government sectors. prepare internal plans aligned with the national It serves as the national contact for the UCPM, framework, while district offices and local authori- facilitating international cooperation during emer- ties develop operational procedures to fulfill their gencies. responsibilities during emergencies or support other districts. Departmental responsibilities are guided The CCD is responsible for preparing the NRA for by laws, secondary legislation, and budgets aligned the Republic of Cyprus, which includes earth- with their strategic goals. A full list of ZENON plans quake risk, and the National DRR Strategy, both is available in Annex 2. requiring approval by the Council of Ministers. The NRA, including exposure and vulnerability analysis, Cyprus has developed the National Disaster Risk along with capacity assessment studies, is con- Reduction (DRR) Strategy of Cyprus ducted every three years. Additionally, risk (2023–2030)30 that provides a unified framework assessments for climate-related risks, focusing on to coordinate disaster risk management across all the time frames of 2050 and 2080, are carried out sectors and levels of government. Aligned with the by the Department of Environment in collaboration Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and with the CCD. The responsibilities for earthquake UCPM provisions, it covers a wide range of hazards, risk management are not prescribed by a single including earthquake, climate, and technological piece of legislation, with Table 1 showing responsi- risks. The strategy sets out quantitative criteria for bilities based on available information. risk-based classification of critical infrastructure, which include the number of affected people, the The most comprehensive of the 26 ZENON plans is total area of influence, duration of service outage, ENGELADOS, which focuses on managing the number of fatalities, and property damage. It also response to a major earthquake. The implementa- outlines nine priority measures: updated national risk tion of this plan involves extensive cooperation assessments; revision of the “ZENON” emergency across 50 governmental departments, public law plan; creation of a national disaster loss database; organizations, and non-governmental organizations strengthening of public–private cooperation; (NGOs), such as the Red Cross and the Association protection and resilience of critical infrastructure; of Civil Engineers. These entities are kept informed capacity-building in disaster risk management; about national risk assessments and are directly or modernization of early warning systems; creation of indirectly engaged in planning processes. Depart- a national DRR coordination platform; and integra- ments involved must develop internal operating tion of DRR with climate change adaptation procedures to ensure readiness when a plan is policies. activated. Regular capability assessments and updates ensure that the plans remain effective and responsive to evolving risks. Plans under the jurisdiction of the CCD are tested by exercises at the national and district levels, alternating between field and tabletop exercises.31 The CCD has recently initiated a process to evaluate all volunteer organi- zations operating under the umbrella of the Pancyprian Volunteer Organisations,32 with the aim of formally registering them and establishing cooperation where relevant. 29 GoC, Ministry of Interior. 2020. Report on Disaster Risk Management in the Republic of Cyprus. Link. 30 Government of the Republic of Cyprus. 2023. National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023-2030. 31 Office of the Citizen Commissioner. Link. 32 Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council. Members. Link. 25 GOVERNANCE OF EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT Table 1. Key stakeholders and their responsibilities for earthquake risk Source: Based on information collected from multiple sources. Risk Risk Risk Emergency Agency Recovery Funding assessment prevention preparedness response CCD X X X X CGSD X X Joint Rescue Coordination Center X (JRCC) Police and Fire Service X District Administrations X Directorate of Technical Services X of the Ministry of Interior33 Displaced People Care and Rehabilitation Service of the X X Ministry of Interior PWD X Health Ministry Services X X Cyprus Scientific and Technical X X X X Chamber (ETEK) Cyprus University of Technology X National Centre for Scientific X Research Demokritos Oceanography Centre X CERIDES: Centre for Risk and Decision Sciences, European X University of Cyprus Cyprus Red Cross Society X X Support CY network X X Other Volunteer Organizations34 X X 33 Ministry of Interior, Cyprus. Directorate of Technical Services Link. 34 Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council. Pancyprian Voluntary Organizations/NGOs Link. GOVERNANCE OF EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT The first Cyprus building code for seismic resis- private sector. In addition, interviews have been tance of buildings was introduced in 1992,35 and conducted with senior civil protection officials from since 2012, Cyprus has adopted Eurocode 8 as the Israel, France, and Italy, and a study visit to France required standard for all structural and seismic has taken place. design, creating a uniform approach to earth- quake-resistant construction .36 The first local Seismic Zone Map was issued in 1986, while in 1992, KEY CHALLENGES the Cypriot Seismic Code was introduced, initially as an option, before it became mandatory in 1994.37 Despite the comprehensive scope of the National The model seismic zonation map, developed by the DRR Strategy, it is at an early stage of implementa- CGSD and last updated in 2004, is part of the tion, and many provisions are not yet operational. National Annex of Eurocode 8 and guides the seismic Gaps remain in the establishment of a legally design requirements for buildings in Cyprus. mandated central DRM authority, the roll-out of a fully integrated multi-hazard early warning system, The ongoing project ‘Reforming, developing and the development of a standardized disaster loss enhancing the civil protection system in Cyprus’, database, and the completion of comprehensive funded by the Technical Support Instrument of the vulnerability assessments of the building stock. European Commission, coordinated by the Implementation of the strategy's key priorities Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support requires further planning, including designation of (DG REFORM), and implemented by Expertise responsible authorities and institutions. France, 38 will introduce substantial changes to Cyprus's DRM system. This is a two-year project, There is a lack of legally mandated authority set to end in 2026. It aims to support the transition responsible for coordinating DRM across all levels of CCD into a modern Civil Protection Authority of government and sectors. Currently, no single capable of addressing both current and future agency is legally mandated to oversee and harmo- challenges. The project includes a wide range of nize DRM efforts, resulting in fragmented activities: the formation of a new civil protection responsibilities and potential overlaps among structure to be adopted by law, along with the agencies. Furthermore, clear legislative mandates organization of simulation exercises to test this are lacking, making it difficult to assign DRM roles structure; the identification of good practices across and responsibilities across agencies systematically, key aspects of DRR and DRM; and the facilitation of thereby hindering the country's capacity to conduct bilateral cooperation with donor countries, France comprehensive DRM. These challenges are being and Greece, which are implementing similar projects. addressed by CCD through work with Expertise Gap and needs analyses as well as the identification France on introducing a new legislative framework of critical entities in accordance with Directive and a single overarching authority. 2022/2557 and recent clarifications and recommen- dations from the European Commission are also included. The project supports the main pillars KEY OPPORTUNITIES needed for a strong and effective civil protection system in Cyprus and complements other initiatives Updating and refining Cyprus’s DRM legislative such as the acquisition of modern equipment and system provides an opportunity to establish a the creation of a new training center. To date, a set robust legal foundation that supports proactive of recommendations covering various thematic approaches to DRM. The current legislative frame- areas has been provided to the CCD, along with a work would benefit from an analysis to identify areas comprehensive collection of international good where it could better suppor t risk reduction, practices addressing key priorities of civil protec- preparedness, and resilience efforts. This analysis tion—from collaboration with volunteer should address existing gaps, overlaps, or ambigui- organizations to sheltering partnerships with the 35 Cyprus Civil Engineers and Architects Association. 1992. Seismic Code for Reinforced Concrete Structures in Cyprus. Committee for Earthquake Engineering Cyprus Civil Engineers and Architects Association. 36 Kazantzidou-Firtinidou et al. 2022. 37 Georgiou, A., Georgiou, M., Ioannou, I. 2022. “Seismic assessment of historic concrete structures: The case of Pedieos Post Office in Nicosia, Cyprus.” Developments in the Built Environment, 10:100071. Link. 38 European Commission. n.d. Reform Support: Cyprus Technical Support Instrument- Country Factsheet. Link. 27 GOVERNANCE OF EARTHQUAKE RISK MANAGEMENT ties in responsibilities among agencies involved in The National DRR Strategy offers an opportunity to disaster management. Enhanced legislative clarity systematically embed risk reduction into national would also improve resource allocation, establish policies and to strengthen coordination, interoper- performance monitoring, and ensure that laws ability, and resource mobilization. Accelerating the governing disaster management are adaptable to implementation of its nine priority measures would evolving risks and challenges. enhance Cyprus’s resilience to earthquakes and other hazards. The creation of a national DRR The designation of a central DRM coordinating coordination platform could improve multi-sectoral authority would allow for a more integrated and engagement, while the integration of DRR into streamlined approach to DRM in Cyprus. Such an climate adaptation strategies can ensure long-term, authority would oversee DRM activities; coordinate risk-informed development. Accompanying the among government agencies; and foster partner- strategy with specific implementation and invest- ships with the private sector, NGOs, and ment plans would facilitate long-term financing, communities. This entity would enable a systematic, ensuring resources are dedicated to seismic risk whole-of-government approach to DRR, with clearly mitigation, infrastructure reinforcement, and public defined roles and responsibilities to prevent overlaps education. and gaps. Centralized leadership would enhance accountability, improve response coordination, and support a coherent national approach to disaster resilience. 28 UNDERSTANDING GENERAL CONTEXT EARTHQUAKE RISK AND USE OF RISK DATA The NRA of the Republic of Cyprus is carried out and coordinated by the CCD every three years in compliance with Decision No. 1313/2013/EU and is included in the CCD’s budget. As of 2024, there are three publicly available reports on the CCD’s website39 for 2016, 2018, and 2020, with the 2018 report being the most comprehensive This chapter focuses on risk assessment. In 2018, the risk assessment methodology was the current understanding applied to nine hazards: earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires in forests of earthquake risks in and rural areas, water scarcity, large-scale technological accidents, sea Cyprus, informed by level rise, coastal erosion, and marine pollution. The main conclusion various sources of data regarding hazard impacts is that wildfires cause the greatest impact, and analysis, research and followed by earthquakes, while floods and water scarcity also lead to innovation, NRAs, and considerable impacts. During the process of NRA development, the other risk evaluations. CCD contracted a consor tium led by the Cyprus University of Earthquake risk is the Technology to study natural and anthropogenic risks, with the combination of seismic Department of Environment providing relevant information. The results hazard (for example, the are expected to aid decision-making and climate change adaptation. frequency of earthquake occurrence, the strength of ground shaking given an CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS earthquake), exposure (for example, the number of The NRA includes earthquakes and tsunamis as two of the nine people exposed, the value analyzed risks. The NRA earthquake risk assessment for Cyprus of assets exposed), and incorporated probabilistic and scenario-based analyses using the vulnerability (for example, OpenQuake software, focusing on potential structural and economic the susceptibility of assets losses. The assessment developed loss exceedance curves for to damage, the ability of various return periods and calculated annualized losses for the country populations to cope with and its main cities, incorporating data on the exposure and vulnerability earthquake effects). of building typologies. Additionally, casualty and displacement models were applied to estimate the human impact of earthquake scenarios, which can be used to inform planning for evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and resource allocation. According to the NRA, the risk of earthquakes is high for Cyprus, with hazard levels comparable to those found in Greece and Italy. The areas projected to suffer the most damage are Paphos and Limassol. Cyprus generally has a lower tsunami hazard potential compared to other Mediterranean regions. The main tsunamigenic sources that could affect Cyprus include the Cyprus Arc, the eastern Hellenic Arc, and the Dead Sea Fault System. According to the NRA, tsunamis in Cyprus may be triggered by strong, shallow local earthquakes along the Cyprus Arc, particularly near Paphos, where seismic activity is higher; submarine landslides near the Levantine coast, likely caused by earthquakes along the Dead Sea Fault System; and regional strong earthquakes originating in the eastern Hellenic Arc. Historical records, such as the 1222 local event and remote events from the Hellenic Arc like those in 1303 and 1481, along with geomorphological evidence of past tsunami activity, underscore the need for thorough risk assess- ment. Thus, there is a need to further investigate tsunami risk to enhance preparedness across Cyprus. The CGSD is a government agency responsible for all geo-related matters, including monitoring seismicity in Cyprus, and is the state adviser on this matter. Specifically, it is the competent state agency for conducting surveys and studies, as well as providing advice on geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical, mineralogical, geophysical, seismological, and geo-environmental issues. The CGSD is governed 39 GoC, Ministry of Interior. Reports. Link. 29 by the Law for Geological Surveys of 2013,40 which the Limassol district . Additionally, a GIS-based outlines the competences of the CGSD and governs landslide database for the Paphos district has been issues related to the conduct of geological surveys created as part of the CGSD's research and studies. and the use of government drillings. The CGSD These maps are used by state departments and local maintains a network of seismic monitoring, including authorities as a tool for planning, building permits, a network of accelerometers and related facilities at and more appropriate urban design. The landslide two independent Seismological Centers. The CGSD database resulted from a comprehensive study is also responsible for the maintenance and archiv- conducted in the Paphos district, which included ing of seismic and macroseismic data from identifying and mapping various types of landslides, historical earthquakes. In the event of an earth- compiling a map of the geographical distribution of quake, the CGSD informs the public with landslides, and preparing maps of terrain classifica- announcements and updates on the Department's tion, landslide susceptibility, and indicative landslide website. The CGSD also issues information leaflets, risk. reports, studies, and articles on the seismic activity of Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean The seismic safety of older construction in Cyprus region. The CGSD has also carried out seismic is a concern, as a large part of the building stock microzonation studies to determine the local soil was constructed before modern seismic design effects on earthquake risk. standards. A seismic rapid visual screening (RVS) assessment conducted in public buildings showed Cyprus has strong knowledge and capacity to that many buildings need further investigation and implement earthquake risk assessments within its possible upgrading (see Risk Prevention chapter). research institutions , which have produced Moreover, many buildings, including residential and multiple studies on earthquake risk in the country. business structures, are potentially vulnerable, as The 2018 NRA employs a probabilistic seismic risk the majority of the buildings in Cyprus were rapidly assessment methodology to quantify the risk in constructed after 1974 and are of low-quality buildings, in line with global best practices. Cyprus construction and design.42 University of Technology, the Center for Risk and Decision Sciences of European University of Cyprus (CERIDES), and the National Centre for Scientific KEY CHALLENGES Research Demokritos are among the research institutions involved in the NRA. Although the CCD coordinated the NRA process and the CGSD was involved, neither agency is There have been considerable advancements in legally mandated to oversee this crucial function. local tsunami risk understanding and awareness. Without a central authority or a defined legal In 2016, the CGSD established the Cyprus National framework to lead and manage the NRA, coordina- Committee of the Tsunami Early Warning System in tion among departments remains informal and the Mediterranean and North Atlantic to help inconsistent. This lack of formal authority hinders coordinate tsunami early warning alerts to be the establishment of a standardized risk assess- delivered to the Civil Defence Department. 41 In ment methodology and limits the capacity for addition, as part of the CoastWAVE project, Larnaca integrating comprehensive DRR strategies across City is aiming to achieve the United Nations agencies, potentially weakening Cyprus’s resilience Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization planning efforts. (UNESCO)'s Tsunami Ready recognition through participatory planning. The initiative includes Cyprus has developed robust technical expertise developing inundation maps, evacuation plans, and and capacity for seismic risk assessment, but public awareness programs, with key workshops and there are notable gaps in how assessment results international expertise guiding local stakeholders in are communicated and shared across institutions. defining risk areas and evacuation strategies, The absence of a centralized platform or mechanism making Larnaca a regional leader in tsunami pre- for effective dissemination limits the integration of paredness. these insights into broader planning and DRR strategies. Consequently, key findings from seismic Regarding landslide risk, the CGSD, in collabora- risk assessments are not consistently factored into tion with foreign agencies, has developed urban planning, infrastructure resilience, or commu- preliminary hazard zonation maps focusing on nity preparedness measures, reducing the overall landslides. These maps cover many mountainous impact of Cyprus’s risk assessment efforts. and hilly villages in the Paphos district and parts of 40 Law N. 140(1)/2013. Link. 41 Philenews. November 5, 2022. “World Tsunami Awareness Day: Risk of one occurring in Cyprus is real“. Link. 42 Kazantzidou-Firtinidou et al. 2022. 30 UNDERSTANDING EARTHQUAKE RISK AND USE OF RISK DATA W hile t he 2018 N R A used state-of - the - art causing liquefaction phenomena on the island, methodology, there is an opportunity to update and historical records show that most parts of Cyprus improve it with recent hazard and exposure data. are vulnerable to liquefaction.43 The earthquake risk assessment is based on the 2013 European Seismic Hazard Model and could be Currently, Cyprus lacks an interactive GIS web updated with the recent ESHM20, which incorpo- platform for publicly accessible hazard and risk rates refined earthquake catalogues, harmonized information. The results of the NRA are available tectonic zonation, and updated active fault only in PDF report format on the CCD website, datasets, providing a more accurate and compre- limiting accessibility and usability. Additionally, hensive understanding of seismic risks in Europe. there is no comprehensive, centralized database on The risk assessment also used building stock data building information that could facilitate seismic risk and population information from the 2011 Population assessment. Census of Cyprus and a GIS-based building database provided by the Department of Lands and Surveys. Data were structured in a 1×1 km grid KEY OPPORTUNITIES across the island, detailing building types and population distribution per grid cell, with building A legal framework for the risk assessment process classifications based on the European Building could be a significant step in institutionalizing the Taxonomy from the RiskUE project. However, the process and ensuring implementation of the study lacks specific detail on masonry types, which outcomes. This would ensure that earthquake NRA are vulnerable to earthquakes, and does not thor- results are incorporated into urban planning and oughly analyze mid-rise buildings due to limited government continuity plans. It could also facilitate data. the sharing of earthquake risk assessment results across agencies and improve the capacity for The NRA does not include an earthquake risk developing risk reduction programs and prioritiza- assessment of critical entities, distributed net- tion. works, or cascading effects , and it is unclear whether such assessments have been conducted. Establishing a disaster damage and loss assess- This is especially relevant for infrastructure essential ment methodology and data collection system. for post-disaster emergency response, including Creating a legal framework and a centralized healthcare systems, emergency response buildings, database for disaster data collection presents an shelters, and other vital facilities. An example is the opportunity to strengthen inter-ministerial collabo- aging existing dams, for which seismic risk has not ration and consistency across data. By aligning all been assessed, and whose failure following a major relevant stakeholders—including Civil Defence, the earthquake could result in devastating conse- Statistical Service, and other public authorities—un- quences. Additionally, there is no assessment of key der a single methodology, Cyprus can achieve more distributed networks, such as road infrastructure accurate, timely insights for evidence-based and gas pipeline systems, or assessment of cascad- decision-making and resilience planning. ing effects and failures, which is critical due to the geographical isolation of Cyprus. Strengthening the NRA with the latest hazard modeling, refined infrastructure data, and social There is limited risk information and understanding vulnerability indicators can support multiple of earthquake-triggered secondary perils in earthquake preparedness efforts. Integrating Cyprus, including landslides, liquefaction, and recent hazard models (for example, ESHM20), tsunami risk modeling. While work has been done refined building and infrastructure data, and social in the Paphos district and parts of the Limassol demographics and vulnerability into the NRA is a key district, there is a need for landslide hazard maps opportunity. This would allow for a more accurate, and a database for the other districts of Cyprus to holistic evaluation of earthquake risk, extending be used for proper urban planning and building analyses to critical entities and distributed systems design. Additionally, liquefaction and tsunami risk for comprehensive coverage. assessments need to be conducted for Cyprus. Although there has been no recent seismic activity 43 Selcukhan, O., and A. Ekinci. 2023. "Assessment of Liquefaction Hazard and Mapping Based on Standard Penetration Tests in the Long Beach and Tuzla Regions of Cyprus." Infrastructures 8: 99. Link. 31 UNDERSTANDING EARTHQUAKE RISK AND USE OF RISK DATA Understanding the resilience of critical entities and Expanding studies for tsunami hazard and risk can their interdependencies would enhance effective support evacuation planning, preparedness, and disaster preparedness and response. A study of awareness efforts. Building on existing historical the cascading effects that could occur if a series of analyses and aligning with advanced tsunami critical entities were to partially or completely lose modeling such as the Global Tsunami Model would functionality during a strong earthquake could help yield more extensive risk assessments and inform fill the current gap. The insular nature of Cyprus, evacuation and preparedness plans. By enhancing combined with the interdependencies among critical local and national preparedness measures, Cyprus entities, a vulnerable supply chain, and a complex could strengthen coastal communities’ resilience geopolitical environment, highlights the urgency of and better integrate tsunami readiness into broader such an analysis. Understanding these interdepen- disaster planning. dencies should be prioritized to invest strategically in enhancing system-wide stability and ensuring the Expanding landslide and other secondary earth- continuity of essential services in the event of a quake-induced hazard risk assessments for all major seismic event. districts of Cyprus would support proper urban planning and building design. Conducting landslide An interactive web platform with GIS capabilities susceptibility assessments for all districts and could make risk assessment results more accessi- systematically examining liquefaction risks would ble across institutions and to the public. facilitate safer urban planning and building design. Establishing a publicly accessible platform for risk This focus on secondary hazards, supported by data with GIS capabilities would enhance trans- microzonation studies, would enable proactive parency and collaboration across institutions and the mitigation strategies and reduce long-term disaster public. This platform could consolidate risk data from impacts. various agencies and the NRA, promoting more efficient planning, resource allocation, and commu- nity awareness of earthquake hazards. 32 EARTHQUAKE RISK GENERAL CONTEXT PREVENTION, REDUCTION, AND For climate-change-related risk reduction and adaptation measures, MITIGATION various governmental departments participate in the Monitoring Committee, created in line with the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction requirements, coordinated by the CCD. The Department of Environment 44 collaborates with the CCD on disaster risk assessment and reduction, including measures to This chapter focuses on anticipate and adapt to climate change. In the Ministry of Justice and earthquake risk prevention, Public Order’s Annual Action Plan 2025, under ‘State Security and Crisis reduction, and mitigation, Management’, several interventions aim to strengthen policies and outlining opportunities for infrastructure for disaster prevention and management. These include legislative reforms, the enhanced surveillance for wildfire detection, the use of modern development and technologies for disaster prevention and suppression, improved enforcement of building operational readiness and fire response times, and better security of codes, and enhancing critical entities. current retrofitting programs for public and residential buildings. It also CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS addresses the integration of hazard considerations In Cyprus, new buildings are designed and constructed with earth- into planning documents quake safety in mind by adhering to established seismic codes and and sectoral strategies as regulations. In 2012, Eurocode 8, along with its national annexes, was well as the scaling up of adopted as the standard for seismic design across various regions, retrofitting efforts in critical replacing earlier codes to ensure improved structural resilience. sectors. The chapter Eurocode 8 is currently undergoing a major update that is expected to recognizes that the be released in September 2027, which will include the introduction of concept of risk prevention unified European seismic hazard maps from ESHM20,45 a deliverable varies greatly across of the SERA 46 project. In Northern Cyprus, the Turkish Earthquake Cyprus’s strategic Code has been in effect since 1999, with a significant update introduced documents and would in 2007 to enhance earthquake preparedness and building safety. benefit from a unified understanding and To assess and address the seismic vulnerability of existing buildings, definition. ETEK has developed a standardized tiered approach to seismic safety assessment, which is essential for prioritizing risk reduction in a large building portfolio. The approach for the multi-tier assess- ment of existing buildings includes three tiers, each requiring a different level of effort and expertise ranging from a few hours to multiple days per building (see Box 1). The guidelines for the first tier have been published by ETEK, while the implementation of the second tier has not yet been completed. For the third tier, since 2012, Eurocode 8-Part 347 has been enforced for the detailed assessment and retrofit design of existing buildings. Over the last two decades, Cyprus has implemented a large national program for the seismic retrofit of school buildings.48 The school retrofit program was initiated after a series of significant earthquakes in Cyprus and the surrounding areas in the 1990s, focusing on improv- ing the seismic resilience of school buildings to ‘Life Safety’ 44 GoC, Department of Environment. Link. 45 Danciu, L., S. Nandan, C. Reyes, R. Basili, G. Weatherill, C. Beauval, A. Rovida, S. Vilanova, K. Sesetyan, P. Y. Bard, F. Cotton, S. Wiemer, and D. Giardini. 2021. "The 2020 Update of the European Seismic Hazard Model: Model Overview." EFEHR Technical Report 001, Link. 46 Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance for Europe (SERA). Link. 47 CEN. 2004. Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance Part 3: Assessment and Retrofitting of Build- ings. Link. 48 Chrysostomou, C. Z., N. Kyriakides, A. J. Kappos, E. Georgiou, O. Vasiliou, and M. Milis. 2012. "Seismic Retrofitting of School Buildings of Cyprus." Earthquake Engineering. 15th World Conference. (15WCEE) (38 Vols). Link. 33 performance standards.49 Given the country's high neers design and strengthen buildings to better seismicity, many schools were found vulnerable due resist earthquakes, and guiding state authorities in to their design before modern seismic codes. The strategic urban planning. Within its mandate, the program involved assessing the structural integrity CGSD prepares maps that delineate geological of schools, then retrofitting, refurbishing, or suitability zones, identifying geohazards that demolishing where necessary, and incorporating threaten the built environment. Updated versions of modern seismic design principles. As of 2012, about these maps are shared with key government 90 percent of the school buildings in Cyprus were entities—such as the Departments of Town Planning considered seismic resistant. and Housing, Lands and Surveys, and Public Works—along with professional bodies (for example, In 2023, another large program on seismic ETEK and the Association of Municipalities). This assessment of public buildings was initiated by the distribution ensures that both citizens and deci- PWD in the Ministry of Transport, Communication, sion-makers are informed about seismic risks and and Works. Within a year, they conducted an RVS can incorporate this knowledge into future develop- assessment of over 150 priority buildings. The ment plans.50 department identified all public buildings managed by the Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Funds for preventive actions are included in the Works and completed an RVS of the priority buildings, yearly budget of different government depart- which included buildings older than 1994, high-rises, ments, depending on their mandate. For example, and buildings of particular importance in emergency anti-seismic strengthening of schools is included in response, such as police stations and fire stations. the budget of the Technical Services of the Ministry As a result, buildings were prioritized, with some of Education, Sport, and Youth. As another example, needing immediate repair and others requiring the anti-flooding works, such as retaining dams at the next tier seismic assessment step. Three actions are upstream side of cities, are included in the budget currently undertaken by the PWD: (1) retrofitting of the PWD (75 percent of the cost) and the budget buildings that need immediate attention due to of the involved municipality (25 percent of the cost). existing damage or serious deficiencies, (2) contin- Preparedness actions are included in the budget of uing the RVS for the rest of the buildings under their the relevant departments. For example, the budgets responsibility, and (3) prioritizing buildings that of the Fire Service, the Forest Department, and CCD require more in-depth investigation (that is, sec- include provisions for equipment, training, exer- ondary and tertiary seismic assessment levels). cises, and training fields. Likewise, provisions for the cost of interventions are included in the yearly The local architectural heritage in Cyprus is budgets. Starting in 2022, budgets for preventive protected by legislation implemented by the actions must solely stem from the strategic plans of Department of Urban Planning and Housing. the different departments and become an indepen- However, there are currently no dedicated seismic dent fund. risk assessments, risk reduction, or public aware- ness campaigns in place. Many cultural heritage The ‘Static Adequacy Inspection Certificate’ is an monuments are under the stewardship of the Church earthquake safety assessment tool resulting from of Cyprus, which plays a significant role in religious inspection of a building by a professional civil tourism and attracts visitors year-round. Therefore, engineer following guidelines from ETEK. Its collaboration with the Church of Cyprus is needed purpose is to detect and document possible in any initiative aimed at safeguarding these sites. structural deficiencies in both public and private Additionally, re-engaging with the buildings, informing owners of needed interventions. PROCULTHER-NET network—funded by DG ECHO Buildings must undergo a visual inspection for and focused on protecting cultural heritage in certification before transfer, rental, sale, or lease, emergencies—may offer valuable opportunities for and the certificate must be renewed at least every capacity building and knowledge exchange. five years. This standardized methodology addresses two main challenges: many older build- Over the last two decades, the CGSD has under- ings lack modern seismic design and mandatory taken several microzonation studies to be used in supervision from the time of construction, and there planning. The first microzonation study in Cyprus are often no systematic maintenance and preventive took place from 1995 to 1997 and covered the measures. Inspections may also cover greater Larnaca urban planning area, followed by non-load-bearing elements (for example, cladding) similar studies in Limassol, Nicosia, and Paphos. and functional systems (for example, fire safety These microzonation studies are crucial for updating equipment), making this process essential for public and improving local seismic codes, helping engi- safety. 49 Focus is to ensure the safety of occupants, meaning that the building may be damaged in both structural and non- structural elements and be nonfunctional after an earthquake. 50 GoC, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. 2021. Geological Suitability Zones. Link. 34 EARTHQUAKE RISK PREVENTION, REDUCTION, AND MITIGATION Recently, the Municipality of Nicosia launched a While many buildings in Cyprus have already significant initiative to enhance its resilience undergone or are currently undergoing energy against natural disasters, including earthquakes. efficiency upgrades supported by EU funds, there As the first city in Cyprus to join the global Making is limited dedicated financing for seismic Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) network—led by strengthening or retrofitting. Each year, the the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduc- Ministry of Energy, Trade, and Industry announces tion (UNDRR)—Nicosia has committed to programs for residential energy upgrades, including developing a comprehensive resilience strategy the 2024–2025 ‘Save–Upgrade at Homes’ Grant encompassing the prevention, response, and Scheme 51 funded through the Recovery and recovery phases of DRM. This long-term project, Resilience Plan. This scheme supports interventions supported by local stakeholders such as SupportCY, such as thermal insulation, window replacement, aims to build capacity through training, knowledge shading systems, photovoltaic installations exchange, and collaboration with international (net-billing), energy storage batteries, and high-ef- experts. Nicosia's participation in MCR2030 under- ficiency heating/cooling systems. Enhanced funding scores its dedication to strengthening disaster is available for vulnerable consumers, mountainous resilience and sustainable urban development, areas, and refugee housing, with a total budget of setting an exemplary model for local-level risk €30 million. Additionally, the ‘Save–Upgrade at Small reduction initiatives. and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Non-Profit Organizations’ Grant Scheme52 allocates €24 million to achieve at least 35 percent energy KEY CHALLENGES savings in buildings owned or used by SMEs and nonprofits, under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience There is limited use of NRA results in earthquake Facility. Given the level of funding for energy risk reduction planning and programs. Despite upgrades, a joint program for earthquake safety detailed assessments of earthquake risks, these improvements could be an opportunity to acceler- insights are not systematically integrated into DRR ate earthquake resilience in a cost-efficient manner. strategies or land use planning and development policies. Dissemination of NRA results and the capacity of different government agencies to use KEY OPPORTUNITIES the results in risk reduction planning are limited, which hampers the effective application of risk Cyprus could accelerate its earthquake resilience findings across relevant sectors. through a multi-sectoral National Earthquake Risk Reduction Program that aligns with the National The national school retrofit program and the efforts DRR Strategy. The program should lay out a by the PWD are examples of comprehensive roadmap of actions with roles assigned to relevant retrofit initiatives in Cyprus; however, they are not ministries and departments, be developed based on integrated into a broader national earthquake risk risk assessments and systematic prioritization, and reduction program that addresses all critical be supported by the necessary legislation and sectors. Earthquake risk reduction should encom- guidelines to streamline implementation. By aligning pass healthcare facilities, emergency response these efforts with the National DRR Strategy, buildings, cultural heritage sites, residential Cyprus can ensure that each sector achieves the buildings, and other essential infrastructure that play broader risk reduction goals and allocates resources a crucial role in ensuring community resilience in an efficiently, creating a unified approach that strength- earthquake event. Furthermore, the absence of an ens resilience against multiple risks. The program inter-ministerial coordination mechanism hinders should consider integrated solutions addressing effective collaboration and knowledge sharing energy efficiency, functionality, and accessibility to among relevant departments. This lack of coordina- maximize the benefits of the investment. tion results in a lack of exchange of critical information related to assessment methods, prioriti- The establishment of a cross-institutional coordi- zation frameworks, funding opportunities, and other nation mechanism for sharing experience s and key aspects necessary for efficiently scaling adopting a common approach to designing, earthquake risk reduction efforts. prioritizing , and implementing scalable risk 51 Department of Industry and Technology, Department of Energy Trade and Industry. 2004. Upgrade to Homes (2024) - Open Call for Applications. Link. 52 Department of Industry and Technology, Department of Energy Trade and Industry. 2024. Second Announcement of Grant Scheme ”Upgrade to Small and Medium Enterprises and Non-Profit Organizations”. Link. 35 EARTHQUAKE RISK PREVENTION, REDUCTION, AND MITIGATION reduction investments would enhance earthquake Quantifying the benefits of ear thquake risk resilience. This could facilitate scaling up risk reduction in Cyprus could greatly enhance advo- reduction investments across different administra- cacy efforts by demonstrating the tangible value tive levels and sectors, with immediate focus on of resilience investments to stakeholders and the priority sectors—emergency management, health, public. By systematically calculating the avoided education, and transport. Investments that consider losses, cost savings, and social benefits associated an integrated approach could be promoted, such as with DRR measures, Cyprus can present a com- combining seismic retrofit with improvements to pelling case for sustained funding and policy energy efficiency, accessibility, and building support. An example of a DRR benefit-cost analysis functionality, to yield multiple co-benefits. is the triple dividend framework, where the bene- fit-cost ratio of seismic risk.55 The Triple Dividend Ongoing seismic safety assessment and improve- of Resilience approach expands the traditional ment initiatives, such as the PWD program, would benefit-cost analysis approach and considers three greatly benefit from an investment plan and types of benefits: avoided losses when disasters prioritization framework that goes beyond seismic strike, stimulated economic activities and innovation safety to consider the criticality of infrastructure arising from reduced risks, and generated socioeco- and the potential for co-benefits. These co-bene- nomic and environmental co-benefits. The study fits could include enhancements in energy also showed that earthquake prevention measures efficiency, accessibility, fire safety, and other accompanied by investments in energy efficiency functional improvements. Adopting such a compre- and building modernization provide the greatest hensive approach could help leverage different benefit-cost ratios and offer immediate benefits to funding sources, such as the European Green Deal’s beneficiaries even if a disaster does not occur. Renovation Wave. The seismic zonation map included in the National Cyprus has an oppor tunity to implement an Annex of Eurocode 8 would benefit from an update integrated seismic retrofit and energy upgrade according to the new seismic hazard models program for its building stock, addressing both developed for the European Seismic Hazard Model structural resilience and energy efficiency. In light ESHM20.56 This could be done and reviewed to be of the grant programs and a national effort to ready for the update of Eurocode 8 in 2027. In that achieve nearly zero-energy buildings,53 Cyprus can way, efficient seismic design of buildings would be implement an integrated seismic retrofit and energy achieved. In addition, seminars could be organized upgrade program for both structural resilience and to notify and train engineers on these updates of energy efficiency. The residential sector in Cyprus Eurocode 8. accounts for a growing portion of national energy consumption, rising from 12 percent in 1990 to 21 The prompt establishment of the second tier of the percent by 2018, yet energy upgrade policies have seismic assessment framework, related dissemi- predominantly focused on new constructions, nation, and training efforts will support ongoing leaving a gap in existing buildings.54 Given that and future risk reduction programs. The responsi- existing structures contribute significantly to ble government authorities and departments, as well long-term energy demand and greenhouse gas as building owners, can use the results from this emissions, retrofitting programs that enhance both assessment for prioritizing the buildings that need seismic resistance and energy efficiency could yield intervention and for applications for financing to EU substantial benefits. Integrating upgrades for or national funding mechanisms, such as the Cyprus earthquake resilience with energy improvements National Strategic Reference Framework. Such aligns with European and international goals to assessments are usually necessary when applying reduce greenhouse gas emissions while extending for external funding to strengthen identified vulner- the lifespan of buildings, enhancing safety, and able buildings. However, the guidelines for this lowering life-cycle costs. assessment have not been published by ETEK. 53 Cyprus has implemented legislation mandating that all new and renovated buildings achieve nearly zero-energy sta- tus by December 31, 2020, as stipulated in Article 5A of Law No. 142(I) 2006. 54 Pamboris, G., C. Z. Chrysostomou, S. A. Kalogirou, and P. Christodoulides. 2024. "Integrated Approach of Retrofitting an Existing Residential Building to a Nearly Zero Energy Building with Simultaneous Seismic Upgrading." The Open Con- struction & Building Technology Journal 18 (1). Link. 55 World Bank and European Commission. 2024b. Tools for Making Smart Investments in Prevention and Preparedness in Europe: From Data to Decisions. Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness. Link. 56 Danciu et al. 2021. 36 Box 1. The multi-tiered approach to seismic safety assessment of existing buildings in Cyprus The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ΕΤΕΚ) is developing a standardized approach to tiered seismic safety screening and assessment of existing buildings. The approach includes three tiers, where the methodology for the first and the third tiers has already been completed, and the methodology for the second tier is under development: 1. The first assessment level, known as ‘Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazard’, is a simplified method designed to evaluate a large number of buildings quickly. Two engineers conduct the inspection using two forms: (i) the Visual Inspection Form, which records general building information, visible damage, roof structure details, photos, and repair recommendations, and (ii) the Rapid Visual Screening (RVSB) Form, which includes structural details, seismological and geotechnical data, and seismic vulnerability factors like short columns or soft stories. The RVSB. Form also provides suggestions for retrofitting to improve seismic resilience. These are preliminary recommendations only, based on visual inspection and the criteria set in the forms, and are not equivalent to assessing the load-bearing capacity and/or structural capacity of the building, which, if required, should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Eurocode 8, Part 3 (CYS EN 1998-3:2005). 2. The second assessment tier is called ‘Preliminary Assessment of Seismic Vulnerability of Buildings’, for which the guidelines are being prepared and have not yet been published. This level may include (i) preliminary laboratory tests (such as tests for verifying the strength of materials and chemical analyses), (ii) geotechni- cal investigation, (iii) assessment of the foundation, (iv) preliminary calculations for assessing the degree of risk posed by the load-bearing structure to its users and the public, (v) establishment of the cause of structural failures, and (vi) repair of faults (if any). 3. The third assessment level, called ‘Assessment and Retrofitting of Buildings’, is in accordance with Eurocode 8, Part 3. This level includes (i) thorough laboratory investigation, (ii) structural assessment of the load-bearing capacity of the building according to the provisions of CYS EN 1998-3:2005, (iii) design for structural upgrading (preliminary design) according to CYS EN 1998-3:2005, (iv) preliminary assessment of the cost of the structural upgrading to decide whether it is advantageous to proceed with a structural/ seismic upgrade of the building, and (v) complete structural analysis and design of the structural upgrade, including dimensioning and preparation of drawings if a decision to proceed with a structural upgrade is taken. 37 EARTHQUAKE EARLY CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS WARNING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS EWSs The current EWS in Cyprus is the siren network. However, the Ministry of Interior’s Annual Action Plan 2025 for ‘Civil Protection’ outlines three ongoing initiatives related to EWS: (1) developing a management This chapter focuses on system for the Pan-European emergency number (112), (2) installing early warning and an SMS-based EWS for catastrophic events, and (3) replacing the awareness. It examines outdated siren system. The following sections on current arrange- preparedness activities, ments, key challenges, and opportunities focus on earthquake risk. awareness campaigns, EWSs, other alerting Although Cyprus is taking steps toward improving its EWS, a systems (for example, comprehensive and inclusive EWS is currently unavailable. In sirens), training and addition, the majority of the population is not signed up for alerts and exercises, and the overall warnings from emergency services (96 percent).57 development of civilians' response capacities. There is currently no dedicated EEW system in Cyprus, which can alert about an earthquake shaking several seconds to minutes before it happens. The effectiveness and application of EEW systems depend on the available lead time; for instance, longer lead times may allow for public alerts and infrastructure shutdowns, while shorter lead times might be suitable for automated responses in critical facilities. In Cyprus, a feasibility study needs to be conducted to determine whether an EEW system would be effective and to evaluate the costs and benefits of an investment in the seismic monitoring network needed to make EEW possible. In case of a tsunami danger, Cyprus receives alerts from the Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System in the North-Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and Connected Seas through the CCD, which is then responsible for disseminating information. The locations of shelters in case of an emergency are not published online in a GIS system but are provided to the public when required via phone call to the CCD. Members of the public can share their address and postcode to be informed of the closest shelter. They should make their way to a shelter if they hear sirens. Shelters in Cyprus are designed for dual use, including potential use during armed conflict, which is why their locations are not publicly disclosed. The CCD has expressed interest in learning from international practices—particularly from countries like Israel—on how the private sector can be incentivized to build shelters and how the public is informed about their purpose and use without compromising security. The CGSD has initiated tsunami readiness efforts, starting with the Larnaca ‘Tsunami Ready’ program as part of the UNESCO Coast- WAVE initiative. Larnaca is the first coastal city in Cyprus to undertake such measures, with completion targeted for 2026, as Larnaca’s low elevation and flat terrain make it a priority for developing evacuation plans using high-resolution local simulations. Key actions include installing an EWS, evacuation signage, and sirens and revising the national disaster plan to include tsunamis. Extensive public awareness campaigns and educational programs aim to ensure the city’s readiness, with the goal of earning the ‘Tsunami Ready’ designation by 2026. 57 European Commission. 2024. Special Eurobarometer 547: Disaster Risk Awareness and Preparedness of the EU Pop- ulation - Cyprus Factsheet. Link. 38 EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS Public awareness The CCD has adopted two educational initiatives aimed at strengthening public awareness on The engagement of volunteers in Cyprus's disaster risk reduction. The FEMA Building Codes awareness-raising efforts is notably effective and Activity Booklet, originally developed by FEMA and well-integrated into the national DRR framework.58 adapted for Cyprus, uses interactive activities to Volunteers, particularly through the CCD, actively teach children and families how building codes help participate in initiatives like distributing informational protect communities from natural hazards such as materials such as flyers and leaflets. Volunteers earthquakes, storms, floods, and fires. The My Safe foster a community-based approach to readiness, Yard campaign provides illustrated, child-friendly helping bridge the gap between governmental guidance on how to secure or remove loose objects actions and community resilience. and address potential hazards in residential yards to prevent injury or damage during strong winds or According to a survey conducted by Eurobarometer severe weather. Both initiatives are designed to be on disaster risk awareness and readiness, only 14 engaging, accessible, and suitable for use in schools percent of the respondents in Cyprus feel exposed and community activities, fostering a culture of to earthquake risk, and 75 percent say they need safety from an early age. more information to prepare for disasters or emergencies. 59 The survey also indicates a high The Ministry of Education, Sport , and Youth, reliance on emergency services (77 percent of through its Office of Civil Defence, Health , and respondents) and high trust in authorities (83 Safety, 61 holds primary responsibility for estab- percent of respondents), meaning that following a lishing, implementing, and continuously improving disaster, the population will likely look to authorities safety measures in educational facilities to protect for more information. students, school staff, and other workers from emergencies such as earthquakes and fires. This The main channels of CCD communication with the office was created in 1997 on the recommendation public are its website and TV broadcasts. Dissem- of the Ministry of Interior’s Civil Defence Administra- ination of NRA results is done through the CCD tion. Together with school directors and designated website60 by making the non-confidential parts of Security Officers, the Office of Civil Defence, Health, the risk assessment reports available to the public. and Safety ensures each school develops a Civil This is the main avenue for the CCD to raise citizen Defence Action Plan tailored to local needs, awareness and preparedness. In addition, following conducts training and awareness programs for every significant earthquake, authorities issue public students and staff, and verifies whether annual announcements with self-protection advice, and emergency drills are carried out. It also checks that informational segments are regularly aired on each plan is kept up to date: every year, earthquake television. In March 2025, during the Month of Civil drills are organized to test procedures, identify gaps, Defence and Civil Protection, a major awareness and refine preparedness strategies where needed. campaign was launched across traditional media, social media, and through live interviews. The SupportCY network of the Bank of Cyprus, as part of its broader activities, also undertakes According to the Eurobarometer survey, 42 percent initiatives related to emergency preparedness and of the respondents use social media networks to public awareness.62 These efforts include training learn about risks, followed by national media (39 volunteers, maintaining a large stockpile of emer- percent) and family and friends (39 percent). Only gency equipment and humanitarian aid, and 19 percent of the population find information organizing public awareness campaigns. For through emergency management services, signal- example, in collaboration with the Fire Service, ing that NRA dissemination and risk awareness SupportCY conducts fire awareness campaigns might not be sufficient. ahead of the fire season and runs active social media campaigns (on platforms such as Facebook, 58 European Commission. 2018. Peer Review Report Cyprus. Link. 59 European Commission 2024. 60 Ministry of Interior, Civil Defence, Cyprus. Link. 61 GoC, Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth. Office of Civil Defence, Health and Safety. Link. 62 Bank of Cyprus. n.d. SupportCY Actions. Link. 39 EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS Twitter, and Instagram) during the high-risk period employers, schools, and educational institutions, from June to October. These campaigns feature and 10 percent participated in training or exercises videos and photos encouraging the public to act as to learn how to react to an emergency. The public fire spotters and providing guidance on how to currently does not participate in the drills organized respond if a fire is detected. Additionally, flood by the CCD. There is also a need to educate both awareness campaigns are carried out over a citizens and visitors on the specific meanings of the four-month period, offering information on what to sounds used in the current siren-based EWS. do before, during, and after a flood. While fewer in number, some campaigns also focus on earthquake preparedness, primarily offering advice on actions KEY OPPORTUNITIES to take after an earthquake. To ensure timely and appropriate life-saving behavior of the population in Cyprus during an KEY CHALLENGES earthquake, three key opportunities have been identified: (1) the development of a coordinated Among government institutions, there is a lack of public preparedness and awareness strategy, (2) the coordination and strategy related to earthquake establishment of a publicly accessible online preparedness and awareness for the general platform for risk information and preparedness public. Risk information and planning for earth- resources, and (3) the enhancement of the EWS. quakes are mainly housed within government institutions, such as the Ministry of Interior and the Civil Defence. While these institutions operate Public preparedness and efficiently, the challenge is the lack of inter-agency awareness strategy collaboration and effective planning and implemen- tation of public preparedness and awareness A coordinated public preparedness and awareness campaigns. strategy for earthquakes can help engage multiple stakeholders, promote earthquake resilience, and Risk information and emergency procedures are ensure coverage across all segments of the not readily accessible to the general public. Maps population. Such a strategy should involve key and information about various risks, including actors both within and outside the government, earthquakes, are not available on government including the Civil Defence, the education system, institutions’ websites. The Eurobarometer survey63 media outlets, and community organizations. It showed that only 6 percent of the respondents in should incorporate various forms of communication, Cyprus were informed about the response plan their recognizing the role of social media and national city, region, or country had for a disaster or emer- media as essential information sources used in gency. Currently, there is also no publicly available Cyprus. Additionally, the strategy must address the information about emergency shelters; citizens needs of hard-to-reach groups, such as elderly must call a designated number and provide their individuals, people with disabilities, and non-native postal code to obtain the location of the nearest speakers, ensuring inclusivity in emergency pre- shelter, which is a system that can be easily over- paredness efforts. Clear goals and key performance whelmed in case of a large earthquake. As part of indicators should be established, with regular the ongoing efforts to establish an effective national monitoring and evaluation throughout the civil protection mechanism, by 2025, the Cyprus implementation process. government plans to launch an electronic application to guide citizens to the nearest shelter during Organizing public awareness campaigns on how to crises.64 respond before, during, and after an earthquake could significantly strengthen civil society’s There is a lack of public engagement in earthquake resilience and help reduce injuries caused by drills and preparedness. According to the 2024 panic during such events. While SupportCY runs Eurobarometer survey, only 9 percent of respon- large-scale wildfire awareness campaigns each dents learned about disaster risk from work, year, reflecting the severity of the issue, similar 63 European Commission 2024. 64 FastForward. 2024. "The Nearest Shelter in Cyprus on Your Phone: New Digital Tools for Civil Protection." Link. 40 EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS efforts for earthquakes remain limited. Expanding Publicly accessible information earthquake-focused campaigns, including through platform social media, could play an important role in raising public awareness and preparedness. One example, Establishing a publicly accessible web platform the FEMA Building Codes booklet and My Safe Yard that provides interactive maps with risk and campaign offer engaging formats that could be emergency shelters, as well as resources on adapted to strengthen earthquake preparedness in individual preparedness for various hazards, Cyprus. By expanding their content to address including earthquakes, can greatly help in raising earthquake risk, incorporating them into school awareness and empowering individual action. In curricula or public campaigns, and creating addition to relevant information from the NRA, such online-friendly content these initiatives could play a a platform could offer information related to individ- greater role in building a culture of preparedness. ual and family preparedness. This could include, for example, information on creating emergency supply The development of a tsunami risk awareness and kits (water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid preparedness program with a designated coordi- kit, batteries, and so on), developing a family nating body can enhance public safety and response and communication plan, and securing resilience to tsunamis, which have previously homes against potential earthquake damage. In received less attention. This should include public addition, information on emergency shelters should preparedness with considerations for vulnerable be readily available in an online map format, so it is populations, including school children, the elderly, easily accessible to the public in an emergency. and people with disabilities and special medical needs, as well as migrant and refugee communities. Upon completion, the Larnaca Tsunami Ready EWSs enhancements project can serve as a pilot and be scaled nation- wide. To improve Cyprus's EWS, efforts should focus on expanding accessibility while addressing key Incorporating the tourism sector into planning and areas for enhancement. Strengthening governance preparedness efforts is critical, as Cyprus is a through regular system testing, staff training, and major tourist destination. The involvement of the public awareness campaigns is essential to refine Association of Hotels and the Ministry of Tourism in the EWS. Increasing public awareness and conduct- civil protection planning is particularly important, ing educational campaigns on how to interpret and especially in the event of a major earthquake during respond to alerts could facilitate the gradual expan- the high season. The south coast of Cyprus, where sion of the system. Enhancing public understanding most of the tourism industry is concentrated, is also of seismic risks and preparedness measures will the island’s most earthquake-prone area. Therefore, help address these concerns and empower citizens a system should be developed to ensure that to take timely action. Additionally, modernizing tourists and visitors are kept informed and aware of outdated public alert equipment, such as sirens, and what to do in the event of an earthquake. Addition- allocating more resources to local authorities can ally, the CCD could benefit from a project similar to further improve the system’s overall effectiveness. the DG ECHO-funded initiative in Greece titled The EWS should be complemented by early action ‘Strategic Framework for Raising Public Awareness advisories and training to enhance its effectiveness and Training Programmes for Disaster Risk Manage- for stakeholders and residents in Cyprus. ment in the Tourism Sector’ (acronym ‘THEMIS’), implemented by the Greek General Secretariat for A feasibility study of an EEW system could Civil Protection.65 determine whether such a system could be effective in Cyprus. The EEW system is a technol- ogy that detects seismic waves from an earthquake in progress and provides advance alerts to people and infrastructure, allowing them to take protective actions before strong shaking occurs. This is not to be confused with a general EWS, where notifications are sent out after an earthquake happens. The 65 European Union. THEMIS. Link. 41 EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS feasibility of an EEW system hinges on having a dense network of seismic stations to ensure rapid detection and sufficient lead times, as well as effective algorithms that can quickly and accurately estimate earthquake parameters. Depending on the lead time (i.e., the time between the alert and the onset of strong shaking), EEW systems can trigger automated protective actions—such as slowing down high-speed trains, shutting off critical systems (e.g., gas pipelines), stopping traffic, or preventing vehicles from entering vulnerable infrastructures. When combined with public awareness and training, such systems can also enable individuals to take context-appropriate protective actions, such as “drop, cover, and hold on” or moving to a safer location. 42 EARTHQUAKE GENERAL CONTEXT PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE Regarding Cyprus's preparedness for disasters, Cyprus uses four preparedness levels. The first level, ‘Green’ (level 1), represents normal preparedness and is permanently in force under the responsi- bility of the General Coordinator of each competent ministry. An additional ‘Orange’ level (1A) applies to smaller, localized incidents. The This chapter focuses on second level, ‘Yellow’ (level 2), is for local disasters requiring increased earthquake preparedness preparedness by other ministries and services. If assessments indicate and response. Earthquake that a crisis is likely, normal preparedness shifts to increased prepared- preparedness includes ness, prompting broader mobilization on the recommendation of the emergency plans, General Coordinator and approval by the ministry’s General Director. At evacuation plans, and the third level, ‘Red’ (level 3), the Main National Plan is activated, operational measures to involving the Inter-Ministerial Crisis Management Group and all reduce impacts. relevant ministries and services in a full response effort. Finally, the Emergency response ‘White’ level (4) focuses on recovery and assistance, involving a encompasses actions de-escalation of measures, damage and environmental assessment, taken immediately after an support for those affected, and prevention of similar incidents in the event and in the following future. days or weeks. Several organizations are involved in emergency response in Cyprus, coordinated through the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC)66, an independent agency under the Ministry of Defence that ensures effective coordination during emergencies at sea and on land, including search and rescue operations. These include the Navy Command, Air Force Command, Port and Marine Police, and the Police Aviation Unit. Support is also provided by Civil Defence, the Disaster Response Special Unit, and the Ministry of Health's Ambulance Service. The Disaster Response Special Unit, operational since 2002, serves as a specialized national force for advanced search and rescue operations across land and sea, including earthquake response, building collapses, aquatic recovery operations, mountain rescues, and searches for missing persons. Additionally, the Cyprus Maritime Coordination Center, operating under the JRCC, focuses on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection within Cyprus's maritime jurisdiction. The JRCC, in cooperation with all involved departments of the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Works, and the Ministry of Interior, developed a multipurpose ZENON Coordination Center. The ZENON Coordination Center in Cyprus is a national crisis management center responsible for coordinating emergency responses and disaster management across the country. The center operates as a key part of the national crisis management system, managed by the JRCC based in Larnaca. Its primary role is to coordinate responses to various emergency scenarios, including humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and large-scale evacuations. The center supports operations like the National Plans ‘ESTIA’ for the reception and evacuation of non-combatants and ‘TEFKROS’ for managing search and rescue incidents in the region. Equipped with advanced surveillance and communication systems, the ZENON Coordination Centre is crucial for coordinating between different governmental agencies during emergencies. It is used for coordination of international operations, such as the AMALTHEIA humanitarian aid mission to provide supplies to Gaza during the ongoing crisis. Emergency response in Cyprus is guided by 26 ZENON plans, which represent a comprehensive framework designed to address a range of natural and man-made risks through readiness, response, and limited recovery measures. Each plan is managed by the respective 66 Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRC). Civil Defence. Link. 43 institutions under a unified master plan. Annex 2 portCY has established six specialized units to provides a list of the plans. Developed by various provide targeted support in times of crisis: the governmental authorities under the supervision of Emergency Response Unit, the Missing Person Unit respective ministries, these plans cover diverse (in cooperation with the Police), the Joint Unit hazards, including earthquakes, extreme weather (focusing on scientific and technological tools such events, technological accidents, and the evacuation as drones), the Emergency Medical Unit (working of citizens, among others. While they are primarily closely with the Ambulance Service), the Support focused on response and preparedness, the ZENON Unit, and a large-scale Humanitarian Response Unit. plans also emphasize the roles and responsibilities The SupportCY Crises & Disasters Centre is the of essential services in managing potential disasters, network’s operational hub, coordinating emergency although they lack extensive prevention strategies. response efforts and managing the distribution of The plans are intended to be regularly tested through essential supplies, including equipment, clothing, exercises, alternating between full-scale field food, and other necessities, to individuals in need. exercises and tabletop simulations to ensure a comprehensive approach to emergency response. However, in practice, it remains unclear how CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS consistently these exercises are conducted. Several organizations play a primary role in The Cyprus Red Cross Society plays a key role in emergency response in case of an earthquake in DRM and response by providing humanitarian aid, Cyprus, including the CCD, the JRCC, the Police offering relief services during emergencies, and and Fire Service, the District Administrations, the supporting communities in disaster preparedness Technical Services, the Displaced People Care and and recovery efforts. It is volunteer based and Rehabilitation Service of the Ministry of Interior, the works closely with local authorities and international PWD, and other Health Ministry Services. In an partners to deliver aid; conduct training sessions; emergency, the CCD can mobilize its human and mobilize volunteers for rapid response during resources, namely its volunteers and conscripts . natural disasters, health crises, and other emergen- Both categories are trained to respond to key cies. Its activities also include support for vulnerable hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, extreme populations and coordination during evacuation or weather events, floods, forest and agricultural fires, relief operations. and major technological accidents, as well as providing horizontal assistance (for example, in The SupportCY network of the Bank of Cyprus is a emergency logistics), irrespective of the crisis type. major volunteer-based organization that supports In 2022, the CCD became the fourth in the world to Cyprus during crises and disasters while also earn the INSARAG Light USAR Team certification for conducting educational and training campaign.67 assistance to other states after an earthquake.68 The Established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic CCD drone team, developed with support from to assist frontline professionals and ministries such UCPM funding, is exploring the possibility of as Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs, it has obtaining INSARAG certification. since evolved into a broader support mechanism for both national and international emergencies, ENGELADOS is the special national plan for including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. earthquake disaster management with a focus on Through SupportCY, the Bank of Cyprus, in collabo- readiness and response, coordinated by the CCD. ration with over 180 member partners (including It was initially compiled in 1999, after the strong companies and organizations), offers support across earthquakes of Paphos Mw5.9 (VII) in 1995, Limassol all pillars of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) & Paphos Mw6.8 (VIII) in 1996, and Limassol Mw5.6 strategy: environmental, social, and economic. The (VII) in 1999. It is a multi-operational plan that network has become a key coordination hub for both involves the cooperation of 50 national depart- NGOs and government services in times of crisis. ments/services and organizations, such as the Red Central to its operations is the SupportCY Volunteers Cross and the Association of Civil Engineers. The role Corps, a group of 116 volunteers—including 40 of each institution is defined, and exercises are trained individuals from the Bank of Cyprus and its carried out to practice implementation. Each partners—who are ready to support frontline department, service, and organization prepare its professionals during emergencies, including own special plan, which contains Memoranda of earthquakes. These volunteers receive training from Action and Annexes. Box 2 details an example of the experts from official agencies such as Civil Defence, ENGELADOS training that took place in 2018. the Fire Service, the Ambulance Service, and the National Guard to ensure effective coordination during emergency situations. Additionally, Sup- 67 Bank of Cyprus. n.d. SupportCY Actions. Link. 68 Kathimerini Cyprus. 2022. "Cyprus UN-Certified for Earthquake Assistance to Countries." Link. 44 EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE In November 2024, Cyprus received UCPM the teams for inspections in the event of a cata- funding for project DEMONAX, a large-scale strophic earthquake. The post-seismic inspection earthquake response exercise that focuses on procedure and reports (Rapid Autopsy Report and enhancing Cyprus's disaster preparedness and Re-Inspection Report) completed during the primary host country capacity in a major earthquake. The and secondary post-seismic inspections of earth- DEMONAX project includes planning and training quake-affected buildings are similar to the activities aimed at addressing identified prepared- procedure established by the General Directorate of ness gaps, facilitating the transfer of knowledge Natural Disasters Recovery (GDNDR) in Greece. The from other European consortium countries, and procedure is as follows: After a disastrous earth- strengthening scientific cooperation between the quake event, groups of two engineers perform the Cyprus Geological Survey and the National first- and second- degree safety assessment of Observatory of Athens, thereby enhancing scientific buildings, aiming to warn occupants about unsafe support to the CCD. This €1 million project runs until buildings (Figure 4). They inspect both private and November 2026 and involves multinational partners public buildings. At a later stage (normally a few from Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, and Montene- weeks), the second-degree damage assessment of gro, aiming to test national response plans, buildings is carried out for uninhabitable buildings. cross-border cooperation, and the UCPM’s capacity They are then categorized as ‘safe for use’ (marked in an island setting. This exercise will operate under green), ‘temporarily unsafe for use’ (yellow), or a scenario where many critical entities (airports, ‘dangerous for use or avoid use’ (red). hospitals, and so on) are overwhelmed, damaged, or destroyed. The full-scale exercise will take place The CCD currently provides 2,200 shelters, which from April 20 to 26, 2026, during Cyprus's Presi- can accommodate 30 percent of the population dency of the Council of the EU. It provides a valuable during emergencies, with plans to expand capac- opportunity to raise awareness about DRM and DRR ity, especially in urban areas.69 The shelters, among the general public and specific target groups equipped with basic amenities, are designed for such as vulnerable populations, the tourism industry, short-term protection during crises such as bomb- and owners or managers of cultural heritage sites. ings. Citizens can locate shelters via a dedicated hotline, and emergency alerts will be issued through Almost every year, the Ministry of Interior, the Civil sirens. Defence, ETEK , and the Association of Civil Engineers of Cyprus co-organize a one-day conference on the ‘ENGELADOS’ plan for training engineers in Cyprus on the topic ‘Post-earthquake Period: Conducting Post-earthquake Inspections and Eliminating Risk in Buildings’ . This aims at preparing the Civil Engineers of ETEK who will form 69 Kathimerini Cyprus. 2024. "Cyprus Civil Defence Shelters Ready for 30% of Population." Link. Figure 4. Procedure for post-disaster assessment in Cyprus established by the GDNDR Source: Based on the ETEK seminar’s GDNDR procedure information online. 45 EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE KEY CHALLENGES planning, execution, and follow-up of preparedness activities. As a result, while exercises do occur, they Cyprus has not experienced a major damaging are not supported by standardized methods for earthquake in the last decades, and its capacity analyzing outcomes and incorporating lessons for response could be overwhelmed. Although learned into future preparedness efforts, hindering there is an overarching method for post-disaster the full potential of enhancing national response damage assessments, there are not enough avail- capacities in Cyprus. able resources, especially engineers, for post-disaster on-site activities and tasks. Temporary While earthquake-specific training exercises exist, employees are not sufficient to cope with occurring they are primarily focused on institutional disasters. response and do not include the private sector, civil society, or the public. While ZENON plans Cyprus faces a unique challenge due to its provide a comprehensive framework for cross-gov- geographical isolation from the EU mainland, ernmental preparedness, they do not involve the which can delay the arrival of external assistance private sector or the public, who are critical players and specialized equipment, particularly in the in first response. aftermath of a major earthquake when airport operations may be disrupted. The logistical con- straints make rapid deployment of international aid KEY OPPORTUNITIES (including through UCPM) difficult. In this context, the CCD’s decision to establish a National Training Consolidating and regularly updating the ZENON Center marks a major step forward, with the potential plans could help integrate new knowledge, to significantly strengthen the island’s civil protec- capacities, and current realities in Cyprus, while tion system. The center would work closely with the reducing their number would clarify responsibili- Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Por t ties and streamline drills and preparedness Security (CYCLOPS) training center70 whose con- efforts. The National DRR Strategy notes that the struction and equipment were funded by the U.S. national master plan ZENON, which currently State Department’s Export Control and Related includes more than twenty thematic sub-plans with Border Security (EXBS) program. If Cyprus were to some overlap, should be consolidated into eight become a regional hub for UCPM operations in the broad categories covering natural and technological southeastern Mediterranean, it could enhance hazards, pandemics, geopolitical and socio-eco- national response capacities while also contributing nomic crises, public safety, critical infrastructure, to improved regional coordination and resilience. and complex or coinciding crises. These would be The upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU supported by six horizontal plans addressing search in the first half of 2026 presents an opportunity to and rescue, evacuation, logistics, medical care, promote DRM both within Cyprus and across the management of the deceased, and reception of wider region. foreign assistance, ensuring a streamlined structure that reduces duplication, improves applicability, and While the ZENON plans provide a framework for covers the entire disaster management cycle from disaster preparedness and response, they lack prevention and preparedness to response, recovery, systematic implementation of exercises and a and return to normality. To further enhance effec- formal mechanism for integrating lessons learned. tiveness, conducting exercises that involve both the Most ZENON plans are either exercised infrequently general public and private sector can generate or lack a consistent schedule. An exception is the valuable insights and lead to greater preparedness. DEMONAX exercise, a large-scale multi-stakeholder The exercises should also be accompanied by international earthquake preparedness initiative, systematic evaluation processes to ensure that though it remains an isolated effort, not integrated lessons learned are consistently captured and used into a formalized or recurring process. Moreover, to inform updates and strengthen future disaster Cyprus does not currently employ a structured preparedness and response. exercise and evaluation framework, such as, for example, the U.S. Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP, USA), to guide the 70 Joint Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security. Link. 46 EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE Strengthening civil society, the private sector, and Jordan and Israel. Leveraging funding opportunities public participation in drills and emergency through programs like Interreg Greece–Cyprus response exercises is essential for enhancing could support the realization of this initiative, preparedness and response capabilities in Cyprus. positioning Cyprus as a regional hub for disaster Coordinated efforts can improve resilience and preparedness and response training. Cyprus’s civil readiness at all levels. Public engagement in regular protection experts believe that Cyprus has the drills ensures that citizens, businesses, and potential to become a UCPM hub, which is further institutions are familiar with emergency procedures, explored in Box 3. evacuation routes, and resource mobilization. For example, in the United States, initiatives like the The establishment of coordinated emergency Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are conducted procedures and evacuation routes across different annually across states such as California, where levels of stakeholders is crucial to effectively millions participate in practicing the ‘Drop, Cover, and mitigate t he impact of a potential tsunami. Hold On’ technique and reviewing emergency Developing a comprehensive plan, such as the procedures in case of an earthquake. ZENON plan, would facilitate timely evacuations, ensure clear communication channels, and enhance The establishment of a registry of trained and public awareness, improving the safety and certified post-disaster inspector-engineers by the resilience of coastal communities. Technical Chamber of Cyprus, along with local government and volunteers, would significantly enhance the efficiency and consistency of damage evaluations. For example, in Greece, in 2018, the Technical Chamber of Greece launched a call and created a Registry of Volunteer Engineers for Response and Action during emergencies, who will be available to contribute to the post-disaster inspection of dangerous buildings and perform other necessary activities during natural disasters. This registry would facilitate the rapid mobilization of engineering teams, ensuring a coordinated and systematic response to earthquake impacts. Providing specialized training and establishing clear operational guidelines and tools would enable engineers to promptly assess the structural safety of buildings and support decision-making for emergency response and recovery efforts. This registry could also be used to train engineers to conduct pre-earthquake RVS of public and private buildings toward their prioritization for seismic interventions. Additionally, a dedicated course on this topic could be integrated into university pro- grams for civil and structural engineering students to scale up education in the field. The planned construction of a National Training Center by the CCD presents a strategic opportunity to enhance the country’s civil protection capabili- ties. Modeled after similar facilities in other countries, such as the training center in Athens, Greece, the national training center outside Rome in Italy, the center would enable advanced joint training for key stakeholders within Cyprus’s Civil Protection System, as well as for specialized teams from the UCPM and neighboring countries such as 47 Box 2. The Pan-Cypriot Exercise ‘ENGELADOS 2018’ On March 28, 2018, the CCD successfully organized the Pan-Cypriot Exercise ‘ENGELADOS 2018’,71 which aimed to test the response capabilities and coordination of the services involved in the ‘ENGELADOS’ Plan after a catastrophic earthquake. The exercise was carried out in two phases, morning and afternoon, as follows: The morning phase involved all the services, practiced across Cyprus in a paper-based exercise, with the operation of multi-service coordination centers at the offices of the General Administration of Civil Defence in Nicosia and at the offices of the Provincial Directorate of Civil Defence of Larnaca. In Larnaca, exercises were also conducted at the ‘Glaukos Cleridis’ International Airport and at the petroleum facilities. During the afternoon phase of the exercise, all the Provincial Directorates of Civil Defence were involved with the practical mobilization of civil defence forces in matters of search and rescue and setting up camps. In Nicosia, in collaboration with the Cyprus Fire Service and Disaster Response Special Unit, a drill took place in a building that was to be demolished, in the government settlement called ‘Strovolos II’, from 19:00 to 22:00 hours. During the drill, a team of the Disaster Response Special Unit and a volunteer search and rescue team of the Civil Defence of Nicosia worked in parallel to locate and extract people who were trapped in a building after an earthquake. The teams were supported by sniffer dogs and unmanned aerial vehi- cles. Box 3. The potential of Cyprus to become a hub for the UCPM in the southeastern Mediterranean Given its strategic geographical location, Cyprus has the potential to become a hub for the UCPM in the southeastern Mediterranean and to establish bilateral agreements with neighboring countries in the Middle East. Cyprus is already a member of the Union for the Mediterranean, a regional cooperation and coordination mechanism. Establishing itself as a UCPM hub would enhance the country's DRM capacity and position its Civil Protection Authority, currently the CCD, as a key player within the EU Civil Protection framework. Furthermore, a regional cluster of civil protection entities could be created, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in other sectors72, to promote innovation and collaboration in a sustainable and coordinated manner. 71 GoC, Ministry of Interior. 2018. Exercise ENGLADOS 2018. Link. 48 72 Guide to Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation. Link. EARTHQUAKE GENERAL CONTEXT RECOVERY, RECONSTRUCTION, AND Cyprus does not currently have a dedicated post-disaster recovery POST-DISASTER plan or strategy. However, after the 2021 Arakapas fire, measures were FINANCING taken to support residents and victims, including financial assistance for education expenses and damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. Immediate relief efforts involved providing emergency shelter, restoring electricity, and assessing property damage for submission to the Ministry of Interior. This chapter covers earthquake recovery, Post-disaster financing of recovery is carried out by the relevant reconstruction, and ministries and departments out of their budgets, which can apply to post-disaster financing. the Ministry of Finance to receive further funding. In a major disaster, These actions are taken the government decides on extra funding and supportive measures. after the response phase When the relevant department or ministry has exceeded its budget while when priorities shift toward responding to disasters, it can apply to the Ministry of Finance to restoring affected areas, receive additional funds, with a provision of €500,000 in the Ministry rebuilding buildings and of Finance budget per year. 73 If necessary, further funds will be infrastructure, and helping re-allocated. communities return to normal. Catastrophe and earthquake insurance in Cyprus is currently provided only through private insurers, with no national natural hazard insurance pool in place. Earthquake is the primary risk, but underinsurance (i.e. the insufficient coverage relative to the actual replacement cost) remains a significant issue due to outdated recon- struction cost coverage and lack of mandated automatic indexation (i.e., insured sum adjustment to account for inflation). Although the insurance market functions well for those who choose to insure, there is no compulsory insurance, and risk models have limited calibration and validation due to a lack of historical loss data in Cyprus, leading to large discrepancies in commercially available models. CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS There is no recent experience of recovery and reconstruction from earthquakes in Cyprus, but examples of recovery efforts and institutional mobilization were seen following the 2021 Arakapas fire. The wildfire resulted in four fatalities and extensive damage to over 50 residential and commercial buildings, as well as to electricity and water supply networks, livestock, farms, small businesses, and individual suppliers.74 Immediate relief measures included (1) providing emergency shelter in hotel units, (2) gradually restoring electricity through generators until full service was re-established, (3) completing damage assessments for affected properties within a few days, (4) submitting damage reports to the Ministry of Interior, and (5) imple- menting financial aid and support measures. These measures primarily consisted of financial assistance for studies and compensation for damaged homes, businesses, and vehicles. Post-disaster recovery after events, including earthquakes, is managed by the Directorate of Technical Services of the Ministry of Interior.75 During the recovery phase, different departments may also take over and leverage the available budget. For buildings and infra- structure, the Technical Services of the Ministry of Interior are aided by the PWD, the Chamber of Engineers, and the District Offices. In the 73 GoC, Ministry of Interior. 2020. 74 National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. 2021. "The Early July 2021 Arakapas (Cyprus) Forest Fire." Link. 75 GoC, Ministry of Interior. Directorate of Technical Services. Link. 49 event of a major disaster, a dedicated platform may KEY OPPORTUNITIES be established to collect and manage compensation claims. Under normal circumstances, citizens are Establishing disaster recovery legislation and a required to complete forms available on the Ministry disaster recovery framework with room for of Interior’s website, after which relevant committees flexibility could ensure timely and efficient recov- review the submissions and make decisions. ery in the event of an earthquake. A central Periodically, the Ministry of Interior and its local coordination mechanism should assign clear branches conduct informational campaigns to raise responsibilities to key stakeholders in the recovery public awareness about these procedures. process and promote the ‘BBB’ approach—integrat- ing social, environmental, and economic Homeowners are expected to finance earthquake considerations while prioritizing risk prevention damage through insurance, where the government against natural hazards and climate change. Draw- only compensates the affected population with ing on the Greek experience, where a single certain income criteria.76 While it is not obligatory authority, the GDNDR, oversees damage assess- (although mandatory in case of a mortgage loan), ments, coordinates recovery operations, and homeowner insurance is available through most provides technical and financial support, Cyprus insurance retailers and is typically sold along with could adopt a similar model that mobilizes teams of fire and flood insurance. In addition, insurance for engineers, coordinates temporary and permanent earthquakes is provided only for buildings that were housing solutions, and issues guidelines for safer built in accordance with seismic regulations, that is, reconstruction. By incorporating these elements after 1994. In general, the insurance covers damage into a flexible legislative framework, recovery to the insured building and its contents caused by efforts can be streamlined, more comprehensive, an earthquake and its following consequences and better aligned with modern resilience practices. (namely, fire, landslide, and tsunami), except for See Box 4 for an example of the Greek GDNDR’s role damage caused due to a construction defect in the in recovery after the Samos Island 2020 earth- building or if the building was not constructed based quake. on the seismic regulation in force during its con- struction. The earthquake insurance penetration is Creating a National Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) estimated at 50–75 percent.77 The private sector, Strategy could ensure that Cyprus is prepared for including infrastructure such as airports and ports, financing recovery following a range of disaster is responsible for insuring its own assets or events, considering different frequencies, severi- self-funding recovery after an event.78 ties, and impacts. A DRF strategy embraces a variety of instruments aimed at achieving different outcomes through risk layering (see Figure 5 as a KEY CHALLENGES schematic illustration), considering events of different severities and frequencies, including large Cyprus currently does not have disaster recovery infrequent earthquakes. Such a strategy uses a mix legislation or a National Disaster Recovery Frame- of public and private mechanisms, including bud- work, including for earthquakes, and it lacks the getary instruments, contingent financing, and ‘build back better’ (BBB) element entirely. Previous market-based instruments. This strategy needs to recovery efforts, such as those following the 2021 be based on a comprehensive probabilistic disaster Arakapas fire, have been ad hoc by various ministries loss analysis, which quantifies the financial impact and departments. While this approach can work for and government liabilities across all possible smaller disasters, large damaging events, such as an events. earthquake, require coordinated and pre-estab- lished yet flexible recovery mechanisms, including legislation, to ensure efficient recovery.79 76 Ibid. 77 European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. Dashboard on insurance protection gap for natural catas- trophes. Link. 78 European Commission. 2018. Peer Review Report Cyprus. Link.. 79 Sigmund, Z., Radujković, M., & Atalić, J. 2022. “The Role of Disaster Risk Governance for Effective Post-Disaster Risk Management—Case of Croatia.” Buildings, 12(4), 420. DOI: Link. 50 EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY, RECONSTRUCTION, AND POST-DISASTER FINANCING Figure 5. DRF layering approach — no single instrument can address all risks Source: World Bank. Box 4. Greek GDNDR’s role in recovery after the Samos Island earthquake An example of a comprehensive post-disaster damage assessment is the 2020 Aegean Sea earthquake assessment conducted in the Samos Island. The GDNDR deployed 90 engineers to the island to classify buildings as ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe to use’ and to identify those requiring temporary support. The post-earthquake assessments of building damage and usability were performed through visual screening and expert judgment in three phases: Phase A (first order) was rapid visual damage screening, Phase B (second order) was re-screening, and Phase C was a third and final screening by three civil engineers, though only for buildings with extensive damage. These assessments were recorded in official technical documentation, leading to rehabilitation or repair. The purpose of post-earthquake assessments was to inform citizens whether their houses could be used, to identify and register dangerously high-risk buildings for demolition by the authorities, and to assess as soon as possible the number of buildings that were not usable. Another aim was to identify households needing emergency shelter and estimate the cost of repairs to the damaged buildings before taking necessary measures. Compensation was then provided for the losses incurred to rebuild or restore properties. The purpose of the post-disaster analysis and damage assessment was to further assist the government in prioritizing actions for faster recovery, policy making, and disaster preparedness in light of future events. 51 CROSS-CUTTING TOPIC: CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS SOCIAL RESILIENCE AND INCLUSION Based on the Index for Risk Management (INFORM), Cyprus’s vulnerability is ‘4.3/10’, which comprises socio-economic vulnera- bility and vulnerable group metrics, higher than its income group peer bracket (2.5/10).80 This is partly driven by the high uprooted people score, which considers the number of refugees, returned refugees, and This chapter covers social internally displaced persons. In 2023, 10,622 people applied for resilience, social asylum in Cyprus, 749 received refugee status, and 2,314 received protection, and inclusion in subsidiary protection. 81 According to a European-wide multi-level the context of vulnerability index, in 2023, Cyprus had a vulnerability score of 5.42 earthquakes. Recognizing out of 10 (similar to Slovakia and France and higher than the European current operational and average of 4.84), with the social dimension scoring 2.68 out of 10.82 legislative gaps, it proposes ways to address Cyprus’s foreign population is the third largest in the EU in percentage the disproportionate terms, as foreign residents comprise 20.0 percent of its population. impact of disasters on Migrants in Cyprus, while largely integrated into the educational system, vulnerable populations, face significant challenges in the labor market due to language including through barriers, certificate recognition issues, and gender inequality, resulting developing an adaptive in underemployment and concentration in low-skilled sectors. Recent social protection system. initiatives aim to improve access, particularly for women.83 This could Special focus is placed on increase the vulnerability of the population after an earthquake, as people with disabilities by migrants often face heightened vulnerability during disasters due to proposing tailored factors such as language barriers and limited access to resources. solutions and adapting general measures to place Cyprus has a range of social protection benefits, including cash them at the center of DRM benefits, periodic benefits, lump sum benefits, and benefits in kind. at all stages, emphasizing In 2022, social protection expenditure in Cyprus, as a percentage of preparedness and GDP, reached 21.0 percent.84 Moreover, most social protection benefits response. were not explicitly or implicitly conditional on the beneficiary’s income and/or wealth falling below a specified level. The “TRIPOS” Plan developed by the CCD in 2016 is Cyprus’s national framework for managing disaster preparedness and response for persons with disabilities and other functional needs. It establishes mechanisms to strengthen inter-agency cooperation throughout all phases of the DRM cycle. Key provisions include developing training programs for service personnel to ensure the identification of persons with disabilities, the provision of accurate information, safe transportation, necessary assistance, and psychological support. Annual educational and awareness programs are envisioned for persons with disabilities, aiming to inform them about disaster response procedures and encourage self-preparedness actions. The plan also calls for public awareness campaigns, disaster drills with the participation of persons with disabilities, and the use of complementary communication tools such as sign language interpreters, specialized signage, and dedicated emergency telephone lines compatible with assistive devices. 80 Joint Research Centre, Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre. INFORM risk: Country risk profile. Link. 81 European Council on Refugees and Exiles. 2024. "Statistics Cyprus." Link. 82 SIbilia, A., L. G. Eklund, S. Marzi, I. Valli, C. Bountzouklis, S. Roeslin, D. Rodomonti, S. Salari, T. Antofie, and C. Cor- bane. 2024. "Developing a Multi-Level European-Wide Composite Indicator to Assess Vulnerability Dynamics Across Time and Space." International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 113: 104885. Link. 83 Kalamata, G. 2022. "Cyprus: Migrants’ Inclusion in the Labour Market, Education and Society of Cyprus: Current Needs and Perspectives for Change." In Vocational Guidance in Europe, edited by C. Enoch, C. Krause, R. Gar- cia-Murias, and J. Porath. Springer, Cham, Link. 84 GoC. 2022. Social Protection Survey: 2022. Link. 52 CROSS-CUTTING TOPIC: SOCIAL RESILIENCE AND INCLUSION SupportCY of the Bank of Cyprus has launched grounds. Despite its valuable activities and out- several initiatives aimed at raising disaster aware- comes, the project’s results did not reach Cyprus. It ness among vulnerable populations, although is essential for civil protection authorities to recog- earthquake initiatives are limited. SupportCY nize and include migrant and refugee communities, volunteers deliver educational sessions to primary both to strengthen local resilience and to draw on and high school students, focusing on wildfire the valuable knowledge and skills these communi- awareness, firefighting equipment, and how to ties possess. identify fire tracks. They have also developed a theatrical performance that teaches children how to There is currently no formal provision for psycho- stay safe during an earthquake. For elderly individu- logical support for first responders, children, als, SupportCY, in collaboration with the Fire families, and vulnerable groups following an Service, provides lectures on the dangers of earthquake or another disaster. This type of wildfires and appropriate safety measures. Recently, support is especially critical for those who are in response to a request from an NGO supporting displaced or have experienced significant losses, as people with disabilities, plans are under way to it can play a vital role in alleviating emotional develop a dedicated awareness initiative for this distress and helping individuals recover from group, although it is still in the early stages. psychological shock. While volunteer organizations, such as the Red Cross or psychologist associations, may offer assistance on a voluntary basis, as seen KEY CHALLENGES in recent years in Greece, there is no structured framework to ensure the consistent delivery of The current social protection system does not these services from the initial emergency phase in explicitly consider disasters. While Social Welfare temporary shelters through to long-term recovery. Services in Cyprus exist, 85 the system does not In addition, civil protection personnel acknowledge explicitly use these channels for post-disaster the need for psychological support for first respon- support for vulnerable populations. ders; however, no such system is currently in place. W hile t he “ T R I P O S ” P lan contains detailed provisions related to persons with disabilities or KEY OPPORTUNITIES other functional needs, it has not yet been fully implemented and integrated into a broader DRM Implementation and integration of the "TRIPOS” approach. The voluntary nature of its electronic Plan with the Cyprus’s National DRR Strategy and registry maintained by the CCD, which is intended operational emergency plans would ensure that to facilitate targeted assistance and early warning the needs of persons with disabilities are messaging, may have limited reach and its adoption addressed consistently across all disasters, rate is unclear. While it envisions the use of new including earthquakes. Expanding the electronic technologies and the development of dedicated registry’s coverage and linking it directly with support networks, practical implementation has multi-channel early warning systems could improve been limited. Awareness and participation among timely, targeted alerts. Enhancing partnerships with persons with disabilities remain inconsistent, and the disability advocacy groups, ensuring the accessibil- coordination of exercises, communications, and ity of all public awareness campaigns, and early warning integration is not yet systematic. increasing the frequency of inclusive drills would also strengthen preparedness. Leveraging modern Migrant and refugee communities, who may be technologies, from SOS-enabled communication unfamiliar with Cyprus’s disaster risk context and tools to mobile applications designed for accessibil- available resources, could face significant chal- ity, could further personalize and accelerate lenges during a major earthquake. The DG emergency assistance for persons with disabilities. ECHO-funded AMARE project addressed the integration of foreign communities into civil protec- The Department for Social Inclusion of Persons tion systems across four European cities outside of with Disabilities, with support from non-profit Cyprus, focusing on practical, low-cost solutions to organizations, could act as a coordinating body for engage and inform residents of diverse back- preparedness, resources, and post-earthquake 85 GoC. Social Welfare Services. Link. 53 CROSS-CUTTING TOPIC: SOCIAL RESILIENCE AND INCLUSION support for persons with disabilities. The mission quake. In this way, people can help each other and of the department includes promoting social respond better to such emergencies. protection, social integration, and employment of people with disabilities, while its vision is to improve Introducing an adaptive social protection (ASP) the quality of life of people with disabilities and system that builds on the existing social protection create new prospects for their social integration system could enhance inclusion and improve through appropriate planning, coordination, and support for vulnerable populations after an implementation of reform actions. Preparedness earthquake. ASP is a post-disaster suppor t campaigns and actions against earthquakes orga- approach that integrates social protection programs nized by the department would enhance the seismic (for example, safety nets, cash transfers, public resilience of vulnerable populations. An example of works) with DRM and climate change adaptation such efforts is the UCPM funded SEE ME project strategies. This requires comprehensive data on (2022–2023) 86 in Croatia aimed to improve emer- household-level disaster risk, improved interoper- gency safety and inclusion for people with ability of social protection and DRM data systems, disabilities through awareness campaigns, guide- and legal frameworks that enable automatic and lines, training, and GIS tools for rescue teams. Its scalable ASP interventions. Cyprus can benefit from follow-up, SEE ME 2 (2024–2025)87, continues this prioritizing pre-agreed financial mechanisms for work by training emergency operators and first disaster response, ensuring timely assistance to responders and expanding the GIS database to vulnerable populations. Additionally, fostering enhance response efforts. Another example from institutional coordination and capacity building Romania is included in Box 5. among social protection and DRM agencies can strengthen preparedness and ensure adaptive Targeted earthquake awareness, preparedness, responses to future crises. An investigation into the and protective action campaigns in different housing of vulnerable households could also be languages can help prepare migrant and refugee beneficial, e.g. identifying vulnerable households populations for a large earthquake event in that live in vulnerable buildings. Cyprus. It is crucial that the general public, without exceptions, be well prepared in case of an earth- 86 European Union. 2022. Safe and Equal in Emergencies (SEE ME). Link. 87 European Union. 2024. Safe and Equal in Emergencies 2 (SEE ME2). Link. 54 Box 5. Romania’s inclusive approach for emergency preparedness and response Romania has been strengthening its civil protection system with a clear commitment to make disaster risk preparedness and response more inclusive, including by training its emergency personal, improved disaster preparedness materials, and engagement with civil society organizations. As of April 2025, over 600 emergency response personnel (including firefighters, policemen, and paramedics) in 10 high seismic-risk counties, were trained on how to effectively assist people with visual, hearing, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, during emergency situations. These trainings were co-designed and co-delivered together with representatives from key national organizations of people with disabilities who were among the experts delivering the trainings and shaping the content of the syllabuses and training materials, alongside emergency services authorities. Other initiatives included the development of a training curricula and practical pocket guides for first responders on how to adapt the emergency response interventions to the needs of persons with disabilities, as well as the launch of a nationwide Train-the-Trainers program. In parallel, efforts were also made to strengthen preparedness at the community level. Between 2023-2024, nearly 90 students with disabilities and over 200 teaching and non-teaching staff across five schools in Bucharest, participated in earthquake preparedness activities, supported by the World Bank. To further support the disaster preparedness of the population, the Government of Romania introduced a set of adapted and inclusive multi-hazard guides on the ‘Be Prepared’ platform88. These include a specific guide addressing the needs of persons with disabilities during emergencies, alongside multilingual content and an interactive AI tool, ensuring broader accessibility and alignment with international standards. There are also ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between civil protection agencies and organizations of people with disabilities across Romania, such as the Association for the Blind in Romania (ANR), and the National Association of the Deaf in Romania (ANSR). For example, 18 newly recorded audio guides developed in partnership with ANR, which are available online. Sign language videos are currently in production with support from ANSR. 88 Be Prepared (Fii Pregătit) is Romania’s primary platform for public education on emergencies and disaster risks. Link. 55 CROSS-CUTTING TOPIC: CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS PRIVATE SECTOR While examples are limited, there are private enterprises in Cyprus taking active steps to increase their disaster and earthquake resilience. Cyprus’s construction sector is well developed and utilizes advanced seismic resilience measures, including base isolation This chapter covers private technology. Property owners are incentivized to improve their earth- sector involvement in the quake resilience through the ‘Static Adequacy Inspection Certificate’ context of earthquake risk and completion of the Visual Inspection Form, which is necessary for management. Relevant all public buildings and for private properties for transfer, rental, sale, stakeholders might include or lease. While there are recommendations by the inspector engineer building owners and in this form, they are not mandatory. The effectiveness of the certifi- property managers, cates is unclear, as there is no public information on seismic upgrades insurance companies, of private buildings. business owners, utility providers, construction and Residential property owners have access to earthquake insurance, engineering firms, and so as most insurance retailers offer earthquake insurance, typically sold on. along with fire and flood insurance. Insurance for business interrup- tion is also an option in case of an earthquake. However, the government or insurance center does not provide financial incentives for expanding risk reduction, such as insurance premium reductions or tax subsidies, that could help increase earthquake resilience in the private sector. Greece is a good example, as the government grants tax reliefs for the owners of insured homes. The SupportCY network of the Bank of Cyprus is a network of over 180 private companies and organizations working in cooperation with the Bank of Cyprus and is a great example of private sector involvement in DRM. SupportCY provides products and services to support public authorities and meet the various needs of Cypriot society in times of disaster, as part of the bank’s broader CSR strategy. Since its establishment, the total value of contributions made through SupportCY, including monetary donations, in-kind goods, and services, has exceeded €1,000,000. KEY CHALLENGES Private sector involvement in preparedness efforts remains limited. While some private companies participate in awareness campaigns organized by the CCD and the Fire Service, their engagement tends to be isolated and not fully integrated into the broader civil protection system. A more coordinated example is the participation of private companies and organizations in the SupportCY network of the Bank of Cyprus, which undertakes various activities related to disaster preparedness and public awareness, including those focused on earthquakes. SMEs will likely face challenges in business continuity. There are currently no laws or mandatory regulations in Cyprus requiring private companies to develop business continuity plans, leaving businesses, especially SMEs, vulnerable to disruptions from natural hazards and other risks. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are also important to strengthen business resilience in DRM. PPPs should be established to commit all parties and resources to a set of activities, such as informational campaigns, training, expert services, special plans, exercises, and equipment, in a way that will serve long-term sustain- able goals in DRM and DRR. 56 CROSS-CUTTING TOPIC: PRIVATE SECTOR KEY OPPORTUNITIES Strengthening collaboration among public author- Incentive programs that link earthquake risk ities, the private sector (including the insurance reduction to financial benefits—such as reduced industry), and civil society throughout all phases insurance premiums, tax credits, or subsi- of DRM can significantly enhance earthquake dies—can motivate private property owners to resilience. Such partnerships can foster innovative invest in seismic improvements. To be effective, financing solutions; promote risk-sharing mecha- these programs should subsidize or simplify initial nisms; and ensure comprehensive coverage of screening and structural assessments and make the prevention, response, and recovery efforts. A results understandable to non-technical audiences. dedicated government initiative on private sector They can further drive uptake by introducing involvement in DRM could help explore potential standardized retrofit procedures, triggering require- avenues for PPPs and facilitate long-term partner- ments for upgrades (for example, during a change in ships. building use), and integrating complementary goals like energy efficiency or climate resilience. Italy’s Since tourism is one of the leading industries in system of classifying buildings into eight seismic risk Cyprus, developing disaster preparedness plans categories, for instance, demonstrates how tax for tourism-dependent SMEs in high-risk areas incentives can encourage retrofitting, while the U.S. would significantly enhance their seismic ‘Earthquake Brace and Bolt’ program similarly resilience. Engaging these SMEs in the CCD provides grants that reduce the financial burden on preparedness efforts would benefit both the public homeowners (see Box 6). Such initiatives, adapted and private sectors by helping to reduce potential to Cyprus’s context, could significantly enhance losses in the event of a major earthquake. private sector resilience and reduce reliance on post-disaster state support. Developing a business continuity plan and preparedness toolkit for small businesses can significantly boost their awareness and readiness for earthquake-related disruptions. Drawing inspiration from California’s ‘HayWired Scenario’, where public agencies, private companies, and utility providers collaborated to assess infrastructure dependencies and create shared recovery plans, a similar multi-stakeholder coalition in Cyprus could adapt these lessons to local seismic risks. Engaging small businesses through workshops, exercises, and scenario-based planning would not only help them develop robust continuity strategies but also foster ongoing partnerships among government agencies, emergency services, and the insurance industry, thereby enhancing overall earthquake resilience in Cyprus. Box 6. Example of private housing earthquake retrofit incentive program in California, United States The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers financial assistance programs to help homeowners strengthen their older homes against earthquake damage. The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program provides grants of up to US$3,000 to eligible homeowners in select high-risk ZIP Codes. Additionally, the CEA Brace + Bolt program offers similar grants exclusively to CEA insurance policyholders who meet specific criteria. Both programs aim to reduce potential earthquake damage by funding code-compliant seismic retrofits. Completing a retrofit through these programs may also qualify homeowners for up to a 25 percent discount on their CEA earthquake insurance premium. 57 INVESTMENT NEEDS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This chapter proposes key priorities for reforms and investment areas, which may be considered as part of technical assistance, policies, or instruments. It is informed by desk research and consultations. Cyprus is well positioned to enhance its earthquake resilience through strategic investments that not only reduce earthquake risk but also unlock co-benefits across sectors. With growing momentum to strengthen national disaster risk management systems, the country is well positioned to establish a forward-looking framework that integrates seismic resilience into broader development and climate adaptation goals. This section outlines investment recommendations that can accelerate progress toward a safer, more prepared, and resilient Cyprus. From enhancing legal and institutional coordination to leveraging EU funding for integrated seismic and energy upgrades, Cyprus can embrace multi-sectoral strategies to achieve widespread results. Investment opportunities span from expanding risk assessments and improving data platforms to empow- ering communities through inclusive preparedness programs and advancing early warning systems. Public administration capacity, disaster financing mechanisms, and partnerships with the private sector offer additional pathways for strengthening national preparedness. A list of investment recommendations is provided in Table 2 with further details provided below the table: 58 Table 2. Key investment recommendations for Cyprus in earthquake risk management across sectors • Update Cyprus’s DRM legislative system to provide a strong legal foundation for proactive risk reduction, clarify roles and responsibilities, and enhance resource allocation and performance monitoring. • Designate a central DRM coordinating authority to streamline DRM activities, prevent overlaps, and Governance implement a whole-of-government approach to resilience. • Implement the National DRR Strategy and strengthen coordination, interoperability, and resource mobilization. • Establish a legal framework for the risk assessment process to ensure earthquake NRA results inform urban planning and continuity plans and improve capacity for risk reduction programs. • Develop a standardized disaster damage and loss assessment methodology and centralized data system to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination, improve data consistency, and support evidence-based decision-making. • Create an interactive web platform with GIS capabilities for risk assessment data to enhance transparency, promote cross-agency collaboration, and increase public awareness of earthquake hazards. Understanding risk • Update the NRA with the most recent hazard models, refined critical entities and infrastructure data, cascading effects, and social vulnerability indicators to achieve a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of earthquake risk. • Expand research to improve understanding of secondary perils triggered by earthquakes, such as landslides and liquefaction, across all districts, to guide safer urban planning and reduce long-term disaster impacts. • Expand tsunami hazard and risk studies using advanced modeling to improve evacuation planning and preparedness and integrate coastal resilience into broader disaster planning. • Accelerate earthquake resilience through multi-sectoral national earthquake risk reduction program, aligning resources and efforts for maximum impact. • Establish a cross-institutional coordination mechanism to scale up risk reduction investments and facilitate integrated improvements. • Implement an integrated seismic retrofit and energy upgrade program for existing building stock to advance both structural resilience and energy efficiency, leveraging national and EU funding opportunities. Risk prevention, • Adopt an investment plan and prioritization framework that, in addition to risk, considers the criticality of reduction, and infrastructure and co-benefits (for example, energy efficiency, fire safety, functional improvement). mitigation • Quantify the benefits of earthquake risk reduction to build support for sustained funding, using avoided losses, cost savings, and social benefits as key advocacy tools. • Update the seismic zonation map in the National Annex of Eurocode 8 in line with ESHM20 and train engineers on upcoming changes, ensuring more efficient seismic design. • Establish the second tier of seismic assessment, disseminate guidelines, and offer training to enhance prioritization of vulnerable buildings. • Develop a public preparedness and awareness strategy for earthquakes to engage multiple stakeholders, ensure inclusivity, and set clear key performance indicators with ongoing monitoring. • Organize public awareness campaigns, including social media campaigns, on how to react before, during, and after an earthquake to strengthen civil society resilience. • Develop a dedicated tsunami risk awareness and preparedness program with a coordinating body, focusing on vulnerable populations. • Include the tourism sector in civil protection planning and readiness efforts to mitigate risk and avoid EWS and public substantial revenue losses. awareness • Establish a publicly accessible information platform featuring interactive risk maps, emergency shelters, and practical guides for individual and family preparedness. • Enhance the EWS by expanding accessibility, regularly testing and training staff, modernizing alert equipment, and running public awareness campaigns to strengthen citizens’ understanding of seismic alerts. • Conduct a feasibility study for an earthquake early warning (EEW) system, assessing the investments needed for the seismic station network, detection algorithms and alert distribution system, as well as benefits associated with the achievable alert lead times. • Create a mechanism for evaluation and regular updating of ‘ZENON’ master plans, as well as integration of new knowledge, capacities, and lessons learned from public drills. • Strengthen civil society, private sector, and community participation in emergency exercises to enhance preparedness and response at all levels. Preparedness and emergency • Establish a registry of trained, certified inspector-engineers for rapid deployment and standardized damage response assessments after major disasters and provide specialized training and clear guidelines to ensure consistent post-disaster evaluations. • Construct the National Training Center to enhance the country’s civil protection capabilities. • Develop coordinated emergency procedures and evacuation routes for potential tsunamis within a comprehensive plan to facilitate timely evacuations, clear communication, and greater coastal resilience. • Establish disaster recovery legislation and a flexible framework with a central coordinating authority to Recovery, assign clear responsibilities, adopt a ‘BBB’ approach, and streamline recovery operations. reconstruction, and post-disaster • Create a National Disaster Risk Financing Strategy that uses risk layering, combines public and private financing mechanisms (for example, contingent financing, insurance), and is grounded in probabilistic loss analysis, ensuring funding capacity for large, infrequent earthquakes and other disasters. • Engage the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and other relevant departments, in collaboration with non-profit organizations, to coordinate preparedness, resource allocation, and post-earthquake support for persons with disabilities. • Integrate the "TRIPOS” Plan with the Cyprus’s National DRR Strategy and ensure and monitor the plan’s Social resilience implementation. and inclusion • Develop targeted, multi-language awareness and preparedness campaigns for migrant and refugee communities, ensuring that everyone can respond effectively to earthquakes. • Create an ASP system building on existing programs, supported by legal frameworks, and pre-agreed financial mechanisms to deliver timely assistance to vulnerable populations post-disaster. • Strengthen collaboration among public authorities, the private sector, and civil society across all DRM phases. • Develop disaster preparedness plans for tourism-dependent SMEs in high-risk areas to strengthen their seismic resilience. Private sector • Develop a business continuity support (such as preparedness toolkit) for small businesses to facilitate scenario-based planning, workshops, and exercises, thereby improving resilience through partnerships with government agencies, emergency services, and insurers. • Introduce incentive programs linking seismic risk reduction to financial benefits (for example, subsidies, tax credits, insurance premium reductions), simplify screening processes, and integrate with other programs like energy efficiency or climate resilience. 60 KEY INVESTMENT A summary of key investment areas is provided below: AREAS Legal framework and coordination: Establish a robust legal framework that institutionalizes earthquake risk reduction across multiple sectors; designate a central DRM coordinating authority to clarify roles and responsibilities and foster a whole-of-government approach; integrate earthquake-specific risk assessments into national and local planning processes; formalize mechanisms for continuous improvement and accountability; and strengthen partnerships with the private sector, NGOs, and civil society for enhanced information sharing, resource mobilization, and emergency preparedness. Systematic risk reduction: Develop a multi-sectoral national earthquake risk reduction program supported by a central coordination mechanism to standardize programs, share knowledge, and unlock different streams of EU funding by coupling seismic resilience with energy efficiency measures. This approach should employ a compre- hensive prioritization framework that accounts for seismic risk, energy upgrade needs, infrastructure criticality, functional upgrades, and accessibility, ensuring cost-effective, high-impact investments across government institutions. Key investment opportunities could include studies for risk reduction investment needs across all sectors, a unified infrastructure data management platform, capacity building and training, and a risk reduction funding strategy. Risk assessment, planning, and data management: Expand earth- quake risk assessments to cover all sectors, including critical entities, distributed systems, and heritage structures; incorporate advance- ments in hazard modeling and secondary hazards as well as better built environment data and social vulnerability factors in risk assessment; improve data on building inventory and damage and loss data collec- tion; improve accessibility and usability of risk assessment via GIS web-based technologies. Key investment opportunities could include incorporation of interactive GIS technology, multi-hazard risk maps and microzonation studies, an investigation of cascading effects of critical entity disruption, and increased investigation of liquefaction and landslides, within government and public-facing tools and data-shar- ing platforms. Community preparedness and EWS: Enhance earthquake community preparedness and awareness with inclusive training programs and modernized digital resource platforms. Strengthen the general EWS through infrastructure upgrades, including improved communication and information distribution systems, and determine the feasibility of an EEW system. Key investment opportunities could include online resource solutions, an inclusive early warning approach and communi- cation infrastructure, and a feasibility study of an EEW system in Cyprus. 61 KEY INVESTMENT Public administration and emergency response capacity: Regularly AREAS update response plans; strengthen the capacity of public administra- tion for risk assessment and management; and enhance emergency response through infrastructure upgrades, engagement of the public and private sectors in drills and training, and the establishment of a registry of trained and certified inspector-engineers. Key investment opportunities could include expert services, training programs, incentives for inspector-engineers, IT technologies to support risk management and emergency response, and a National Training Center to maximize the added value of other investments and help integrate the activities of key stakeholders in the Cyprus civil protection system and international partners. Disaster financing, insurance, and ASP: Develop a multi-hazard DRF strategy, employing a risk-layering approach to cover a range of event frequencies and severities. Incentivize insurance uptake and consider tiered premiums or subsidies linked to seismic upgrades in privately owned buildings to reduce reliance on public funds post-disaster. Integrate social protection with DRM and climate adaptation to provide flexible, scalable support for vulnerable households. Key investment opportunities could include financial instruments, insurance products linked to risk reduction, data on social vulnerability and house- hold-level disaster risk, adaptive social protection programs, and improved web resources for post-disaster finance and assistance options. Multi-hazard recovery and resilient reconstruction: Develop a multi-hazard recovery framework incorporating seismic risk and BBB guidelines for reconstruction. Key investment opportunities could include recovery planning tools, resilient reconstruction services, and capacity building for administrative personnel. Public-private collaboration, business continuity, and incentive programs: Strengthen alliances between public authorities, private entities—including insurers—and civil society to foster innovative financing, risk-sharing mechanisms, and comprehensive earthquake preparedness and risk reduction. Facilitate the inclusion of DRM into structured multiannual CSR programs. Develop a small-business continuity toolkit to guide scenario-based planning and enhance partnerships among government agencies, emergency services, and the private sector. Offer incentives (for example, tax credits, premium reductions) that link seismic upgrades to financial benefits, simplify screening processes, and provide straightforward guidance to property owners. Key investment opportunities could include a multi-stake- holder cooperation platform, a business continuity toolkit and training, and the development of public-private seismic risk reduction incentive schemes. 62 ANNEX 1. REFERENCES FastForward. 2024. The Nearest Shelter in Cyprus on Your Phone: New Digital Tools for Civil Protection. Link. Fokaefs, A., and G. A. Papadopoulos. 2007. "Tsunami Hazard in the Eastern Mediterranean: Strong Earth- quakes and Tsunamis in Cyprus and the Levantine Sea." Natural Hazards 40: 503–526. Link. Basili, R., Brizuela, B., Herrero, A., Iqbal, S., Lorito, S., Maesano, F. 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Id Plan name Title Coordinator 1 “IFESTOS (HEPHAES- Response to fires in forests, urban and rural areas Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Develop- TUS)” ment and Environment - Justice and Public Order 2 “PYRSOS” Response to fires in agroforestry areas Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Develop- ment and Environment - Justice and Public Order 3 “IKAROS” Reduction in accident probability during large fires Forestry Department and Fire Service fire fighting 4 “ENGELADOS” Response to earthquake on land and at sea Ministry of Interior/Civil Defence 5 “POLYVIOS” Evacuation of inhabited areas due to natural or Ministry of Interior/Civil Defence man-made disasters 6 “PROMITHEAS” Response to extreme weather phenomena Ministry of Interior/Civil Defence 7 “DEMONIKOS” Response to large-scale accidents involving liquid Ministry of Interior fuels (type “SEVESO”) 8 “NAVKRATIS” Mass arrival of illegal immigrants Ministry of Interior/Asylum Service 9 “NEARCHOS” National research and rescue plan Ministry of Defence / Joint Research and Rescue (JRCC) 10 “TEFKROS” Response to major naval and air accident 11 “ELECTRA” Response to radiological/nuclear event within the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social territory Insurance 12 “ESTIA” Evacuation of citizens from neighboring countries Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 “KAPODISTRIAS” Support of third friendly countries in crisis, Ministry of Foreign Affairs accident to a large number of Cypriot foreign nationals 65 Id Plan name Title Coordinator 14 “KLEON” Response to a single incident in the Nicosia FIR or Ministry of Foreign Affairs EEZ by foreign forces 15 “ORFEAS” Response to major marine pollution on coasts and Ministry of Communications and Works open sea 16 “ARISTEAS” Response to interruption of communication and Ministry of Communications and Works information networks 17 “NIKIAS” Response to terrorist incident with civil aircraft in Ministry of Communications and Works flight 18 “PINDAROS” Response to shutdown of main airports or sea- Ministry of Communications and Works ports 19 “FAEDROS” Response to interruption of electricity supply Ministry of Energy, Trade, Industry and Tourism 20 “KADMOS” Response to interruption of governmental informa- Ministry of Finance tion systems 21 “LITO” Response to exposure of individuals in high risk Ministry of Health biological factors 22 “AMFITRITI” Response to pandemics Ministry of Health 23 “ASPIDA” Response to terrorist action in ships – aircraft at Ministry of Justice and Public Order airports – onshore facilities within a territory 24 “PATROKLOS” Response to contamination of large dam, water Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Develop- supply, desalination, pumping stations, main ment and Environment pipelines 25 “DORIDA” Response to drought Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Develop- ment and Environment 26 “DEIMOS” Prevention of terrorist actions in facilities 66 67