Civil Defense Holds Shelter Drill in Famagusta

The exercise involved personnel from the Civil Defense Organization and members of the Civil Defense Famagusta District Directorate’s Public Organization (HÖ). The drill scenario simulated an air raid, testing evacuation and sheltering procedures. A District Crisis Management Committee was also established to coordinate national response measures in the event of such a threat.

Karaca: “We Are Always Ready for the Worst-Case Scenario”

Following the successful completion of the drill, Civil Defense Organization President Atilla Karaca, Famagusta District Governor Özden Keser, and Famagusta Mayor Süleyman Uluçay addressed the press.

Karaca emphasized that the organization’s primary duty is to protect the public’s life and property in emergencies. He stated that regular training and drills help the public stay informed and improve their response skills.

While no armed attack against the country is currently anticipated, Karaca noted that potential fallout from regional conflicts, such as long-range missile incidents stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict, remains a consideration. He also pointed to the foreign military base near Famagusta as a potential risk factor.

Karaca underscored the importance of public compliance in emergencies, urging citizens to follow siren alerts, mosque announcements, and the broadcasts of “Kuzeyin Sesi Radyo Vatan,” which will function as the emergency radio station. He stated that the locations of shelters are classified for strategic reasons and would not be disclosed until necessary.

He extended his thanks to AKOL Group for supporting the drill by providing access to one of the many shelters designated in emergency plans.

Keser: “Preparedness Saves Lives—A Prepared Society Is a Strong Society”

Famagusta District Governor Özden Keser highlighted that the purpose of the drill was to test institutional coordination in the event of an air raid and reinforce public disaster awareness.

He said the scenario was based on the possibility of international military conflict affecting the island through foreign bases. Keser noted that at 7:30 a.m., a risk alert was issued by the Security Forces Command, triggering the activation of relevant agencies.

By 8:00 a.m., national sirens and central announcement systems were activated to warn the public. “Kuzeyin Sesi Radyo” began continuous emergency broadcasts.

At 10:00 a.m., a yellow alert was issued in the Famagusta region, prompting residents to move to designated gathering points. Civil Defense teams guided them to secure areas, and after a red alert, evacuations were conducted using designated vehicles. Citizens were then safely relocated to shelters.

Keser explained that the drill evaluated key areas such as inter-agency coordination, public compliance with evacuation protocols, field operations, logistics, and healthcare response. He thanked all involved agencies, personnel, and the public for their participation and praised the Civil Defense Organization for instilling confidence.

“Let us not forget that preparedness for disasters and crises saves lives. A prepared society is a strong society,” he concluded.