The Cypriot government introduced a new nationwide emergency warning system on Tuesday, the CY-Alert, that dispatches immediate alerts to mobile phones without the need for internet or app installations. According to Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, this development aims to significantly improve public safety and trust between the state and its citizens by ensuring they receive timely and reliable information during crises. The system utilizes Cell Broadcast technology, allowing messages to be sent directly to phones through local mobile antennas, ensuring delivery even during high network traffic.

The system will become operational next Tuesday, with several public test drills planned over the following three weeks. Alerts will be sent in both Greek and English, accompanied by distinct sounds and vibrations to alert users effectively. Privacy concerns have been addressed with the assurance that no personal data will be collected or stored through this system. A dedicated call center, starting operation from Wednesday, will support citizens in configuring their mobile devices to receive these alerts.