Cyprus successfully concluded a two‑day search and rescue exercise, “ARTEMIS 2025,” held December 12‑13 in Larnaca district, at the Disaster Response Unit (EMAK) base in Kofinou and the Zygi area.
Co‑funded by the European Union under the Civil Protection Mechanism, the drill involved 150 participants from Civil Defence, the Fire Service/EMAK and the Ambulance Service.
It tested readiness and coordination in large‑scale emergencies, including scenarios of a 7.1‑magnitude earthquake with collapsed buildings and trapped civilians.
Rescue teams established a temporary “Base of Operations” and carried out 36 hours of continuous missions: locating missing persons, opening rescue routes, providing first aid and coordinating land and sea forces. A unified command system simulated real crisis management, with local emergency authorities and exercise controllers ensuring smooth decision‑making.
Officials said the exercise proved the high preparedness of Cyprus’s emergency services and the importance of joint training.
Interior Ministry Director General Elikkos A. Elias praised the agencies and volunteers, stressing the state’s commitment to upgrading civil protection.
Civil Defence thanked its volunteers, the Fire Service, EMAK and the Ambulance Service, noting that ongoing cooperation and training remain key pillars of public safety.
