12 Powerful Updates: Estia Plan Fully Operational as Evacuees Flood Cyprus by Air and Sea”

Cyprus Manages Evacuees from Lebanon and Israel Amid Tensions

Cyprus is playing a key role in managing evacuees from Lebanon and Israel during the ongoing conflict. The focus keyword “evacuees from Lebanon” refers to those fleeing the escalating situation, and Cyprus has become a safe haven. With the Estia plan fully operational, evacuees are arriving in Cyprus through air and sea, and the nation is responding efficiently. Here are the latest updates.

12 Flights Diverted, Over 1,800 Passengers in Cyprus

Total of 12 Flights Diverted to Cyprus

According to Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, twelve flights carrying 1,858 passengers arrived in Cyprus from the Middle East. So far, five flights with 804 passengers have continued to their final destinations, while the remaining evacuees from Lebanon are still in Cyprus.

Breakdown of Remaining Passengers
A total of 349 evacuees are staying in hotels, waiting for further arrangements. Another 705 evacuees from Lebanon are at Larnaca airport, where necessary services and care have been provided until they can depart.

Estia Plan Ready to Assist Evacuees

Estia Plan Fully Operational for Evacuations

Cyprus is prepared to offer aid through the Estia plan, which became fully operational on Tuesday night. The plan is designed to support evacuees from countries in conflict, including evacuees from Lebanon. Nine countries have already received help, although state-organized evacuations are not yet underway, as the airports remain open.

Evacuation Priorities for Cyprus
The main priority for Cyprus right now is the evacuation of its own nationals from Israel and Lebanon. There are 1,000 Cypriot nationals registered in these regions, with 100 already requesting repatriation.

Sea Arrivals and Evacuation Updates

Evacuees Arriving by Sea in Cyprus

In addition to air evacuations, many evacuees from Lebanon have been arriving in Cyprus by sea. Six to seven boats are docking daily at the Ayia Napa marina, including those carrying diplomatic personnel from the European Union. These individuals are transferred safely back to their home countries.

500 Evacuees by Sea So Far
So far, 30 boats have transported around 500 evacuees from Lebanon and other nationals, and the number is expected to increase. On Wednesday, another boat carrying 15 embassy personnel arrived at Larnaca.

Cyprus’ Coordinated Efforts with Allies

International Support for Evacuees from Lebanon

Cyprus is also working closely with its allies. Greece has provided support, with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias offering a Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft to help with evacuations. Additionally, the Red Cross is involved, meeting with boat owners to enlist them in the evacuation efforts.

High Costs for Sea Evacuations
However, there have been reports that some foreign boat owners are charging high prices, up to €5,000 per person, to ferry evacuees from Lebanon across the sea.

Missile Attacks and Visible Explosions

Missile Attacks Cause Concern in Cyprus

Cyprus, located just off the coast of Israel and Lebanon, has been impacted by the escalating conflict. On Tuesday night, Iran launched missile strikes on Israel, leading to the diversion of 11 international flights to Larnaca.

Visible Explosions Across the Island
The missile attacks were visible from Cyprus, causing concern among the local population. Residents in Limassol and Paphos reported seeing bright explosions in the sky. Cyprus Mail confirmed that these were the result of aerial defense systems in action in the seas near Israel.

Ongoing Monitoring and Preparedness

Cyprus on High Alert for Regional Tensions

The situation remains tense, and Cypriot authorities are closely monitoring the conflict. While there is no immediate danger to Cyprus, the government is prepared to handle an influx of evacuees from Lebanon if the conflict worsens.

EU Regulations for Evacuees
Cyprus is also following EU migration regulations closely. Only those evacuees who meet specific criteria are allowed to remain in Cyprus, ensuring that the island’s resources are allocated appropriately.

A Safe Haven Amid Conflict

Cyprus’ Role as a Refuge for Evacuees

Cyprus is emerging as a critical safe haven for evacuees from Lebanon and Israel. With over 500 evacuees arriving by air and sea and more expected in the coming days, the island is prepared to continue offering aid and support. The Estia plan ensures that Cyprus remains fully operational to assist those fleeing the conflict, whether they arrive by air or sea.

In conclusion, Cyprus’ Estia plan is fully operational, and the island has become a key evacuation point for evacuees from Lebanon and Israel. With the continued arrival of flights and boats, Cyprus is ready to provide support and aid to those in need, playing a vital role in regional stability during this challenging time.