A total of 268 citizens from European and other countries arrived in Cyprus, until Friday noon, including eight Cypriot citizens, following the activation of the Special National Plan "Estia".

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the activation of the plan remains in effect as significantly increased needs are expected from other countries in the coming days.

It is noted that Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos presided on Friday over a meeting of the Ministerial Crisis Management Team comprised of the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Justice and Public Order. 

Other participants in the meeting included the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, the Minister of Health, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, the Chief of the General Staff of the National Guard, the Chief of Police, as well as involved services and agencies.

During the meeting, they reviewed the situation following the activation of the National Plan "Estia" from October 10th until today in the light of the latest developments on the ground in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean region.

They also exchanged views regarding the coordination of all involved Ministries, services and other bodies. The Ministry notes that following the activation of the "Estia" National Plan, there is a continuous presence of representatives of all services at the "Zenon" Coordination Center in Larnaca, the Pafos airport and the ports of the Republic of Cyprus.

Until Friday, October 13th (12:00 noon), 268 citizens from European and other countries have arrived to Cyprus, including 8 Cypriot citizens, it adds. The activation remains in effect as significantly increased needs are expected from other countries as well in the coming days, the press release concludes.