More Than 1,500 People Evacuated from Lebanon via Cyprus

Since the launch of the evacuation assistance program from Lebanon through Cyprus, a total of 1,550 people have left the country. The majority of those evacuated are citizens of third countries.

According to Theodoros Gotsis, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 1,550 evacuees include 76 Cypriot citizens and 26 family members, as well as 33 Greek citizens. Additionally, small groups from 19 other countries are also part of this total.

However, most of those who have departed so far are Australian citizens, numbering 1,069. Australia has conducted six flights in total and plans to operate two more on Tuesday.

Slovakia has also played a role in the evacuation, carrying out four flights on a small military aircraft, successfully evacuating 98 Slovaks and ten citizens from other countries.

Reports indicate that the first country to conduct an evacuation flight was Portugal, which evacuated 44 individuals.

Furthermore, commercial activity at the country's ports has increased, with most arrivals being European citizens.

Most of the evacuees who arrived in Cyprus have already returned to their home countries. Accommodations for those waiting to depart are provided in state facilities, following the provisions of the national evacuation assistance plan, Estia.

It is important to note that following the rapid deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus are fully prepared to evacuate European citizens and residents of third countries from Lebanon and Israel.

The national evacuation plan, ESTIA, for receiving and repatriating citizens of third countries came into full effect on the evening of Tuesday, October 1.