Evacuation efforts from Lebanon to Cyprus intensified as a recent flight from Beirut brought 70 individuals, including 38 Cypriots, back home. The Cypriot embassy is actively assisting citizens, while international collaboration has seen nations like Australia and Greece join forces to ensure safe passage for those fleeing rising tensions in the region.
What are the recent evacuation efforts from Lebanon to Cyprus due to rising tensions?
Recent evacuation efforts include a flight from Beirut to Larnaca, bringing home 70 individuals, with 38 Cypriots. The Cypriot embassy offers consular support, urging citizens to use the connect2cy platform. Additionally, Cyprus and other nations arranged flights and sea arrivals, aiding hundreds of evacuees, highlighting international collaboration during crises.
Emergency Repatriation
In an ongoing effort to return citizens to safer grounds amidst rising tensions in the region, an additional flight organized by the Cypriot foreign ministry has successfully brought home 70 individuals from Beirut to Larnaca. On a Friday night, Middle East Airlines facilitated the journey, touching down at 10:55 pm local time. The recent evacuation included a diverse group seeking refuge, with 38 Cypriot nationals among the passengers. The Republic of Cyprus showed commendable support by covering the fares for its citizens.
The multinational nature of the flight was underscored by the presence of passengers from various European countries. With 11 Greeks, two Poles, and 19 Lebanese with permanent residency in Cyprus, the operation was a testament to the far-reaching impact of the current crisis and the collaborative spirit of nations coming together in response.
Ongoing Consular Assistance
The Cypriot embassy in Beirut remains a beacon of hope, providing unwavering support and consular assistance to those still in Lebanon. Cypriots abroad have been urged to engage with their government through digital means, utilizing the connect2cy.gov.cy platform. This online service allows nationals to register for assistance or update any existing requests, thus ensuring continuous communication and support during these challenging times.
This evacuation follows a preceding operation that saw the successful rescue of 60 individuals, including Cypriot and Greek nationals, using a Lockheed C-130 aircraft from the Greek defence ministry. Such collaborative efforts highlight the region’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens during times of distress.
International Coordination and Response
The Australian government has also stepped up in these trying times, commissioning Qantas to operate two non-stop flights destined for Sydney from Cyprus. This move will provide a much-needed path home for up to 500 passengers from Beirut, scheduled to leave on a Monday and a Wednesday, with further flights pending based on demand. This international response underscores the global interconnectedness and the shared responsibility towards citizens caught in the midst of conflict.
As part of the Estia evacuation plan, Cyprus has accommodated requests from multiple countries, including a request from China that resulted in an earlier sea arrival of about 80 people. These efforts by Cyprus exemplify the island nation’s commitment to humanitarian assistance during crises.
Continuous Influx of Evacuees
The picturesque Ayia Napa marina has also witnessed a steady influx of sea-borne arrivals, with an average of five boats docking each day. These vessels, often luxurious in nature, carry a mix of European nationals, Lebanese citizens with dual nationality, and diplomatic staff seeking passage away from the tumult. After transient hotel stays, most of these evacuees proceed to Larnaca airport, where they embark on flights to their onward destinations, further illustrating the sheer scale of this international mobilization effort.
“`markdown
What are the recent evacuation efforts from Lebanon to Cyprus due to rising tensions?
Recent evacuation efforts include a flight from Beirut to Larnaca, which successfully transported 70 individuals, including 38 Cypriots. The Cypriot embassy is actively offering consular support and encourages citizens to utilize the connect2cy platform for assistance. In addition to flights, there have been coordinated sea arrivals, enabling hundreds of evacuees to reach safety, highlighting the international collaboration during this crisis.
How is the Cypriot government supporting its citizens during these evacuations?
The Cypriot government has shown strong support by arranging flights and covering expenses for its citizens returning from Lebanon. The most recent operation brought home 70 individuals from Beirut, including not only Cypriots but also Greek, Polish, and Lebanese nationals with permanent residency in Cyprus. The Cypriot embassy continues to provide ongoing consular assistance and encourages citizens to register for help through the connect2cy.gov.cy platform.
What role is international collaboration playing in the evacuation efforts?
International collaboration is crucial in the ongoing evacuation efforts from Lebanon. Countries like Australia and Greece are working alongside Cyprus to ensure safe passage for their citizens. For example, the Australian government has commissioned Qantas to operate non-stop flights from Cyprus to Sydney, which will facilitate the return of up to 500 passengers. Such multinational cooperation exemplifies the shared responsibility to protect citizens in times of crisis.
What is the current state of the evacuation process, and how are evacuees arriving in Cyprus?
The evacuation process continues to be dynamic, with a steady influx of evacuees arriving by both air and sea. An average of five boats dock daily at Ayia Napa marina, carrying a mix of European nationals, Lebanese citizens with dual nationality, and diplomatic staff. After temporary stays in local hotels, most evacuees head to Larnaca airport for onward flights, demonstrating the extensive efforts being made to assist individuals seeking refuge from the escalating tensions in Lebanon.
“`
