The sixth and final EU MODEX conducted by the LOT2 Consortium within Cycle 11 was conducted in Ostrava, Czechia between 17 and 20 October. Six countries, members of the UCPM - Union Civil Protection Mechanism (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland and Sweden) participated in a simulation of a flooding caused by weather crisis in the Moravian-Silesian Region (MSR).
Sustained heavy rainfall in October 2023, with a significant impact on the Moravian-Silesian Region (MSR) near the Polish border and resulting in landslides and widespread flooding, was the background of the very challenging scenario. Rivers, lakes, and dams surged to high levels, potentially endangering several cities.
Our Czech colleagues and consortium organisers meticulously prepared the exercise, rigorously testing our skills, procedures, equipment, and our readiness to collaborate with international modules.
All available resources, including fire brigades, ambulance services, gendarmerie, police and military forces, national and international NGOs, the Polish Red Cross, and volunteers, were mobilised to deal with the crisis. A "State of Alert" was declared for the entire province, and coordination efforts were led by the disaster management department of the MSR province.
In response to the Czechia's request for assistance via UCPM, six European countries offered their help consisting of High Capacity Pumping (HCP).
Their objective was to work together cohesively to address the water-related incidents in the region. The EU MODEX exercise in Czechia has proven to be an intense and comprehensive opportunity for self-evaluation of their abilities to collaborate effectively with the local authorities and other deployed capacities with the primary goal of achieving coordination in response to the simulated emergency. Participants have acknowledged its role in fostering cooperation and enhancing coordination among international teams.
Our team has gained valuable insights into improved cooperation with other teams through this exercise.
The commitment and dedication shown by participants, including those who travelled long distances, exemplify the exercise's significance: "The two-day journey from Sweden was totally worth it" says Tina Petterson, a participant from Sweden. The exercise's meticulous preparation has underscored the importance of readiness, both in terms of skills and equipment, for effective cross-border collaboration.
This exercise has been a remarkable experience from start to finish. It provided valuable challenges for both team leaders and deputy team leaders, offering great opportunities for improvement and learning, with outstanding role players.
In conclusion, this EU MODEX has highlighted once again the importance of international collaboration within the UCPM framework. It acts as a valuable reminder that unity and joint preparedness are vital elements in responding to emergencies, thereby ensuring a prompt and effective response to support the affected communities.
