From 17 to 21 October 2024, an EU MODEX exercise took place in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy, as part of Cycle 12 (2024-2026). The exercise brought together over 230 participants from 12 different European countries. The main goal of the exercise was to strengthen civil protection teams' ability to respond to extreme weather events and their impacts on both urban and cultural environments.
The exercise scenario simulated a major disaster in the independent state of Regione Veneto, which is surrounded by Italy but outside the EU territory, caused by "Storm Italo." The storm severely impacted the region, including Venice and its lagoon and brought tornadoes, flooding, and significant damage to critical infrastructure. Around 1,500 buildings were damaged, 27 of which collapsed entirely, displacing an estimated 10,000 people. In addition, around 600 people were reported missing, requiring complex search and rescue efforts. Flooding further complicated rescue efforts by isolating communities and making it difficult to access affected areas.
This tested the emergency response capabilities of the teams mobilised by the UCPM, as they worked to provide support to the local authorities, manage rescue operations, medical care, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage.
Storm Italo caused widespread destruction, with tornadoes reaching winds of over 200 km/h. With local resources stretched thin, the Government of Regione Veneto activated the UCPM for international assistance. In response, 3 Usar Search and Rescue teams (2 Medium and 1 Light team), 3 Emergency Medical Teams type 1, and the Italian Short-term Countermeasure Capacity were deployed. A key element of the response was the inclusion of the Cultural Heritage Response Unit (CHRU) from Germany, promoted by the PROCULTHER-NET 2 project, which focused on protecting Venice’s cultural assets from further damage.
The deployed EU Civil Protection Team (EUCPT) including an associated UN OCHA’s UNDAC expert, and two Cultural Heritage experts from France and Austria, and supported by a German Technical Assistance Support Team, played a central role in providing all the support to the local authorities in conducting needs assessment and facilitating coordination with the international teams and stakeholders.
EU MODEX brings together numerous teams, providing them with the opportunity to train and strengthen their network. Participating in these exercises better prepares teams, allowing them to share experiences with colleagues and enhance the added value of EMTs in the field.
Protecting Cultural Heritage
For the first time in an EU MODEX, cultural heritage protection was a key focus. The CHRU worked closely with UCPM teams, local responders, and USAR units to assess and protect Venice’s historical sites and artefacts. Their efforts helped prevent further damage to valuable cultural assets affected by the storm.
The PROCULTHER-NET 2 initiative, in collaboration with the Civil Protection of the Municipality of Venice, the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Italian National Fire and Rescue Service and the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, played a crucial role in integrating heritage protection into the disaster response, providing a realistic scenario to test advanced methods for assessment, management, and recovery to ensure cultural heritage is part of future UCPM operations.
These exercises are so important for us as they are a key part of our preparedness for major disasters. They allow modules and teams to better understand the challenges and problems, helping us be more prepared for real emergencies.
Complex Operations in the Venetian Lagoon
Response operations took place at several locations across the Venetian Lagoon, including Holy Spirit Island and Poveglia Island. These areas saw significant building collapses, requiring careful rubble clearing and debris handling. USAR teams were deployed to find and rescue people trapped in these collapsed buildings. Their work, focusing on safely removing individuals from the rubble using advanced techniques for handling debris, was put to the test considering the particularly challenging logistical environment operating with boats.
At the same time, EMTs provided crucial medical care, treating injuries, performing health screenings, and organising the evacuation of vulnerable people. These teams worked closely with local health authorities to ensure that medical help reached the areas most affected by the disaster. In addition to medical care and rescue operations, the CHRU continued its work to assess and protect cultural assets, ensuring that safeguarding Venice’s heritage remained a priority.
Teams also practiced setting up temporary shelters for displaced residents. This involved creating safe living spaces and ensuring access to essential services for those affected by the storm.
These exercises enhance interoperability between teams, foster cooperation, and strengthen host nation support.
Conclusion
The EU MODEX Venice exercise demonstrated the importance of collaboration between different civil protection teams, from USAR teams to EMTs and cultural heritage protection. The deployment of the CHRU alongside emergency responders marked a key step in enhancing Europe’s ability to address both human needs and the preservation of cultural heritage during disasters.
The simulated large-scale disaster provided valuable insights into cooperation across sectors, logistical coordination, and the role of cultural heritage in emergency operations.
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