A glimpse into the EU MODEX European flood simulation in Poland

Warsaw and Nowy Dwor Mazowiecki, located 40 km from Warsaw, recently took center stage as the backdrop for the LOT2 EU MODEX Consortium’s flood simulation. The simulation encapsulated the harrowing reality of a two-wave flood emergency precipitated by intense rainfall, affecting regions from Lesser Poland to the Podkarpacie, Świętokrzyskie, and Lubelskie voivodeships. Breached dikes and subsequent landslides further complicated the situation, creating a dynamic and demanding operational environment. The simulation was based on the real situation that happened in the very same regions in 2010 when UCPM was activated, and 17 modules assisted Poland in fighting consequences of the disaster.

With a nod to the potential necessity for real-life EU assistance through the UCPM, the exercise was set to test the capabilities of six specialised international modules: Austria's Flood Containment Module (FC), Belgium's and Croatia's Flood Rescue Using Boats Modules (FRB), Czech Republic's FRB, Finland's High Capacity Pumping Module (HCP), and Ukraine's HCP.

As the floodwaters 'rose' in the simulation, so did the tempo and complexity of the operations. The teams were required to coordinate rescue operations, share resources and information, and manage a dynamically changing environment. Critical infrastructure protection, population evacuation routes, and medical emergency responses were also a focus of the simulation, providing an all-encompassing emergency response experience.

Three of the modules went through the last phase of certification for European Civil Protection Pool: the FRB from Belgium, the FC from Austria and HCP from Finland. One module, the FRB from the Czech Republic, used this exercise for the recertification.

These simulations underscore the importance of sustained preparedness, especially in the face of increasingly unpredictable climate-related events. While real-world experience is invaluable, ongoing simulation exercises enhance our emergency response capabilities.

Extensive rescue, evacuation and emergency medical assistance operations for people affected by floods. © EU

We must continue exercising and drawing insights from real-life experiences. Preparedness demands updated equipment, well-trained teams, and pre-positioned stocks and personnel.

The UCPM exercises focus on practical readiness for real-life emergencies, adapting continuously to evolving challenges. These rigorous simulations serve dual purposes: they sharpen operational skills and exemplify Europe's commitment to disaster preparedness.

As the frequency of natural disasters like wildfires and floods rises, Europe is making readiness a priority. In these exercises, response modules from various nations come together to collaborate and learn. They not only improve as individual units but also strengthen their ability to work as an international collective. This unified approach emphasises the necessity of comprehensive training, up-to-date equipment, and strategically located response teams.