According to Zeit, starting on 24 October 2024, nearly 950 participants from various countries will gather in Northern Baden, Germany to take part in the large-scale international exercise 'Magnitude', which is organised under the UCPM. This exercise aims to simulate the aftermath of a major earthquake, with a focus on rescue and relief efforts.
Zeit states that participants, including international emergency response teams, will practice essential skills such as rescuing trapped individuals and providing medical care to the injured. In addition to search-and-rescue operations, the exercise will also simulate significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and supply lines. This comprehensive rehearsal seeks to improve coordination between different national and international emergency services during a real disaster scenario.
The event will be observed by key figures including Janez Lenarčič, the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, and Thomas Strobl, Baden-Württemberg's Minister of the Interior, as Welt mentions. Their visit underscores the importance of the exercise, which is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Europe's disaster response capabilities.
Baden-Württemberg secured the opportunity to host the 36-hour civil protection exercise through a bid to the European Commission. The EU is providing partial funding for the project, which has a budget of approximately EUR 1.4 million, according to Zeit.
The 'Magnitude' exercise highlights the growing need for international cooperation in crisis management and disaster preparedness, especially in response to natural disasters like earthquakes. This drill is a crucial step towards building stronger cross-border emergency response networks and enhancing the overall readiness of civil protection agencies across Europe.
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