ERCC liaison officers support coordination on the ground when there is a response to disaster through the UCPM, aiding smooth communication and effective action.
Martina Benassi and Gian Marco Desogus were selected as ERCC liaison officers as part of the EU response to the recent floods in Emilia Romagna, Italy. Here Martina and Gian Marco share their reflections after their deployment.
The devastating floods and landslides that hit the Emilia Romagna region of Italy in May 2023 caused casualties and extensive damage, leading the country to activate the UCPM for assistance. The ERCC selected us as Liaison Officers (LOs) to support the four UCPM High Capacity Pumping modules from Belgium, France, Slovakia and Slovenia, and to coordinate with the Italian National Department of Civil Protection. We were deployed to Italy from 22 May to 5 June.
As ERCC LOs, our role was primarily to enhance communication between the UCPM teams and local actors. We also maintained regular communication with the ERCC, providing situational reports and seeking advice when needed. Over the course of the deployment, our schedule was filled with a whirlwind of activities. We moved continuously between the Base of Operations (BoO), local crisis management centres, and various work sites. With each step, we drew closer to the heart of the emergency, witnessing first-hand the resilience of the local communities. Interactions with the UCPM teams were characterised by camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. We worked side by side, facing challenges together. Our role extended beyond that of a Liaison Officer, as we also supported with coordinating logistics and addressing the practical needs of the teams.
As Italians, it was an emotional experience to be involved in a disaster occurring in our own country. The meetings with local authorities were particularly impactful for us. During meetings at the Prefecture of Ravenna and the City Hall of Ravenna, we witnessed the tireless efforts of the local authorities to restore normality.
It was in these meetings that we truly recognised the profound impact of the UCPM teams’ contributions, whose expertise and resources played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city of Ravenna and preserving its rich cultural heritage. The visit of the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, to Cesena, where she met with ERCC LOs and UCPM team leaders, was symbolic of the EU solidarity shown to Italy.
We realised that our deployment went beyond the mere achievement of objectives. It was an incredible journey of empathy, resilience, and personal growth.
The most fulfilling aspect of our deployment was the connections we established with the Italian people. From the warm smiles of the volunteers, to the shared meals at the BoO, we felt embraced by a community driven by unity and determination. Through these personal interactions, we truly grasped the power of human connection in times of crisis. As we concluded our assignment, we left Emilia Romagna knowing that the UCPM had made a difference, and the spirit of European solidarity would continue to guide its recovery. In retrospect, we realised that our deployment went beyond the mere achievement of objectives.
It was an incredible journey of empathy, resilience, and personal growth. The people we met, the stories we heard, and the challenges we faced together left an indelible mark on us. The lessons learned and experience gained highlighted the importance of international collaboration and the added value of the UCPM in supporting local response efforts.
This article is from issue 9 of the Knowledge Network newsletter, out soon. Discover our past issues on the Knowledge Network newsletter page!
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