MODEX Turkey: collaboration to save lives
On 11–14 November, Turkey hosted the largest MODEX field exercise in the history of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
By Knowledge Network – Staff member in project Field exercises for urban search & rescue modules "Cycle 11"
On 11–14 November, Turkey hosted the largest MODEX field exercise in the history of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
The hugely successful exercise attracted 1,715 participants and marked an important milestone in the relationship with Turkey in the area of civil protection.
Experts from 7 different EU Member States and 13 participating capacities travelled to Tekirdağ to participate in the exercise. Urban search and rescue teams from Turkey, France, Greece, Austria, and Bulgaria took part in the training, along with emergency medical teams from Turkey and Spain, an emergency remote pilot aerial system team from France, and a technical assistance and support team (TAST) from Italy.
“The exercise surpassed all of our expectations. Hopefully in 20 years’ time, we will look back and remember this MODEX as the beginning of our meaningful cooperation with Turkey."
The exercise was based on an earthquake scenario designed, planned, and conducted by a large multi-national, multi-sectoral team of experts from across Europe. The organisers worked closely with the Turkish National Civil Protection Authorities (AFAD), the Turkish Ministry of Health, AKUT, and many other national and international stakeholders.
“The collaboration and willingness of all of the stakeholders to work together was amazing.” “This is a true demonstration of European Solidarity and highlights why the European Commission is supporting such endeavors to better prepare emergency responders at all levels should a real disaster happen.”
Along with several prominent European civil protection figures, the Turkish Minister of Interior, Süleyman Soylu, Head of the European Union Delegation to Turkey Ambassador, Nikolaus Mayer-Landrut, Head of Unit at the European Commission, Felix Bloch, Chief of UN OCHA’s Response Support Branch, Edem Wosornu, and Chief of UN OCHA’s Emergency Response Section, Sebastian Rhodes-Stampa, (also representing the INSARAG Secretariat) all paid a visit to the exercise.
During a press conference, Süleyman Soylu expressed his full support for MODEX and Turkish participation in the UCPM, and committed to strengthening Turkish engagement.
“The implementation of the EU MODEX field exercise in Tekirdağ was particularly important, because Turkey is a key player as a Participating State in the UCPM and at the same time the country with the highest risk of severe earthquakes in our immediate neighbourhood. It was therefore critical to test cooperation in such an emergency, as well as the procedures and host nation support, under real conditions.”
During the exercise, the Italian TAST undertook the certification for the European Civil Protection Pool.
The team focal point, Mr Alberto Boanini, explained that they had worked extremely hard over many months to prepare for the certification process, and the MODEX field exercise was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their competence to the certifiers.
The exercise went ahead in COVID-19 conditions thanks to strong cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Health, which provided PCR tests and developed a COVID-19 exercise handbook, as well as protocols, to ensure the exercise was safe for everyone involved.
About the author
The Knowledge Network – Staff member
The Knowledge Network editorial team is here to share the news and stories of the Knowledge Network community. We'd love to hear your news, events and personal stories about your life in civil protection and disaster risk management. If you've got a story to share, please contact us.