A round up of media stories on civil protection matters which are relevant to our community. If you have an article to share, you can get in contact at ECHO-CP-KNOWLEDGE-NETWORK-PLATFORM@ec.europa.eu.
'Hundreds of International Forces Train for Earthquake' - ZEIT
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.
'AI enhances flood warnings but cannot erase risk of disaster' - Reuters
In September, floods swept through parts of Europe, catching many off guard with their devastating impact. However, according to this Reuters article, the intense rainfall itself should not have been unexpected.
Portugal is better prepared, with a greater focus on fire prevention
The UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Kamal Kishore, spoke to TSF during the Civil Protection Forum in Brussels. He says that he believes that the 2017 fires in Portugal resulted in lessons learned across Europe. ‘Portugal is better prepared, with a greater focus on fire prevention”.
Spend on nature or risk spiralling wildfire costs in Europe | Context
Report by journalist Joanna Gill following an interview at the recent Civil Protection Forum with Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič, in which he highlighted the need for wildfire prevention and the importance of the green transition.
Gaetano: Dresses up the Manneken Pis and puts out the fires (translation, France Inter)
Interview with Gaetano Vivo, Deputy Head of Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building Unit in DG ECHO, which was recently broadcast on France Inter. It was recorded during the ceremony of the unveiling of the Manneken Pis ahead of the Civil Protection Forum. It focuses mainly on the Manneken Pis ceremony; Gaetano is also asked about his background in civil protection, the UCPM, and the importance of preparing for disasters.