Cypriot rescuers of the Civic Defence participated in a large-scale European search and rescue exercise in Montenegro on October 10 – 14 in the context of the EU programme Balance funded by the Directorate General of Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations via the Civil Protection Mechanism.
According to an official press release, the “Balance” consortium comprises academic institutions, civil protection organisations, as well as other public institutions from Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain.
The large-scale exercise’s aim was to evaluate and improve Montenegro procedures as well as capabilities of the participating countries in foreign missions.
The scenario featured a response to a request for international assistance by Montenegro in the region of Boka Kotorska.
Cyprus Civil Defence participated with a search and rescue team, a team of communications and technical support (drones) which provided support in an earthquake simulation, as well in precautionary activities over a possible tsunami.
The Cypriot mission also included permanent staff and a large number of Civil Defence volunteers who serve in these departments. The Cypriot mission also included a Fire Service officer and a doctor of the State Health Services Organisation heading a medical team.
The exercise concluded successfully confirming the Cypriot mission’s immediate and professional response in such events and its excellent cooperation with foreign missions, the press release added.
Source: Cyprus News Agency