Earthquake simulation exercise: 12 countries train in Kriens to save lives

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is organising SIMEX in close cooperation with the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). Under the guidance of UN experts, the participating rescue teams practise coordinated operations in response to a simulated earthquake. They rehearse various protection and rescue methods in a realistic disaster situation, with the aim of ensuring that assistance is provided as efficiently as possible. The exercise includes both strategic planning phases and practical, operational deployment scenarios.

In the main exercise ‒ Countdown ‒ victims of the simulated earthquake are trapped and fighting for survival. Time is critical and participants must act quickly to save as many lives as possible. The exercise depicts the entire process of an international rescue operation, from the alert and operational deployment through to demobilisation.

Participants practise coordination and communication with local, cantonal and national authorities as well as with other rescue teams. There is an additional focus on organisational and management processes, another key aspect of such major international deployments.

‘SIMEX25’ also provides a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between the 12 participating international teams. In addition to Switzerland, teams from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the US, Jordan, China, Ukraine, France, Turkey, the Czech Republic and India are also taking part.

Exercises such as ‘SIMEX25’ allow internationally deployable rescue teams to familiarise themselves with the guidelines of the UN's International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), apply them in practice and comply with them. INSARAG recommends that rescue teams undergo such regular training to maximise the efficiency of international coordination and rescue operations in emergencies such as earthquakes or other disasters.

Links

• Humanitairian Aid: Rapid Response and Emergency Relief
• Instruments of Humanitarian Aid

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport