Update: Video by Joe Grech added of some of the events that took place during the earthquake simulation exercise in Gozo, which came to an end this evening.

On Friday, the site was visited by the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela, the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, as well as President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

This is the first simulation exercise held on a national scale, and it is taking place with the Civil Protection Department, in partnership with Sicilian rescue forces, who would lend their support should a major natural calamity hit Malta.

The exercise will rigorously test all aspects of a major disaster rescue mission including communications, evacuation and medical care as well as co-ordination between Malta and Italian authorities.

Minister Abela said that this exercise is evidence of a change in mentality in the field of protection of the Maltese and Gozitan citizens, noting how this initiative shows proactivity in the field of planning. He pointed out that this project had an investment of € 400,000 co-financed from European funds.

On his part, the Minister for Gozo, said that this exercise will serve to determine how our country is prepared in emergencies, particularly in Gozo, and to have the best possible response in various fields.

The President urged that attention be given for adequate communication with people with disability, for example, making the use of sign language.

This large-scale exercise involves around 300 participants, and will simulate the scenario in which Malta is hit by an earthquake magnitude 7.6, lasting 20 seconds. CPD personnel will respond to the aftermath of a simulated quake striking the central Mediterranean area 120km South West of Malta.

A command centre has been set up in the Gozo helipad and the exercise, with the action taking place in and around the area of the Qortin quarry.

The Ministers thanked the Department of Civil Protection headed by John Rizzo and all those involved including the Police, the Armed Forces, the Department of Health, the NGOs, volunteers, the Universities of Malta, Palermo and Catania and Protezzione Civile Regione Siciliana.

At the end of this month the Civil Protection will be participating in another exercise of this kind on the island of Lampedusa.

Permalink: Video of scenes from the earthquake simulation exercise in Gozo