Next week, the Civil Protection Department will be holding a large scale simulation exercise, which will involve around 300 participants.

The exercise, to be held on 3 September, will simulate the scenario in which Malta is hit by an earthquake magnitude 7.6, lasting 20 seconds. Over a period of three days, CPD will carry out the evacuation of 100 persons from Gozo to Malta, where they will be hosted for 48 hours in emergency sheltering.

A full scale communication exercise with the protection department in Sicily will take place.  About 60 members from the department in Sicily will also participate.

The exercise will test the operational capabilities and limits of emergency services, non-governmental organisations that work in the field of civil protection and foreign humanitarian teams.  It will test the response time and networking communication in the case of such an emergency. The base of operations for all authorities involved will be set up at the ex-heliport in Gozo.

7 additional exercises will take place – which include search and rescue for missing persons and people trapped in tunnels.

The public is being warned not to be alarmed.

The event will start on Thursday 3 September at 5pm and end on Saturday 5 September at the same time. It will be open to members of the public and the media.