[WATCH] National earthquake simulation exercise in Gozo

Earthquake drill in Gozo • Video by Ray Attard

Malta’s disciplined forces along with Sicily’s civil protection department underwent a simulation exercise to test the country’s capabilities if faced by a national emergency caused by an earthquake.

The island’s emergency services came together in the first national exercise to test calamity alertness. The training, held in Qortin, Gozo, saw the participation of over 300 people.

Friday’s training saw more than 100 people “evacuated” from Gozo to a makeshift camp in Ghajn Tuffieha.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said the CPD had also invested in a new digital communication system against an investment of €235,000, financed by the EU. The 140 new radios installed in vehicles and stations were tested for the first time during the simulation exercise.

The exercise took place in Gozo to test the forces’ abilities to evacuate and transfer people from one island to another.

The CPD will continue their training with a similar simulation exercise in Lampedusa.

Present for the exercise yesterday were also President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Gozo Minister Anton Refalo.