Heraklion: In the presence of V. Kikilia, the start of the giant exercise “MINOAS”

The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, arrived in Crete in order to attend the start of the earthquake protection exercise “MINOAS”.

This is the largest full-scale Operational Field Exercise ever designed in the country to deal with a major earthquake organized by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Organization for Earthquake Planning & Protection (OASP) and the Region of Crete.

The start of the Full Development Field Exercise will take place at 11:30 at the Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion with the participation of the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, V. Kikilia. The meetings of the Regional Operational Coordinating Body for Civil Protection (PESOPP) will be held in the same place during the course of the exercise.

At the start of the Exercise, it will be carried out by sending a message from 112 to the general population in Chania and Rethymno, while on Tuesday 23/4/2024, 2 more messages from 112 will follow, which will be sent in the morning throughout Crete. All messages will begin with the distinctive wording “EXERCISE – EXERCISE – EXERCISE” to make it immediately clear that it is an exercise and to avoid any misinterpretation and confusion.

The purpose of the operational exercise is to contribute to the reduction of the seismic risk in Crete through a series of coordinated actions, in accordance with what is foreseen in the General Plan for Confronting Emergencies and Managing the Consequences due to Earthquake “Engelados 2” of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. The exercise also aims to improve both emergency and crisis management plans, as well as the coordination of services and the process of gathering and evaluating information. In addition, the aim is to train all agencies, strengthen preparedness and interoperability, include volunteer groups in planning, as well as raise awareness among the population.

According to the scenario of the exercise, after 10:00 this Monday morning there is a strong earthquake of magnitude 6.4 R centered in the underwater area, 20km NE of the city of Chania, affecting the P.E. Chania and Rethymno. On Tuesday morning, approximately 24 hours after the first strong seismic event, a new earthquake of magnitude 7.2 R with an epicenter of 30 km occurs in the underwater area north of the Heraklion gate, which is strongly felt throughout Crete and the wider region, affecting particularly the P.E. Heraklion and Lasithi, while at the same time marine geodynamic waves (Tsunamis) are caused which attack the northern coasts of Crete.

Central bodies (Ministries, Central Organizations), the Region of Crete, the Decentralized Administration of Crete, the Primary OTAs participate in the exercise. of Crete, Voluntary Organizations, Regional and Local Agencies, the Technical Chamber of Greece, ADMIE, Telecommunications Agencies, Health Organizations, Port and Airport Management Agencies, Tourist Organizations, the Regional Directorate of Education of Crete, all the school complexes of of Crete, the Ephories of Antiquities, etc.

Report: Fani Kalathaki

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