EU launches Civil Protection Mechansim to help #Portugal

Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides has issued a statement on the deadly forest fires in Portugal.

"The EU has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism.

“All our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by the deadly forest fires that have struck several parts of Portugal.

"We express our condolences to those that have lost loved ones.

"The EU is fully ready to help. All will be done to assist the authorities and people of Portugal at this time of need.

"In an immediate response to a request for assistance by the Portuguese authorities, the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to provide firefighting aircraft.

"Immediately, France has offered three planes through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and they will be quickly sent to assist the local emergency efforts. In addition, Spain has also sent aircraft on a bilateral basis.

"We commend the bravery of the firefighters and emergency services on the scene risking their own lives to save others.

"The European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which monitors natural disasters 24/7, is in constant contact with the national civil protection authorities.

"The EU's emergency centre has sent a liaison officer to Portugal and will co-ordinate the delivery of support and any further requests."

Background

The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), operating within the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO), was set up to support a coordinated and quicker response to disasters both inside and outside Europe using resources from the countries participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The ERCC replaces and upgrades the functions of the previous Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC).

With a capacity to deal with several simultaneous emergencies in different time zones, around-the-clock, the ERCC is a co-ordination hub facilitating a coherent European response during emergencies helping to cut unnecessary and expensive duplication of efforts.

It collects and analyzes real-time information on disasters, monitors hazards, prepares plans for the deployment of experts, teams and equipment, and works with member states to map available assets and coordinate the EU's disaster response efforts by matching offers of assistance to the needs of the disaster-stricken country. Better planning and the preparation of a set of typical disaster scenarios will further enhance the ERCC's capacity for rapid response.

The ERCC also supports a wide range of prevention and preparedness activities, from awareness-raising to field exercises simulating emergency response.

Share this article: