From the 18th to the 29th of May, a MAHE (Military Assistance in Humanitairian Emergencies) Exercize was conducted in Derventa. The exercise came close to being a real situation as heavy rain raised the risk of flooding during the two weeks.
Civil and Military Organizations combine in Crisis Centre
Austrian and Slovenian personnel part of a EUFOR Mobile Monitoring Team trained engineers from Armed Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina, during an exercise simulating heavy rain and earthquakes in the area around the river Ukrina. As the exercise started, the military forces co-operated with the local Civil Protection Department, Fire Department, Police and the Red Cross to establish a Crisis Centre.
Heavy rain threatens real flooding
As the exercise continued, heavy rain started to threaten the area. The civilian and military forces involved in the exercise prepared themselves to respond to a real flooding risk, bringing themselves to full readiness to support the local area. Fortunately, conditions improved and the river calmed, and the participants were able to finish the exercise without further incidents.
Arming with knowledge
EUFOR uses Mobile Training Teams such as the one used in this exercise to assist in developing the skills of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, training them to respond to humanitarian emergencies such as flooding. EUFOR’s contribution in this area is an essential element of its efforts within Bosnia and Herzegovina.