TIRANA, February 2/ATA/ Over the past two weeks, Albania hosted an EU civil protection team of experts conducting a 15-day wildfire advisory mission. The mission was led by the European Commission’s Department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the EU framework that helps countries cooperate on disaster prevention, preparedness and response.
The team consisted of ECHO staff and national experts: a total of 11 participants from 8 EU member states.
Under the coordination of the National Civil Protection Agency, there were conducted fact-finding visits to key emergency and civil protection institutions, including operational centers, fire and rescue agencies and services.
The delegation also carried out visits on the ground to areas affected by the fires and met with local authorities to assess the damage, response capacities and emergency management practices.
The delegation visited the Farka Air Base and discussed with representatives of the Albanian Air Force and the National Civil Protection Agency the role of air assets in emergencies: search and rescue, medical evacuation, rapid transport of personnel and equipment, as well as 24/7 readiness – a capacity that becomes vital during disasters.
Through meetings and field visits, experts exchanged views, knowledge and experiences, creating a clear picture of the coordination, readiness and interoperability of the civil protection system in Albania. /gj.m/p.s./
