Finland sends two experts in international civil protection to Madagascar

The Ministry of the Interior has decided to send two experts to Madagascar, where tropical cyclone Batsirai has caused extensive damage due to heavy rains, strong wind and floods. Pelastusopisto – Emergency Services Academy Finland is the employer of the posted experts.

By decision of the Ministry of the Interior, the Emergency Services Academy will send two experts to Madagascar as part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, through which Madagascar has requested international assistance. The purpose of the expert group deployed through the Mechanism is to survey damage and coordinate possible international civil protection operations together with local authorities. The task of the experts posted by Finland is to collect information and maintain a picture of the situation. According to a preliminary estimate, the mission will last about three weeks.

Finland is an active provider of expert assistance

International civil protection operations refer to the provision of assistance to other countries and reception of assistance in Finland under international treaties and legislation in the aftermath of a natural or man-made disaster or incident when the affected country lacks adequate resources. Finland participates in international civil protection operations through the European Union and international organisations, as well as in accordance with bilateral and multilateral international treaties. 

The Ministry of the Interior decides on the provision of international assistance in the field of rescue services, that is civil protection. The Emergency Services Academy Finland is responsible for the training, recruitment and logistics of experts and the practical implementation of international civil protection operations.

Inquiries:
Jari Korpela, Head of Training, Pelastusopisto – Emergency Services Academy Finland, tel. +358 29 545 3480 
(operational details related to the mission and international civil protection operations)
Pekka Tiainen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 50 456 4477, pekka.tiainen@govsec.fi (international civil protection operations)
 

Amendment of the text 9.2.2022 at 15.40. Another expert has been sent to Madagascar, so two experts in total.