The Maltese Civil Protection Department is working with similar agencies in six other countries on rapid, coordinated response to major disasters under the EU Rapid Response Capability programme.

Peter Cordina, Director of Civil Protection, said the programme includes specialised training, workshops, exchange of experts and the organisation of major exercises.

The other participating countries are France (which has the leading role), Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Greece.

The aim of the project is to ensure a rapid response in case of major disasters which may hit EU member states, ranging from earthquakes, major fires, chemical incidents as well as other natural and man-made disasters.

Mr Cordina said this project was of major importance to the Civil Protection Department.

“It gives the personnel an opportunity for extensive training and it enables all the agencies to prepare to respond quickly whenever a request for assistance from other countries is made, especially where the intervention of foreign experts/rescuers is required," Mr Cordina said.

Malta’s participation will include training for the regular members of the Civil Protection Department, the Volunteer Corps and Medical Response Teams from Mater Dei Hospital.

A meeting of the Steering Committee of the project, bringing together representatives of the seven countries, will be held in Malta later this year.