Finland sends an expert in international civil protection to Madagascar

NordenBladet — The Ministry of the Interior has decided to send an expert 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 expert.By decision of the Ministry of the Interior, the Emergency Services Academy will send an expert 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 expert 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 assistanceInternational 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.