Finland stages Europe’s largest civil defence exercise since WWII

On Wednesday, Finland staged the continent's biggest civil defence drill since World War II, with over 2,000 participants navigating a two-hour ordeal at the Luola sports and events centre in Kuopio. The exercise, the largest of its kind in Europe post-war, marked the first time Luola served as a secondary civil defence shelter.

Built two years ago, the modern facility is one of the most advanced dual-use shelters in the region. A simulated scenario unfolded, with cyberattacks crippling Kuopio's electricity and water, while missile threats loomed. North Savo Rescue Department and the City of Kuopio spearheaded the drill, which involved students from nearby universities.

The participants, informed around 11:30 AM, had merely half an hour to evacuate to Luola, the nearest shelter. Antti Haataja, deputy director of the exercise, was astounded by the calm and swift evacuation, with no signs of panic. The largest hall was partitioned into shelter zones, accommodating up to 200 individuals each. Beds were scarce, necessitating a shift-based rest system.

Participants were provided with 60 dry toilets and could engage in recreational activities such as playing cards and using smartphones. They could also consult information booths around the shelter.

Haataja noted that a genuine emergency would require different tasks, like cleaning the dry toilets and rotating shifts. Under normal operations, Luola could house about 2,500 people, but during an emergency, it could temporarily accommodate up to 7,000. The exercise persisted until Thursday morning, with more than 100 people spending the night.

During the night, participants practiced duties like maintaining the civil defence shelter. The facility's modernity has also piqued global interest, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, with journalists from Denmark, Germany, Poland, and the United States among those involved.