Furtwangen University evaluates international disaster control exercise
Baden-Württemberg has taken a significant step towards strengthening European civil protection by carrying out the major international exercise, “Magnitude”. The exercise took place in October 2024 and simulated a severe earthquake in the Upper Rhine Rift Valley. This scenario was so overwhelming for the German emergency services that international support was requested. Emergency services from Greece, France, Austria and Switzerland provided rapid assistance. A total of 950 specialists from five countries took part in this realistic exercise and put their skills to the test.
Furtwangen University, represented by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marion Meinert, risk engineer Alex Muller (MSc) and safety engineer Lena Kraibühler (BSc) evaluated the exercise together with the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich.
International cooperation at the highest level
Specialist emergency forces from Switzerland practiced tasks such as the search and rescue of trapped persons, water treatment and dealing with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards.
The arrival and integration of the units took place via various logistical routes. The Greek team traveled by air to Stuttgart Airport, while the Austrian and French teams arrived by land. Swiss rescue teams supported the search for buried victims with their expertise. Strategically important locations such as Mosbach, Weingarten and Bruchsal served as operations centres for the operational teams.
The Mosbach Training and Rescue Center (TCRH) played a key role, as its versatile facilities significantly enhanced the exercise. Realistic scenarios such as destroyed buildings and people trapped under rubble could be simulated on the extensive grounds. These conditions enabled the emergency services to further develop their skills under authentic circumstances and train for complex disaster situations.
Furtwangen University − scientific support and evaluation
The evaluation of the exercise included systematic observation of the procedures, the collection of relevant data and interviews with the emergency services involved. The final evaluation will be completed next year.
The analyses carried out by Furtwangen University so far show that international cooperation works effectively in the event of a disaster. At the same time, challenges such as communication and the coordination of logistical processes have been identified. These findings will be used to better prepare Baden-Württemberg's civil protection structures for major emergencies and to further optimise European civil protection mechanisms.
The “Magnitude” exercise proved how essential smooth, cross-border cooperation and well-coordinated operations are in an emergency. Thanks to the scientific support provided by Furtwangen University, it is also helping to further strengthen the foundations for future civil protection measures.