On 4 April 2025, complex civil protection drills were held in Cahul District under the title: “Actions of the Management Bodies and Civil Protection Forces of Cahul District in Organizing the Elimination of Consequences of Earthquake, Catastrophic Flood, Industrial Accidents, Major Road Accidents Involving Hazardous Substances and Epizootics”.

Following the scenario, civil protection units and emergency services were placed on high alert after a powerful earthquake triggered fires, building collapses, serious road accidents, communication and power outages, and damage to protective dykes with a risk of flooding.

To practise crisis management procedures, the Emergency Situations Commission was convened, involving all responsible institutions and authorities.

In Crihana Veche, teams reinforced the fish farm dam and built a protective dyke to prevent large-scale flooding.

In Cahul municipality, at “Petru Rumeanțev” Theoretical High School, rescue and extrication operations were carried out, along with evacuation from upper floors. Medics provided first aid, performed triage and transported victims to the District Hospital.

In a free industrial zone, firefighters and specialised teams simulated decontamination and fire prevention measures following a dangerous natural gas leak.

An outbreak of African swine fever near the Griveței highway was also addressed, with the establishment of a sanitary checkpoint and isolation of the affected area.

Another scenario involved extinguishing a large-scale dry vegetation fire caused by fallen power poles, with the risk of spreading to the landfill.

The drills were organized in accordance with Government Decision No. 850/2024, as part of the national civil protection preparedness calendar plan for 2025.

Main objective: improving response speed and effective cooperation between authorities, emergency services and civil protection units to protect citizens’ lives and property in emergency situations.