A disaster response exercise was conducted at the Çanakkale Airport under the coordination of the Airport Directorate. Various organizations including the Provincial Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) Directorate, Provincial Police Directorate, Provincial Health Directorate, Çanakkale Municipality Fire Department, Turkish Red Crescent, Turkish Airlines Station Management, and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ) Emergency Aid and Disaster Management Department collaborated in preparing for the exercise.
The exercise took place on Metin Oktay Street with approximately 200 personnel participating. The scenario involved a crash of an ATR 72 aircraft with 13 passengers and a crew of 5 due to a technical malfunction near Sarıçay. During the simulation, ÇOMÜ Emergency Aid and Disaster Management Department students portrayed the crash victims and passenger relatives.
Following the crash, rescue teams recovered lifeless bodies from the wreckage of the aircraft. The injured individuals were also rescued from the debris and transported by ambulances to Mehmet Akif Ersoy Çanakkale State Hospital and ÇOMÜ Health, Research, and Application Hospital for treatment.
The exercise was closely monitored by the directors of the involved organizations and airport management. The realistic simulation aimed to test the preparedness and coordination of response teams in the event of a real aircraft accident or disaster, ensuring that all stakeholders are ready to efficiently and effectively manage the situation and provide necessary assistance to victims.
By simulating an aircraft crash with casualties, the exercise provided valuable hands-on experience for emergency response teams and students in handling such scenarios. It also allowed for the identification of areas that may need improvement in terms of coordination, communication, and response protocols, helping to strengthen the overall disaster management capabilities of the participating organizations.
Overall, the disaster response exercise at the Çanakkale Airport served as a valuable opportunity for various local organizations to test their readiness and collaboration in managing a large-scale emergency situation. The successful coordination and execution of such exercises are essential in ensuring a quick and effective response in real-life emergency scenarios, ultimately saving lives and minimizing the impact of disasters.
