Flood rescue operations in focus at Seawork 2025 FloodFighters conference

by EventsFeatured NewsFloodingSearch and Rescue

FloodFighters to bring flood response into focus at Seawork

Seawork has announced the launch of FloodFighters@Seawork for 2025.

According to Seawork, the new programme will include a dedicated pavilion, conference, and on-the-water demonstrations centred on improving flood rescue efforts.

FloodFighters will open with a conference on 10 June 2025, led by Roy Harold MBE, Emeritus UK Chief Fire Officer.

The conference will include panels and Q&A sessions with sector representatives discussing operational and strategic challenges in maritime search and rescue (SAR), particularly those linked to climate change and increasing flood events.

Sessions will include an update on the UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Flood rescue concept of operations, as well as input from Dutch representatives on large-scale flood response and ongoing work in that area.

Speakers to address climate impact and operational strategies

The FloodFighters Conference will begin at 09:30 on 10 June 2025 and conclude at 13:30.

Speakers are expected to present on topics including SAR obstacles connected to extreme weather events, best practices for future operations, and how nations respond after fatal flood incidents.

A dedicated session will explore developments in DEFRA’s asset register and updated guidance for UK flood response teams.

A networking lunch will follow the conference from 13:30 to 14:15.

FloodFighters Trail and Pavilion to showcase flood rescue solutions

Seawork will host a FloodFighters Pavilion where organisations can exhibit equipment and services to an audience of maritime professionals.

Visitors will also be able to follow a dedicated FloodFighters Trail across the venue.

The trail will display a range of flood and water rescue tools and technologies from manufacturers and response organisations.

Exhibitors will be present to engage with attendees and explain how their tools support operational readiness.

Demonstrations to show live flood rescue techniques

Live rescue demonstrations will take place on the water during FloodFighters@Seawork.

These sessions will be conducted by Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue.

The demonstrations are intended to show current techniques and equipment in use for flood and water rescues.

Attendees will be able to observe how this equipment functions in practical situations.

Flood rescue operations in focus at Seawork 2025 FloodFighters conference: Summary

Seawork will introduce FloodFighters@Seawork in 2025.

The feature will include a conference, pavilion, and on-the-water rescue demonstrations.

The FloodFighters Conference is scheduled for 10 June 2025 and will be chaired by Roy Harold MBE.

Discussions will address challenges in maritime SAR operations, the effects of climate change, and updates from the UK and Netherlands on flood response.

A networking lunch will follow the conference.

The FloodFighters Pavilion and Trail will allow visitors to engage with manufacturers and responders presenting flood rescue tools and technology.

Live-action demonstrations from Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue will also be included.

Seawork is organising the event.

Nigeria’s emergency agencies assess 2025 flood risk strategies

by Featured NewsFlooding

Stakeholders meet to evaluate Nigeria’s flood preparedness

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently convened a stakeholders’ forum to analyse the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The forum aims to assess flood risks and determine early mitigation strategies.

NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, highlighted the need for multi-sectoral collaboration in preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

She stated: “The climate challenges last year raised significant questions about our ability to respond efficiently to evolving disaster trends and impacts.” She added that evaluating past humanitarian response activities would help agencies improve their strategies.

Analysis of 2024 disaster response efforts

Umar explained that the forum was designed to assess preparedness, mitigation, and response activities undertaken in 2024 at the federal, state, and local government levels.

She stated: “We need to understand what happened, why it happened, what we did correctly, and identify gaps to enhance our performance.”

The discussions will inform adjustments to climate disaster preparedness strategies for 2025.

Umar noted that the insights would support early messaging and decision-making for authorities at all levels.

Collaboration with UNICEF on hazard risk analysis

NEMA’s Director General further mentioned that the agency, in partnership with UNICEF, had conducted a hazard risk analysis for Nigeria.

She stated that the findings would be simplified and shared with stakeholders to strengthen disaster preparedness measures.

The forum also reviewed how SCP data could be used to refine emergency response planning, ensuring authorities take proactive measures against climate-related disasters.

Sector-wide participation in disaster preparedness planning

Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting at NEMA, Dr.

Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, noted that representatives from key sectors, including agriculture, health, transport, power, and water resources, were engaged in discussions.

He stated that collective efforts were necessary to manage climate-induced disasters.

Participants included representatives from State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and the Nigerian Military, alongside university-based disaster risk management experts.

Some attendees delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the forum’s objectives.

NEMA reviews 2025 climate predictions to strengthen flood preparedness: Summary

NEMA organised a stakeholders’ forum to review the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) from NiMet and discuss flood risk management strategies.

The agency’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, stressed the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation in disaster preparedness.

She noted that reviewing past response efforts would help agencies identify gaps and improve strategies.

The discussions covered an analysis of preparedness, mitigation, and response actions taken in 2024.

Umar stated that early planning and messaging would enable federal, state, and local authorities to take timely action.

NEMA also highlighted a recent hazard risk analysis conducted with UNICEF, which aims to provide stakeholders with data-driven insights.

Participants from government agencies, emergency management bodies, and academic institutions contributed to the discussions, with representatives from multiple sectors examining how climate disaster preparedness could be strengthened.

Fire Brigades Union urges government to establish statutory flood response duty

by Featured NewsFlooding
Image Credit: Fire Brigades Union

Leicestershire flood response prompts union call for government action

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has urged the government to implement a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

According to the FBU, this change would ensure central funding for flood resilience and response.

The union’s call follows a major incident in Leicestershire, where firefighters responded to 160 flood-related incidents after widespread flooding across the county.

Firefighters rescue 59 people during major incident in Leicestershire

Leicestershire firefighters conducted 59 rescues on Monday, responding to over 200 calls.

The FBU described these rescues as a “wake-up call” for the government.

Unlike other parts of the UK, fire services in England are not legally obligated to respond to floods, leaving services reliant on limited resources.

FBU highlights funding and resource challenges

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack emphasised the strain on services, stating: “Firefighters continue to work tirelessly to save lives and protect communities from devastating flooding.”

Wrack further highlighted the impact of budget cuts and called for formal recognition of firefighters’ role in flood response.

The union insists that central funding and resources are essential to handle future flood emergencies effectively.

Letter to Home Secretary calls for immediate action

In November, the FBU wrote to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging the government to address the issue.

The union called for investment in flood resilience and the introduction of a statutory duty for English fire services.

Wrack added: “Ministers must act now to implement a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England with the funding and resources urgently needed.”

Fire Brigades Union calls for statutory flood response duty in England: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has called for the government to introduce a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

The FBU’s appeal follows severe flooding in Leicestershire, where firefighters carried out 59 rescues in a single day.

Currently, fire services in England lack a statutory obligation to respond to floods, limiting central government funding for flood preparedness.

The union argues that recognising this role is essential to secure resources and protect communities.

NFCC and FBU call for flood response duty in England

by Breaking NewsFlooding

NFCC highlights the impact of Storm Bert on UK communities

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has responded to the severe flooding caused by Storm Bert, emphasising the dedication of fire and rescue personnel and volunteers.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the NFCC, said: “The severe weather and flooding seen in recent days has brought devastation to many communities.

“Our thoughts are with all of those affected, particularly the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and those whose homes and businesses have been severely damaged.”

Fire and rescue services have been working to evacuate residents, support local communities, and manage emergency calls during the storm.

Hardingham noted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and reiterated the need for government action.

He said: “We continue to call on the Government to consult on a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England, to ensure they have the tools, training and resources to prepare and respond.”

Public urged to take safety measures during floods

With further rainfall expected, the NFCC has issued public safety advice to minimise risks during flooding.

Recommendations include turning off utilities if it is safe to do so, using flood protection measures, and relocating people and pets to higher ground.

The NFCC stressed the importance of following evacuation orders promptly and avoiding travel through flood-affected areas.

The council highlighted that driving through floodwaters is the leading cause of fatalities during such events.

The UK Government website provides detailed guidance on flood safety, including what to do before, during, and after a flood.

FBU demands statutory duty for fire services in England

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on the UK Government to establish a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

Similar duties already exist in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The FBU argues that the absence of this duty creates inconsistencies in flood responses across England.

Writing to the Home Secretary, the FBU emphasised the need for national standards and increased investment in fire and rescue services to improve flood resilience.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “Storm Bert has exposed the threat we face from the impact of the climate emergency.

“Now is the moment for the Labour government to build resilience and ensure firefighters are equipped with the resources needed for increasing severe floods.”

The case for a statutory duty on flooding response

The FBU and NFCC have both highlighted the growing flood risks due to climate change, citing evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and UK government risk assessments.

The FBU pointed to long-standing recommendations, such as those from the 2007 Pitt Review and the 2011 Exercise Watermark, which advocated for a statutory duty on fire services.

The union also referenced Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which included commitments to improve flood resilience and establish national standards for emergency response.

The FBU has expressed readiness to work with the government to implement these measures.

NFCC and FBU call for flood response duty in England: Summary

The NFCC and FBU have responded to the severe flooding caused by Storm Bert, highlighting the critical role of fire and rescue services in managing such emergencies.

Both organisations have called for the UK Government to introduce a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding, citing increasing risks due to climate change.

The NFCC emphasised the need for proper tools, training, and resources, while the FBU stressed the importance of investment, national standards, and legal clarity to ensure consistent and effective flood responses.

Public safety advice was issued to help communities prepare and stay safe during future flood events.

International Flood Fighters 2024 conference highlights flood rescue response in Poole

by EventsFeatured NewsFloodingSearch and Rescue

Conference brings global expertise on flood life safety

The International Flood Fighters 2024 Conference in Poole brought together experts, first responders, and government officials for two days dedicated to flood rescue response strategies and life safety.

According to International Flood Fighters, dozens of delegates attended, focusing on collaboration between rescue agencies and communities to tackle flood threats.

Speakers addressed the increasing challenges of climate change-driven flooding and the growing need for accessible rescue craft and resources.

Presenters provided international case studies, highlighting effective methods for minimising life safety risks during flood events and sharing best practices from various regions.

Keynote speakers emphasise climate change impacts

Several keynote speakers discussed the influence of climate change on flooding, underscoring the importance of preparing communities and strengthening local resources.

Experts detailed ways communities can bolster flood resilience, especially in areas increasingly prone to severe weather.

The role of rescue craft in emergency response was a focal point, with participants exploring the importance of having sufficient, accessible equipment.

Presenters emphasised proactive preparation as critical to enhancing flood safety and response efficiency, especially in vulnerable regions.

Live demonstrations showcase rescue equipment advancements

Day two featured live, on-water demonstrations, allowing attendees to observe the latest advancements in flood and water rescue equipment.

This hands-on approach provided responders with practical knowledge on utilising modern rescue tools, aiming to enhance effectiveness in real-life scenarios.

These demonstrations enabled participants to witness equipment functionality, evaluate operational techniques, and discuss improvements with developers and suppliers.

The practical sessions highlighted current technology and equipment options available for flood response teams.

Future conferences to expand global impact

The conference concluded with a strong call to action for continued partnerships and information-sharing to improve flood response.

Organisers announced plans for future International Flood Fighters events, aiming to broaden their global reach and enhance their support network for flood-prone regions.

Conference leaders encouraged all attendees to maintain communication and collaboration, building on the shared knowledge to prepare communities for potential future challenges.

Plans to widen international participation will likely strengthen these objectives, expanding the event’s influence beyond its current scope.

International Flood Fighters 2024 conference highlights flood rescue response in Poole: Summary

The International Flood Fighters 2024 Conference in Poole gathered global experts, first responders, and government officials to discuss flood life safety and response strategies.

The event, attended by numerous delegates, focused on improving flood rescue capabilities and community preparedness in response to climate-related flooding.

Keynote speakers addressed the rising threat of extreme weather events and the importance of accessible rescue resources, offering insights into effective flood response strategies from various regions.

Day two included on-water demonstrations of flood rescue equipment, providing responders with practical experience.

The conference closed with plans to expand future events internationally, with a commitment to enhancing knowledge-sharing and community preparedness for flood emergencies.

NFCC calls for statutory duty for fire services in England to respond to flooding

by Breaking News

NFCC urges government to consult on flooding response legislation

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has renewed its call for the UK Government to consult on introducing a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding incidents.

This call coincides with recent flood warnings issued by the Met Office and marks one year since Storm Babet, which caused widespread flooding and damage across Europe, including the UK, where seven people lost their lives.

The NFCC has emphasised the need for an official mandate, accompanied by initial and sustained funding, to ensure that fire services can effectively respond to flooding incidents that pose a risk to life.

Fire and rescue services across the UK already respond to extreme weather events, but a statutory duty for flooding and inland water rescue exists only in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This lack of uniformity has led to discrepancies in training, equipment, and overall preparedness across the four nations.

Inconsistent flood response across UK nations

While fire services in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have some statutory duties related to flooding, England lacks such a mandate.

The NFCC argues that this has created inconsistent standards and readiness levels across the UK, with some fire services in England potentially less equipped to respond to flooding emergencies.

Mark Hardingham, NFCC Chair, said: “With climate change leading to more frequent and severe weather events – as witnessed recently in the United States with Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton – flooding remains a significant risk, including to communities here in the UK.”

He also highlighted the essential role that fire services played during Storm Babet: “Fire and rescue services across the country played a vital role during the storm, responding to rising waters, evacuating residents, and protecting property.

“It is vital that they have the tools, training and resources to prepare and respond.”

Government response to NFCC’s concerns

In response to these concerns, the NFCC has been in discussions with the UK Government regarding flooding response.

According to Hardingham, the Fire Minister confirmed that further work would be undertaken by the Home Office, in collaboration with Defra, the NFCC, and other stakeholders, to identify gaps in flood response and resilience.

Hardingham added: “I am encouraged that the Fire Minister recently confirmed to me that Home Office officials would undertake further work with Defra, NFCC and other relevant parties to understand whether there are gaps in flooding response and resilience, and I look forward to this work being taken forward to help ensure that our communities are protected from the growing risks posed by extreme weather.”

Background on flood response duties

Statutory responsibilities for fire and rescue services regarding flooding have been in place in Scotland since 2005.

In Northern Ireland, these were introduced in 2012, and in Wales, the duties were extended in 2017 to cover a wider range of emergencies involving both inland water and flooding.

The NFCC is pushing for similar provisions in England to standardise the approach to flood response and ensure that services have the necessary resources and training to protect communities from the increasing risks associated with extreme weather.

NFCC calls for statutory duty for fire services in England to respond to flooding: summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has renewed its request for the UK Government to consult on introducing a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

Currently, only Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have statutory duties related to flooding, resulting in inconsistencies in preparedness and safety across the UK.

The NFCC has called for an official mandate, supported by appropriate funding, to ensure that fire services in England can effectively respond to flood-related emergencies.

The UK Government has indicated that further discussions will take place with stakeholders to assess current gaps in flood response.

International Floodfighters Conference 2024: A focus on flood rescue preparedness in Poole, UK

by Breaking NewsEvents

Two-day conference on flood preparedness to take place in Poole in November

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 will take place on 5th and 6th November in Poole, UK.

the event will gather global experts to share insights on flood rescue preparedness and case studies to help mitigate the impact of flooding.

The conference will be held at two different venues over the two days: the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College on the first day and the MDL Marina at Cobbs Quay on the second.

The conference comes as Storm Boris continues to batter parts of Europe, underlining the importance of effective flood response strategies.

The event will provide a platform for sharing best practices and learning from experts in flood and water rescue from around the world.

Keynote speakers and experts to lead discussions

The conference will feature a variety of prominent speakers from the emergency response and flood management sectors.

Chief Jeff Dulin, Strategic Adviser to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) National & Global Programs, USA, will open the event.

Dr Paddy Morgan, MD, will deliver the keynote address, with the conference chaired by Emeritus Fire Chief Roy Harold.

Experts such as Dr.

Dirk Bissinger, Vice President of Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG), will also contribute by sharing their knowledge on water and flood rescue operations.

Interactive workshops and demonstrations for attendees

On the second day, delegates who attend the first day will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops and demonstrations.

These sessions will include showcases of search and rescue (SAR) related equipment used in flood situations.

The interactive workshops will be available to delegates on a first-come, first-served basis and will allow operational, tactical, and strategic responders to gain practical experience.

This aspect of the conference aims to enhance real-world application of the knowledge shared during the presentations.

Wide range of responders invited to attend

The conference is open to a broad range of professionals involved in flood response.

Those invited include operational, tactical, and strategic responder representatives from police, public utilities, fire and rescue services, lifesavers, rescue units, EMS/HART, emergency planners, public health officials, and HAZMAT responders.

The aim is to foster collaboration between different sectors involved in life-saving efforts during floods.

By bringing together a diverse group of responders, the conference seeks to improve coordination and the effectiveness of flood rescue operations globally.

International Floodfighters Conference 2024: event summary

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 will be held in Poole, UK, on 5th and 6th November.

The two-day event will focus on sharing knowledge and best practices in flood rescue preparedness.

Keynote speakers include Chief Jeff Dulin and Dr Paddy Morgan, with the conference chaired by Emeritus Fire Chief Roy Harold.

The conference will also feature workshops and SAR equipment demonstrations for delegates.

The event is open to a wide range of emergency responders, including police, fire and rescue services, EMS, and public health officials, to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing in flood response strategies.

Scotland launches satellite emergency mapping service to enhance disaster response

by Featured NewsResearch

University of Stirling scientists develop new flood mapping technology

As reported by The University of Stirling, a new satellite-based emergency mapping service has been launched to improve disaster response across Scotland.

The Satellite Emergency Mapping Service (SEMS), developed by scientists at the University of Stirling in collaboration with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), was unveiled at the Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow on 11 September.

The service will provide real-time, high-resolution satellite imagery to emergency responders to help them manage environmental crises such as floods, wildfires, landslides, and oil spills.

Professor Peter Hunter, Director of the Forth-ERA Digital Environmental Observatory, said: “Our innovative flood mapping service will provide near-time intelligence on the extent of flood waters to support the emergency responders, ultimately helping to protect both critical infrastructure and human life.”

SEMS technology provides real-time data to responders

The SEMS service operates using advanced satellite imaging technology, offering near real-time, high-resolution data to support emergency response.

This allows first responders to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently during environmental emergencies.

Dr Armando Marino, Associate Professor in Earth Observation, explained: “We have used state-of-the-art methods, including artificial intelligence, to develop a sophisticated approach to mapping flood waters from space.

“Our system uses data from a range of radar satellites that can penetrate clouds to provide detailed maps of floods as they happen.”

The SEMS service is available to all responders in Scotland, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing continuous monitoring capabilities.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service embraces new technology

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has expressed strong interest in SEMS.

The Group Commander, Mark Cleland, highlighted the importance of adopting new technologies for disaster response: “Innovation is one of the core values of our fire service.

“We’re extremely interested to see how new technologies can improve the safety of communities and our staff, enhance resilience, and potentially save lives during environmental emergencies.”

SEMS will play a crucial role in enabling faster and more accurate assessments of emergencies, especially when weather or hazardous conditions prevent ground-based evaluations.

International collaboration for disaster relief

SEMS is part of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, a network of over 270 satellites from 17 Charter members globally.

SEPA is the only Scottish organisation that can activate the Charter, giving emergency responders access to critical satellite data to assess the scope of damage and prioritise response efforts.

The system also contributes to long-term crisis preparedness, allowing for the use of satellite-collected baseline data to model future scenarios and plan more effective response strategies.

Claire Neil, Principal Scientist at SEPA, noted: “The ability to access stable, consistent, near real-time data from space adds an unprecedented layer of precision to our efforts in managing environmental risks.”

Scotland’s space industry takes a step forward

The SEMS initiative is seen as a milestone in Scotland’s space sector, emphasising the country’s growing role in integrating space technology into public services.

The UK Space Agency, represented by Chief of Staff Sarah-Jane Gill, praised the project, saying: “The development and launch of SEMS is a perfect example of how space technology can be used for disaster risk reduction and to support public services.”

Business Minister Richard Lochhead also recognised the importance of SEMS during the Space-Comm Expo: “The launch of SEPA’s Satellite Emergency Mapping Service is the perfect example of how we can innovate, collaborate, and deliver cutting-edge solutions to some of the most serious challenges of our time.”

Scotland launches satellite emergency mapping service: Summary

The University of Stirling, in partnership with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), has launched the Satellite Emergency Mapping Service (SEMS), a satellite-based system providing real-time data for managing environmental crises in Scotland.

Unveiled at the Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow on 11 September, SEMS uses satellite imaging to aid responders in dealing with floods, wildfires, landslides, and other disasters.

The service is available year-round, providing near real-time intelligence to responders.

SEMS is part of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters and has been endorsed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the UK Space Agency for its potential to enhance disaster response and planning.

Global flood response strategies at International Floodfighters Conference 2024 in the UK

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Floodfighters Conference: Engaging with the floodfighting community

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 is inviting delegates from various disciplines to engage with fellow floodfighters and the small search and rescue (SAR) craft-focused flood and water rescuer community.

The event will be held on August 6th and 7th in Poole, United Kingdom, and will bring together partner emergency services and responder units from the UK and beyond to address the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

Background and philosophy of the conference

The conference builds on nearly two decades of events held across the UK, Europe, Australia, and the USA, initiated by the Flood Response Research Project Team.

These events have focused on advancing tactics and training for swiftwater and flood response strategies.

They aim to develop and share vital flood response and major incident management principles to help save lives and protect communities from the threats posed by flooding.

Event structure and highlights

Day one of the conference will take place in the Waterside Room at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College, known for its world-leading search and rescue training.

The day will include a keynote address from Dr Paddy Morgan MD (TBC) and be chaired by Emeritus Fire Chief Roy Harold.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, engage in discussions, and access an online repository of information for future reference.

The day will feature technical and tactical updates, case studies, vendor exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Hands-on learning and equipment demonstrations

The second day, August 7th, will be held at MDL Cobbs Quay Marina.

This day will focus on SAR-related workshops and equipment demonstrations, offering delegates experiential learning opportunities.

Sessions will include classroom learning, practical demonstrations on the pontoon, and on-water exercises in Poole Harbour.

Delegates will pre-book and follow a set stream for the day in small groups, ensuring a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.

IFSJ Comment

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 presents a vital opportunity for professionals involved in flood response and water rescue operations to come together and share knowledge.

The event’s emphasis on both theoretical and practical learning ensures that delegates gain a well-rounded understanding of the latest techniques and equipment in the field.

The inclusion of case studies and tactical updates provides valuable insights into current capabilities and future needs, fostering a collaborative environment where experts can contribute to improving flood response strategies globally.

By maintaining an online repository of the information shared, the conference ensures that lessons learned are preserved and accessible for future reference, supporting ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding on communities.

Fire and Emergency NZ reviews operations in wake of Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle

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Overview of the operational review by Fire and Emergency NZ

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has released a comprehensive operational review of their responses to the severe weather events that hit Auckland last year during the Auckland Anniversary Weekend and Cyclone Gabrielle in January and February.

This review identifies both the strengths and areas for improvement in the organisation’s handling of these incidents, which National Commander Russell Wood highlighted as critical learning opportunities.

Wood said: “I am proud of how all our people responded and supported communities, especially given many were personally impacted in some way.

“We have heard so many stories of how our people acted with the highest levels of skill, ingenuity and empathy, in the most trying circumstances.”

Enhancements in severe weather response capabilities

The review underscored the evolving role of Fire and Emergency in severe weather responses, a function not traditionally within their primary legislative remit.

It brought to light the necessity for better planning, administration, and support for personnel during such intensive events.

The organisation plans to utilise the “Key Insights” from the review to bolster their operational and planning procedures and to enhance their training and equipment to better prepare for future events.

Wood added: “Severe weather response is a new and evolving capability for Fire and Emergency and is not one of our legislated main functions.

“We acknowledge we have a way to go to ensure we are prepared, trained and equipped.”

Tragic outcomes and ongoing community support

The review also touched on the tragic impacts of these events, including the loss of lives, which had a profound effect on the community and the personnel of Fire and Emergency NZ.

Despite these challenges, the review noted the exceptional efforts made by the staff to provide necessary services amid catastrophic conditions.

“At the peak of the Auckland floods on Friday 27 January between 4pm and 9pm, we received 650 calls via the 111 service over a thirty-minute period.

“We had to prioritise attending incidents where lives were threatened, or elderly or unwell people required rescue,” explained Wood.

Progress and future plans

Significant progress has been made since the events, with several initiatives already completed and others in progress.

These include the establishment of six specialist water rescue teams, the acquisition of advanced personal protective equipment for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, and the development of comprehensive training and e-learning packages focusing on severe weather responses.

Wood concludes: “We are committed to making the improvements identified in this operational review so we can continue being there for New Zealanders.”