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Satnews Daily
October 19th, 2015

France Uses A Sword To Fight A Flood... Major Training Exercise Uses MASA's SWORD



MASA SWORD is a complete wargame solution with automated forces for high-level training and analysis.

[Satnews] The principal French authority responsible for civil defense has used MASA's market-leading crisis management simulation software to conduct a critical training exercise in order to enhance the capital city's potential response to persistent and violent flooding.

An estimated 500 representatives from 15 French companies took part in a two-day training exercise based on the occurrence of two weeks' of major flooding in the streets of Paris. Organized by the French High Committee for Civil Defense (HCFDC), the hypothetical event was recreated using SWORD, MASA's automated simulation solution for emergency preparedness and planning.

Staged on September 29-30, the exercise was based on the catastrophic 1910 Great Flood of Paris, during which the Seine rose eight meters above its usual seasonal level. It precisely simulated the flow of water and the impact of rising flood levels on the city's infrastructure, while testing the participants' reactions and response. The group included representatives from leading energy and water providers, television networks, telecommunication companies and public transport operatives. They were joined by envoys of Paris City Hall and the "Secrétariat Général de la Zone de Défense et de Sécurité de Paris" (General Secretariat for the Defense and Security of Paris), which is responsible for the city's crisis management.
 


MASA SWORD provided a 3D overview during a simulated crisis training exercise in Paris last month.

MASA SWORD provided a 3D overview during a simulated crisis training exercise in Paris last month

Simultaneously connected to SWORD from separate crisis response units, each organization was able to see the immediate results of their actions, as well as those of the others. They were also provided with a three-dimensional crisis overview of Paris on Google Earth, powered by SWORD.

The significance of the exercise was emphasized by the widespread flash flooding which devastated the French Riviera a few days later. Indeed, the unprecedented rainfall and violent storms which led to much tragedy in the region will no doubt lead the country's authorities to examine how best to maintain coordinated emergency preparedness and robust civil defenses, even in milder climates.