Tabuk coast hosts “Response 14” exercise to combat environmental emergencies
In a bid to boost readiness in dealing with environmental emergencies and oil spill incidents, an intensive exercise called “Response 14” was initiated on the Tabuk coast on Tuesday.
Led by the National Center for Environmental Compliance, the two-day exercise is a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to combat marine pollution caused by oil and other harmful substances, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
With the participation of 39 governmental and private agencies, the exercise aims to enhance the preparedness of each entity involved, ensuring a swift and effective response in case of any environmental crisis.
According to Saad Al-Matrafi, the official spokesperson for the center, each iteration of such exercises has led to a significant improvement in the technology and skills of the participating agencies, elevating their ability to handle complex situations.
The exercise unfolds through various stages utilizing cutting-edge technologies like satellites and advanced simulation programs, providing participants with hands-on experience in managing simulated scenarios of pollution spreading in territorial waters.
Participants will be trained on containing and mitigating the impact of pollution on marine environments and coastal areas, crucial for safeguarding the region’s economy.
Al-Matrafi highlighted the success of the national plan in combating oil spills by demonstrating the ability to contain a spill of 75,000 barrels within a response time of 50 minutes, leveraging a fleet of naval units and specialized aircraft dedicated to such emergencies.