On 15-17 May, MapAction played a central role in SIMEX, the UK’s largest international response simulation exercise. More than 3,000 people from a range of national and international emergency response organisations took part in the simulation exercise in Portsmouth, which was also attended by the UK Secretary of State for International Development, Penny Mordaunt.

Three MapAction members provided mapping support for the whole exercise, providing participants with geographical information about the evolving disaster scenario, which was a storm surge resulting in flooding, structural damage and leaks of hazardous materials. MapAction also helped stage the event as part of the overall planning team.

Experienced MapAction volunteer Mark Gillick lead the onsite MapAction team, while newer MapAction members Richard Phillips and Ian Coady had the opportunity to broaden their experience of emergency response mapping in a realistic situation. Highly experienced MapAction volunteer and simluation planner Nigel Woof actively participated in the event, acting the part of the most senior United Nations official in a country, the UN Resident Coordinator.

(Photos by Ian Coady)