NATO has started a major exercise in Bulgaria for disaster management, simulating an earthquake that caused flooding and the evacuation of the population.

The disaster management exercise in north-western Bulgaria involves a hypothetical situation of a major earthquake, generating floods and chemical incidents. The NATO Deputy Secretary General visited the battle group in Bulgaria, where 1,300 soldiers from various countries, including Romania, are training. The group is under the command of Italy and includes military personnel from several European nations, as well as from the USA and Canada. The training focuses on international cooperation and familiarization with American weaponry, including Abrams tanks.