Press Release: Civil Protection: Community Mechanism activated to address flooding in Taiwan and forest fires in Portugal

The European Commission activated its Community Mechanism for Civil Protection over the weekend (15-16 August, 2009)to help address emergencies in Taiwan and Portugal. At the request of authorities in Taiwan the mechanism was activated to help the local population affected by heavy flooding and mudslides in different parts of the country. Following major forest fires, Portugal also requested assistance through the Mechanism.