Hundreds of residents on the Swedish island of Gotland took part in a civilian evacuation exercise in the event of war. It is the first drill of this scale in many decades. According to the Gotland regional administration, an evacuation of this size was last practiced on the island in the 1960s. The island’s governor described the event as the first larger evacuation exercise of its kind in Sweden.
Under the scenario, residents unable to reach safety on their own — the elderly, people with disabilities and the visually impaired — were taken away by bus. Special attention was given to those who need assistance. At the reception point, teams practiced temporary shelter, food and other support. The exercise took place in the areas of Bro, Väskinde and Roma. On Thursday the scenario will continue at staff level, where a possible evacuation of people from the island itself will be worked through. Results will be assessed on Friday.
The County Administrative Board, the armed forces, the police, Region Gotland, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Red Cross and the Church of Sweden are taking part. Crown Princess Victoria also visited the site. Authorities had warned that no one would be moved from the island to the mainland, and that the exercise had long been planned and is not linked to any change in the situation around Sweden.
Gotland is regarded as a key point for controlling shipping in the Baltic Sea. A permanent garrison was returned to the island in 2018. Authorities are now testing how the military, police and civilian services would work together if the population had to be moved.
