Mass evacuation from Lithuania to Poland. We are practicing.
date
6 October 2026
category
How should we act if there is a need for mass evacuation of the population, for example, from Lithuania to Poland? Such a scenario was implemented during the Vyčio Skliautas 2026 exercises in Lithuania.
Along with representatives of the government administration, services, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, and the provincial administration, a specialist from the Polish Red Cross looked at solutions regarding information exchange, border crossing, receiving and supporting evacuated persons, and coordinating civilian movements with troop movements.
This type of exercise allows us to check how cooperation looks in practice, identify areas that need improvement, and draw conclusions for the future. The experiences gained will help develop cooperation with Baltic states and better prepare solutions for population evacuation in Poland.
This was the first international exercise for Poland in this area after the entry into force of the OLiOC act. The involvement of the Polish delegation was coordinated by the Department of Civil Protection and Crisis Management of the MSWiA.
From our perspective, at the center of these preparations, discussed issues, and problems related to mass evacuation is always the person - their safety, health, and dignity. People forced to leave their homes need a safe place, reliable information, help, and support in the next steps.
Support in the event of a mass evacuation
The Polish Red Cross, as an entity for civil protection, can support the administration and services at subsequent stages of mass evacuation. Our operational readiness includes, in particular:
Organization of registration and information points - keeping records, providing information and directing evacuated persons to designated transport or accommodation places.
Providing medical assistance points - organizing assistance points, supporting rescue evacuation, and using our own medical transport means at the border and in temporary residence points.
Organization and servicing of reception and temporary stay points - registering evacuated persons, identifying their health needs, providing information, and directing them to accommodation or further assistance.
Humanitarian aid and logistics - supplying and distributing water, food, hygiene products, blankets, sleeping bags, and field beds, as well as supporting the equipping of temporary accommodation places.
Support for persons requiring special assistance - children, seniors, persons with disabilities, sick persons, and those with limited mobility.
Psychological first aid and psychosocial support - help in dealing with stress, feelings of threat, and the effects of being forced to leave home.
Support for planning and coordination - participation of experienced PCK representatives in teams dealing with organizing evacuation and population assistance.
Behind these capabilities are PCK Rescue Groups, PCK Humanitarian Aid Groups, and intervention warehouses, supported by a nationwide network of our structures, employees, and volunteers.
International Red Cross Cooperation
An important direction for further preparations is cooperation with other national Red Cross associations. The exchange of experiences, joint exercises, and agreeing on cooperation principles can help ensure continuity of support for evacuated persons - from help provided in Lithuania to their reception in Poland. We are united by common humanitarian principles, membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as the ability to cooperate based on jointly developed procedures.
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