A large-scale national evacuation drill began in Vilnius this week, simulating the evacuation of schools, vulnerable population groups and selected neighbourhoods. Shortly before noon, at 11:52, on Tuesday warning sirens sounded across the country and informational messages were sent to mobile phones as part of the exercise.
The Interior Ministry’s Fire and Rescue Department said the alerts were part of the Vyčio Skliautas 2025 mobilisation readiness exercise, Lithuania’s largest emergency preparedness drill. The sirens, activated shortly before noon, were accompanied by an audible signal labelled “Warning System Test”.
The exercise, which began Monday, aims to test Lithuania’s ability to respond to large-scale crises, including the coordination of civilian evacuation and inter-agency cooperation.
Vilnius city officials said the drill includes a practical evacuation test involving volunteers. Participants from four city neighbourhoods are being transported by municipal buses to various towns, including Kelmė, Kėdainiai, Kaunas, Šiauliai and Ukmergė. Upon arrival, volunteers are provided with food, water and a simulated medical checkup.
The exercise also involves setting up evacuation points, refuelling evacuation transport and practicing the removal of obstacles from evacuation routes.
The drills will last two days. Some participants will stay overnight at reception centres, while others will return to Vilnius the same day, according to the city municipality.
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