Roundup: German government approves new plan for civil defence

The German government approved on Wednesday a new plan for civil defence in response to the changed security situation in the country.

The plan, which was passed at a cabinet meeting, was formulated on the basis of a white paper assessing Germany's political and security threats adopted in July. The plan consists of a number of preparatory measures to cope with a possible crisis situation in Germany.

The plan is the first overhaul of the country's civil defence system in more than 20 years. The previous plan was adopted in 1995.

When launching the new plan in Berlin, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said he believed a regional or national breakdown of energy supply "is most likely to occur."

If a government ministry is no longer able to work, its function must be performed in a different place supported by emergency power that could last for several hours, according to the minister.

Such a strategy is an important part of Wednesday's plan to ensure government activity continue even in an emergency, said Christoph Unger, the President of the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Relief during the press conference.

At the moment, a conventional attack on German territory is believed to be unlikely. However, there are threats of major terrorist attacks or cyber space attacks which could paralyze infrastructure such as the water and electricity supply, according to the plan.

Under the plan, people are advised to buy five days worth of water and 10 days' worth of food.

While suggesting civilians take part in preparations to handle crisis, the Interior Minister said the government does not call for panic buying. Enditem