Experts: Cities Are Preparing for Crises Too Slowly
Tallinn has installed the country's first civilian modular shelter, but experts warn that Estonia's cities are still far from adequately prepared for crisis situations.
A modular civilian shelter, a pilot project, has been installed in central Tallinn. City officials say this is just the beginning, with more shelters planned. The shelter was brought from Ukraine, where such structures are already in use. It does not protect against a direct hit but is designed for short-term protection from blast waves and shrapnel, the main dangers during an air attack.
Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik stated that after evaluating the pilot, a competition will be held for various companies to submit designs, and shelters will be placed in other districts.
Crisis researchers acknowledge progress in shelter preparedness but criticize the slow pace. Estonia's overall readiness for population protection and civil defense infrastructure is still at a very early stage. Hannes Nagel, head of the Crisis Research Center, noted that the situation has improved due to legislation requiring shelters in new buildings, but existing infrastructure remains insufficient. He cited an example: in Tallinn's Haabersti district, there are 16-story buildings with no basements in their standard designs, making it impossible to install shelters there.
Nagel considers the shelter initiative a positive step but says more are needed, also in other Estonian cities. He pointed to financial constraints: converting a basement or ground floor into a proper shelter requires significant funds, which many apartment associations do not have. Therefore, local governments or the state must find financial support mechanisms, not just small grants of a few tens of thousands of euros.
The shelter on Juhkentali Street is a short-term refuge for about 20-30 people. Its modular design allows quick installation and relocation.
