Denmark to be struck by an atomic disaster this week

But don’t worry, it’s only a drill

On November 11, a nuclear-powered Russian submarine will collide with a large freighter in the Kattegat strait leading to an atomic disaster.

But don’t worry, there’s no need to get out your radioactive suit and mask just yet. It’s just an exercise.

The exercise, which takes place every second year, is dubbed ‘KRISØV 2015’ (‘War Exercise 2015’) and involves testing the preparedness of over 30 Danish ministries, authorities and emergency organisations during a massive emergency situation.

“The day a crisis strikes, we must be prepared across the board,” said the defence minister, Peter Christensen. “We do this by practising.”

“The national crisis handling exercise is very important because all the involved actors are given the opportunity to practise handling, co-operating and communicating in order for us to be prepared as well as possible when it counts.”

READ MORE: Sirens to sound across Denmark tomorrow

Atomic threat
According to a national risk assessment published by the emergency preparedness authority Beredskabsstyrelsen in 2013, an atomic accident is one of the top 10 threats to Denmark.

Journalists from a number of Danish media outlets will also take an active part in the exercise, which will last until the November 12, in order to make the simulation as realistic as possible.

Scenarios in previous KRISØV exercises have included terror attacks, bird flu epidemics and cyber attacks.




  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees

  • Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Some of Denmark’s leading companies reported solid financial results for 2024, with Lundbeck, Demant, and Vestas seeing growth, while Pandora tackled rising production costs with price increases and cost-saving measures.

  • Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    These days, the Greenlandic institutions are approving two new norms to restrict, reduce, or ban the possibility for foreign citizens to buy real estate on the island, as well as for political parties to receive large amounts of money from foreign donors.