Around 36 organisations across Greater Manchester and nationally are taking part in an emergency planning exercise later this month.
The live exercise, called Exercise Triton II, will test how local authorities, emergency services and other partners are equipped to tackle a major emergency together.
Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, it is a requirement for local authorities and emergency services to plan for major incidents and Category 1 responders.
Participating organisations including the military, government, health and utility organisations will join forces.
The multi-agency exercise will include a live response search and rescue play on Thursday 14 July.
There will be a period of infrequent air activity around designated areas from 10am to 10pm – including the use of military helicopters.
This sort of exercise was seen on Tuesday 10 May in a terrorism training operation at the Trafford Centre which saw masked gunmen and a fake suicide bomber enter the shopping centre and stage a mock attack.
Paul Argyle, Chair of Greater Manchester Resilience Forum, said: “Exercises like this are hugely important to ensure – as a region – we are prepared to deal with a real-life major event or disaster, should it occur.
“Police, firefighters and paramedics will work side-by-side with around 33 partner agencies including local councils, utility companies, the military and specialist search and rescue teams to respond to the disaster during that week.
“The scale of the scenario will give these organisations a vital opportunity to practise skills and functions that are rarely used but are necessary in the event of a major incident.
“I would also like to express my thanks to all the volunteers who will be taking part. With them on board we will be able to ensure we provide the best support possible for our residents and communities should such incidents occur.”
Business will remain as usual for all local businesses and emergency response services during this exercise.
