Following the explosions that were heard in Brussels, major European cities have strengthened their security devices around the stations and airports …
The various explosions recorded at the airport and in the Brussels Metro have killed at least 21 people (interim report) and triggered the alert level 4 over Belgium. The Metro at the Brussels-Zaventem airport were cordoned off and the flights have been rerouted to Cork airport, Lille and Amsterdam, among others. A crisis meeting is held also at Charleroi airport. Regarding rail traffic, Thalys and Eurostars to and from Brussels have been suspended and no longer running. In neighbouring countries, including France, security measures have been drastically enhanced in several airports.
Brussels airport unavailable until further notice. https://t.co/FK96SklU8x
— EUROCONTROL (@eurocontrol) March 22, 2016
Roissy, Orly and Toulouse-Blagnac vigilant
France, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Toulouse-Blagnac took additional security measures. “The prevention and security forces are being deployed on all eight terminals of Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport” and its two stations,” with trains from Brussels searched and mobilization of specialist dog teams,” said an airport source told AFP.
At Orly airport, there are four light armoured patrol vehicles mobilized on site in response to the morning explosions recorded in Brussels. At the Toulouse-Blagnac airport, officials assure that they are being “hyper-vigilant in surveillance.” Also on the ground, security stations and checkpoints at public transport in Paris is likewise to be greatly increased.
Frankfurt, Amsterdam and London also on alert
France is not the only country to take safety measures as Frankfurt airport has also mobilized additional staff to secure the area. “In terms of other airports (in Germany), I can not make any statement (…) we are in an evaluation phase,” said a spokesman for the police.
In the Netherlands, security measures are taken in the airports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven and border controls increased, while in London, a spokesman for Gatwick Airport has announced a strengthening in and around Gatwick airport.
Security increased at London’s Gatwick airport following terrorist attacks in Brussels https://t.co/lw9yGzhciL pic.twitter.com/YG0WSLIn9O
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 22, 2016
Schools closed in Brussels
In Brussels, it is advised to “stay where you are” as stated by the crisis center in a tweet. The children are confined in Brussels schools. The crisis center will also decide on measures for these schools and ask parents not to pick up their children.
Transports en commun fermés – circulation difficile à #Bruxelles – Restez où vous êtes (entreprises, écoles,etc.) – Contact Tel: 1771
— CrisisCenter Belgium (@CrisiscenterBE) March 22, 2016
