YOUNGSTERS will be facing life and death decisions as they deal with the onslaught of a hurricane this week.
Pupils from 12 schools across the region will be taking part in a simulated exercise based on the experiences of crisis agencies.
They will watch the disaster evolve on a giant screen and must make choices on how and when to rescue survivors, airlift casualties and deliver aid to affected communities.
They will be guided by a panel including representatives from Unicef, the Royal Navy, RAF, and the Regional Resilience Team.
The event, on Friday, is part of the three-day Newcastle Festival of Flight at Newcastle's MetroRadio Arena.
A spokesman said: "One aspect of the festival will be flights made by people across the world because of war, persecution and natural disasters.
"This exercise will give youngsters a realistic insight into the decisions taken every day around the world by those involved in crisis situations."
The free festival will also feature kite flying, demonstrations by birds of prey, and storytelling.
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