BISHKEK EAC MEETING ON EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000027 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN DEPT ALSO FOR DS/IP/SPC - WEINBERG DEPT ALSO FOR DS/IP/NEA/SA - GALLO ASTANA FOR LEGATT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC KG PGOV PINR PREL SUBJECT: BISHKEK EAC MEETING ON EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS ¶1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on January 11, 2007 to develop an earthquake preparedness plan. Present were the AMB, DCM, RSO, POL/ECON, POL/RA, USAID, CONS, DAO, MGT, MSG, PAS, and LEG. ¶2. (SBU) In response to recent earthquake activity locally and predictions of increased future activity, the EAC met to develop an earthquake preparedness plan to protect American hire employees at the Embassy. The FSN Committee is also working to develop a parellel plan for their protection. The DCM reviewed the model developed by Embassy Tashkent and suggested this model with modifications to fit circumstances in Bishkek. Future EAC Earthquake Preparedness meetings will focus on plans to assist AmCits and the local community. ¶3. (SBU) Following discussion, these actions will be taken: a. RSO and GSO will divide housing units into clusters with one residence designated as the central point for prepositioned communications equipment and emergency supplies. A cluster leader would also be preappointed. In the event local communications systems fail, employees will make their way to their predesignated central point to inform their cluster leader that they are safe or if they need assistance. This designated residence will be stocked with a one week supply of food, water, blankets, first aid kit, and digging tools. b. CLO office will disseminate the cluster designations, along with maps and directions prepared by the MGT section. c. RSO, in coordination with Embassy Health Unit and MGT Officer will identify a "first responder" team and prepare a support plan for the MSG on duty. d. IMO will prepare telephone and communications equipment training so that all employees and family members know how to operate radios. An inventory will be taken of the number of satellite phones already available for use, and enough additional phones will be ordered so each cluster point has one satellite phone. e. Facilities Maintenance staff will go to each residence and clearly label shut-off valves for water, gas, and electricity, and provide instructions specific to each residence for any anomalies. They will inspect all back-up generators to assure keys and operating instructions are readily available. f. MGT office will maintain and update a list of where family members may be reached during duty hours. A plan will be made for transporting children from school to home in the event of an emergency. g. MGT will update the emergency "phone tree" list. h. GSO will stock the Alternate Command Center (the MGT officer's residence) with extra supplies and a full compliment of communications equipment, including necessary equipment for MGT officer to prepare emergency travel orders in the event of evacuation. i. RSO will identify alternate overland evacuation routes out of the country. j. RSO will identify alternate routes from residences to the Embassy and will distribute maps. k. RSO, in coordination with GSO and DAO, will identify several staging areas for AmCit evacuation, possibly Manas Airbase, the Hyatt Hotel, or Bishkek International School. l. DAO will initiate discussions with the Airbase Commander to establish emergency contacts and plans. m. MGT will prepare a check list for each cluster house, including phone lists, instructions, guidelines, a list of emergency supplies, and SOP's. n. MED will provide first-aid training seminars for employees so there will be at least one trained employee in each housing cluster. o. CON will draft an earthquake warden message, including a link on the embassy website to earthquake preparedness information in English and Russian. p. Encourage all employees to prepare "fly away kits." q. PAO will develop a media strategy, including a list of key contacts; Radio OK (FM 105.5) has agreed to broadcast any warden messages. r. EAC Committee will update the Emergency Action Plan and will have it electronically available to all employees. s. MGT will organize teams to contact cluster leaders and coordinate response to cluster sites needing assistance. t. RSO will develop search and rescue plans that would be based on reports received from cluster leaders, and pre-stage rescue equipment at Alternate Command Center and the Embassy. BISHKEK 00000027 002 OF 002 ¶4. (SBU) The EAC appointed the DCM as Emergency Coordinator. The Emergency Coordinator requested that the cluster designations, list of emergency supplies that should be maintained at each residence, the list of supplies to be maintained at each cluster point residence, and the list of first responders be completed by January 19. ¶5. (U) The EAC will convene another meeting after January 19 to review and finalize the Earthquake Preparedness Plan. YOVANOVITCH