MACEDONIA DISASTER DECLARATION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SKOPJE 000611 SIPDIS AIDAC, SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/SCE USAID FOR DCHA/OFDA, AID/W for OFDA Rob Andrew & Anne Convery Geneva please pass to USAID and RMA Budapest please pass to USAID/RFMC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV SOCI EAID PREL MK SUBJECT: MACEDONIA DISASTER DECLARATION ¶1. (U) I am declaring a disaster in Macedonia for the loss of property, loss of livelihoods, and actual and potential loss of life caused by heat wave-related wildfires currently raging throughout Macedonia, and am requesting USD 50,000 for immediate disaster relief from USAID/OFDA. The Government of Macedonia (GOM) is doing all it can to bring the wildfires under control and protect property and lives, but the extent of the wildfires is unprecedented and GOM resources are not sufficient to adequately respond to this disaster, which affects approximately one half of the total population of 2 million persons. The GOM has requested USG assistance to respond to the wildfires and, as Macedonia is a staunch ally, it is in our interest to provide assistance. USG disaster relief resources will be used by USAID procurement officials for direct procurement of aircraft and helicopter rentals and for the immediate local purchase of emergency fire fighting equipment on behalf of the GOM Crisis Management Centre (CMC). ¶2. (U) Since the beginning of July, Macedonia has faced severe forest fires, which have been aggravated by extremely high temperatures and strong winds since July 17. As a result, 3000 hectares of forest in 32 municipalities have been lost. One human casualty has been reported from smoke inhalation, and the risk of a larger number of civilians suffering from smoke inhalation is increasing daily. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people seeking emergency assistance continues to increase. ¶3. (U) Fire fighting forces have reported more than 50 active fires during the past week. Currently, 32 municipalities and approximately one-half the total inhabitants of Macedonia are affected. The number of fires is changing on a daily On July 24, the CMC reported that firefighters were battling 28 fires around the country and that conditions are worsening because of the wind and other adverse weather conditions. ¶4. (U) There are four fires currently burning in the northwest region of the country, near the municipality of Tetovo. While these fires, at present, do not present a high risk to human life, they are coming close to urban areas and to major electrical installations, including a major 400KW electrical sub-station a few kilometres from the capital city of Skopje. The central part of the country has been heavily affected by the fires, with fourteen fire fighting vehicles and nearly 100 fire fighters trying to combat fires near the municipality of Veles. A communications repeater station on Crni Vrv Mountain is dangerously close to one of the fires. In the southern part of the country, near Strumica, an active fire has been burning since July 20. On July 24, the southern municipality of Bitola was nearly engulfed by a large forest fire, which resulted in one death due to smoke inhalation. The fire is currently under control, but is still burning. ¶5. (U) The GOM declared a state of emergency on July 18 due to high temperatures and wildfires. The state of emergency is in effect for fourteen days, from July 18 to August 1, and is subject to review and an extension, if warranted. The declaration calls for all possible resources to be mobilized in support of the work of the CMC and the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DPR). ¶6. (U) The National Authorities (CMC, DPR, Red Cross of Macedonia, the Fire Department, Armed Forces) have engaged three air planes (privately owned) and two army helicopters to assist in the firefighting effort. More than 400 soldiers are working to keep fires under control. However, given the country's rough topography and limited resources, it is impossible to fight all the active fires simultaneously. According to the GOM, the national and local response has surpassed the allocated budget for the municipalities affected. Therefore, the GOM has requested additional funds from the Ministry of Finance to finance continuing operations. ¶7. (U) The Red Cross of Macedonia has mobilized its first aid teams in 29 of the most affected municipalities. Their role is to distribute water to the general population at public places (bus stations, market places, shopping centers),give first aid where needed, and distribute leaflets with summer safety tips. ¶8. (U) The CMC and GOM are following the situation closely and have released an appeal to all institutions and international organizations present in Macedonia to provide assistance. USAID has previously provided capacity building assistance to the CMC, and is in a position to coordinate USG disaster assistance with that agency. The CMC has requested aid for the purchase of vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and specialized fire fighting equipment (protective clothing and tools). I also has requested funds to cover the rental of emergency aircraft and helicopters for fire fighting operations. SKOPJE 00000611 002 OF 002 ¶9. (U) I propose that the USG disaster relief assistance be used to purchase a portion of the specialized fire fighting equipment requested, and/or to pay for the aircraft and helicopter rentals. USAID will coordinate with the CMC and other donors to avoid any duplication of efforts. MILOVANOVIC