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.


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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