IRAN EARTHQUAKE ROCKS DUBAI

UNCLAS DUBAI 000363


DS/IP/NEA, DS/CC, NEA/ARP/EX

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC AMGT AE
SUBJECT: IRAN EARTHQUAKE ROCKS DUBAI


1. (U) SUMMARY: On 10 September 2008, an earthquake centered
between Iran's southern port city Bandar Khamar and Qesham
Island, which reportedly measured 6.1 on the Richter scale,
could be felt across Dubai, UAE. The 35 story Dubai World Trade
Center, home of US Consulate General Dubai, swayed and shook
significantly; , the Consulate General was locked down and staff
evacuated on a precautionary basis. There were no casualties or
significant damage, and post resumed normal operations 11
September. .


2. (U) At approximately 1530 hrs, on Wednesday 10 September
2008, staff and visitors of US Consulate General Dubai, felt the
building begin to shake and sway continuously for several
seconds. The shaking was apparently the result of an earthquake
measuring 6.1 in magnitude, with its epicenter close to the
Iranian coast's port city of Bandar Khamar.


3. (SBU) The Consulate is located on the 20th and 21st floors
of the Dubai World Trade Center (WTC). The WTC was constructed
in the 1970s and stands as the oldest high rise structure in the
Gulf region. With this is mind, at approximately 1533 hrs. RSO
initiated the evacuation siren and made an announcement over the
public address system informing all staff to secure classified
and evacuate the Consulate's two floors. All Consulate
personnel and visitors evacuated in an orderly fashion using two
internal stairwells. The Consul General, RSO, ARSO, MGT Officer
and Guard Force coordinated much of the evacuation.


4. (SBU) All staff and visitors were guided to a previously
designated evacuation staging point, after descending 20 - 21
flights of stairs to the ground level. All personnel were
accounted for by section heads and floor wardens, who reported
to the RSO. ARSO notified the Diplomatic Security Command
Center, the Operations Center, and Embassy Abu Dhabi. U.S.
Embassy Abu Dhabi's Charge d Affaires, who happened to be
visiting the Consulate, was fully briefed at the staging area.
Following full accountability and consultation with the RSO, the
CG mandated a closure of the Consulate for the remainder of the
day.


5. (SBU) RSO contacted Dubai Civil Defense and requested an
inspection of the building. Civil Defense declined to do so,
stating that the building was well built and the quake had not
been significant enough to warrant such action. Note: RSO and
Civil Defense maintain a good relationship regardless of this
incident.


6. (SBU) At approximately 1640 hrs, RSO and CG led a group of
key Consulate personnel and section heads back into the building
to ensure that sensitive materials and areas were properly
secured. At approximately 1730 hrs all remaining Consulate
employees and LGF departed the building.


7. (SBU) On 11 September CG, RSO and MGT shared lessons learned
from the event. Based upon that discussion, RSO and ARSO began
modification of evacuation procedures intended to improve upon
the existing system. Among the planned initiatives, RSO will
conduct floor warden training, re-issue post evacuation
instructions, and send out security notices reminding employees
of their responsibilities during emergencies. Note: RSO already
has plans in place for monthly all-hands drills including fire
and evacuation.


8. (U) No visible damage was observed within the Consulate or
the WTC. No damage was reported in Dubai. On 12 September media
reports indicated that the UAE government had announced a plan
to establish an Emirates National Web site for monitoring and
tracking future seismic activity in the country.

SUTPHIN