IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency

EPR-Public CommunicationsWS-01

Emergency Communications

IAEA

Scenario Stage 1

• At 12:37 pm [local time] on December 21, 2010 an explosive device was detonated in the shopping district in a city. The local first response agencies (fire, police and ambulance) responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene the first responders implemented an all hazards approach and detected the presence of radiation and radioactive contamination.

• The area was immediately evacuated to a distance of 400m. • Some buildings in the area surrounding the detonation have

caught on fire. A plume of smoke coming from the scene is drifting over the city.

• The temperature is 21oC. There are some clouds in the sky but no rain. The wind is blowing from 63o at a speed of 4 m/s.

IAEA

Scenario Stage 2

• Radiation assessment teams have arrived at the scene of the detonation. Beta and gamma radiation measurements confirmed the presence of radioactive materials. Consequently, the team has performed gamma spectroscopy analysis of the radioisotopes at the scene. They initially identified the presence of 137Cs at the scene. The beta dose rate measurements were much higher than expected when compared to the estimated activities of 137Cs. The team has concluded that a high energy beta emitting radionuclide, probably 90Sr and/or 90Y has also dispersed in the explosion. Monitoring data from the scene will be forwarded very soon.

• Fire brigades are still attempting to contain fires in the surrounding buildings. The area within 1 km of ground zero is being evacuated. Sheltering has been recommended for up to 3km.

• Currently there are 37 confirmed fatalities. The hospitals are currently overwhelmed. The number of casualties that will require hospitalization is currently estimated at over 300.

• The temperature is 23oC. There are some clouds in the sky but no rain. The wind is blowing from 81o at a speed of 6 m/s.

IAEA

Scenario Stage 3

• Message Time - 16:20• All fatalities and casualties have been removed from the

scene. All fires in surrounding buildings have been extinguished. Forensic investigators are currently collecting evidence from the scene. On scene investigations are anticipated to be concluded in 3 hours.

• Currently there are 53 confirmed fatalities. The hospitals remain overwhelmed. Temporary hospitals have been set up inside community centres.

• The temperature is 25oC. There are some clouds in the sky but no rain. The wind is blowing from 75o at a speed of 8 m/s. Thunderstorms are forecast for 19:00 tonight.