VZCZCXRO4985
RR RUEHRG
DE RUEHBU #1099/01 1351444
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 151444Z MAY 06
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4532
INFO RUEHSJ/AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE 0437
RUCNBEH/BRASILIA ENVIRONMENTAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 BUENOS AIRES 001099 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE, SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR OES/PCI, WHA/BSC 
STATE FOR IO/SHA - L. ROEDER 
STATE FOR FSI/LMS/CMT - GERARD 
STATE PASS AID FOR DCHA/OFDA 
SAN JOSE FOR USAID/OFDA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID OFDA PREL SENV KNNP KSCA AEMR ASEC KESS AR
SUBJECT:  Argentina:  Disaster Management System Overview 
 
Reference:  (A) 04 Buenos Aires 2574 
            (B) 03 Buenos Aires 1462 
            (C) 03 Buenos Aires 1447 
            (D) 05 Buenos Aires 2914 
            (E) Buenos Aires 186 
            (F) 04 Buenos Aires 008 
            (G) 05 Buenos Aires 2270 
 
¶1. (U) Sensitive But Unclassified - Not For Internet 
Distribution. 
 
¶2. (SBU) Summary:  The GOA has a number of agencies in place to 
deal with disaster management, many with well-trained personnel 
and established action plans.  Of them, the GOA Nuclear 
Regulatory Agency (ARN) is particularly well-organized with 
detailed contingency plans.  However, a lack of clearly defined 
roles, poor funding, inefficient distribution of resources and 
inconsistent communications both among the federal agencies and 
with provincial governments could hamper the GOA's ability to 
handle a major disaster.  End Summary. 
 
¶3. (U) In the past, Argentina has suffered from severe 
earthquakes, such as the 2004 San Juan province earthquake that 
measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and was felt in thirteen 
provinces (reftel A) and severe flooding in Santa Fe province 
that caused over USD 250 million in damage and left over 116,000 
homeless (reftels B,C).  Disaster planners anticipate a repeat of 
both disasters.  They are also cognizant of the possibility of a 
major air disaster at the City of Buenos Aires municipal airport, 
which is contiguous to a highway and commercial properties.  The 
GOA is also keenly aware of the possibility of a mishap at one of 
its reactors and is working with the IAEA to prevent or contain 
such an occurrence. 
 
¶4. (U) Various sections in the Embassy deal with the Argentine 
agencies responsible for disaster responses.  The ESTH Section 
has been tasked with reporting and coordination with the GOA and 
the USAID Office of Disaster Relief Assistance (OFDA) should a 
disaster occur.  OFDA has a contract employee in country who runs 
an active training program in Argentina, conducting 10 - 12 
training programs per year in the provinces.  In March 2005, the 
ESTH Section coordinated OFDA disaster recovery training for 
Embassy personnel, including FSNs.  OFDA recently provided 
training to hazardous materials first responders in Buenos Aires. 
 
¶6. (SBU) The MILGRP has previously conducted crisis response 
seminars with the GOA armed forces.  According to the MILGRP 
representative, although the USG role in providing equipment 
directly to the armed forces is limited by Brooks' Amendment 
sanctions, the MILGRP would be able to provide logistical support 
and other services as requested by the GOA through the COM in the 
event of a major disaster.  SouthCom Humanitarian Assistance 
Program, working through the MILGRP, recently announced plans to 
provide funding for a project to assess GOA Disaster response and 
strengthen Emergency Operations Center capabilities.  The 
Ambassador also has a USD 50,000 fund available for immediate 
disaster assistance. 
 
¶7. (SBU) On paper, Argentina appears well-prepared to respond to 
a major disaster.  In the GOA plan, the Ministry of the Interior 
(MOI) is the starting point for activating the GOA's disaster 
relief program utilizing the Federal System for Emergencies 
(SIFEM) to coordinate disaster responses with the National 
Director of Planning and Civil Protection (DNPC) and the 
Emergency Cabinet (GADE).  The GOA agencies have defined roles 
and, especially in the case of a nuclear disaster, detailed 
contingency plans.  The USAID OFDA representative in Argentina 
and Post's RSO both stated that many of the agencies involved 
have a reputation for high standards of training and many are 
well-equipped. 
 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
Overview of GOA Agencies Involved in Disaster Response 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
¶8. (SBU) Ministry of the Interior (MOI) - As part of its mandate 
to oversee central government relations with provincial 
governments, the MOI is tasked with planning for and responding 
to natural disasters throughout the country.  It serves as the 
main nexus for communication with provincial civil defense 
networks and firefighters.  It includes the National Director of 
Planning and Civil Protection (DNPC) and the Federal System for 
Emergencies (SIFEM).  Other agencies under the control of the MOI 
include the Argentine Federal Police, Gendarmeria, and Coast 
Guard.  Federal firefighters come under the control of the 
Federal Police and are adequately trained and equipped.  Overall, 
 
BUENOS AIR 00001099  002 OF 005 
 
 
the MOI is better funded that many other disaster relief 
agencies, but lacks quality equipment in many areas. 
 
  - National Director and Civil Protection (DNPC)- A division of 
the Ministry of the Interior, DNPC is responsible for disaster 
relief policy and plans.  It maintains a 24-hour emergency radio 
communications service.  In the event of a disaster, DNPC is 
supposed to coordinate federal intervention with local security 
forces, federal police, civil defense, fire departments, and 
provincial officials.  (Comment:  According to the USAID OFDA 
representative, coordination efforts are frequently unsuccessful. 
End Comment.)  DNPC sends damage assessment teams to the affected 
areas and reports on resources needed for disaster effects 
mitigation.  Offices that collaborate with this organization in 
the event of a disaster include National Institute of Earthquake 
Prevention (INPRES), Hydrological Alert System of the Parana 
River, National Institute of Water, Naval Hydrographical Service, 
National Meteorological Service and the Coast Guard.  These 
agencies have a reputation for effective action utilizing highly 
specialized employees who possess advanced technical skills. 
 
 - SIFEM (Federal System for Emergencies) - Created in 1996 and 
based on the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 
model, SIFEM was established to improve interagency cooperation 
and coordination and work through consensus of the provinces and 
the central government.  Originally overseen by the National 
Director of Planning and Civil Protection (DNPC), the MOI 
transferred SIFEM operational responsibilities to the Chief of 
the Federal Police in 2005. (Comment:  The USAID OFDA 
representative told ESTHOFF that the Federal Police as yet do not 
have a defined role in emergencies and its personnel are 
inadequately trained to handle disasters.  End Comment.)  He said 
that the system is currently under a review that has an 
indefinite timetable established for completion.  In the interim, 
the Federal police are responsible for damage evaluation and the 
DNPC provides risk assessment.  The USAID OFDA representative 
added that, in reality, the organization has no structure, does 
little to support disaster operations and has little political. 
 
¶9. (SBU) Ministry of Defense (MOD) - The MOD directs and guides 
all branches of the military.  After major a disaster, the 
Ministry has in the past taken over role of general disaster 
coordinator.  The MOD has conducted studies and exercises dealing 
with most major disaster situations within Argentina and has 
modern emergency equipment located throughout most regions of the 
country.  Minister of Defense Nilda Garre has placed a priority 
on disaster relief and humanitarian assistance for the Armed 
Forces and has the authority to appoint two MOD officials to the 
DNPC.  However, a lack of sufficient operational funding hampers 
the MOD's ability to maintain and upgrade much of its equipment, 
which limits its effectiveness during a disaster scenario. 
Available manpower is unpredictable. 
 
¶10. (U) Emergency Cabinet (GADE) -  Formalized in the SIFEM 
enabling legislation, GADE refers to the GOA's temporary 
emergency cabinet, composed of the Minister of the Interior, the 
Minister of Defense, the Minister of Economics and Public 
Services, the Minister of Education and Culture, the Minister of 
Health and Environment and the Minister of Social Development. 
The Minister of the Interior convenes GADE to determine the 
needed response during an emergency. 
 
¶11. (U) Minister of Health & Environment (MOH) - The MOH directs 
disaster relief activities through the National Director of 
Health Emergency (DINESA), which oversees food distribution and 
health care in evacuation centers and works with non-governmental 
organizations (NGOs) such as Doctors without Borders, Doctors of 
the World, and Foundation IDEM.  DINESA has emergency supplies on- 
hand sufficient to care for 10,000 civilians for 15 days.  The 
MOH is also Post's main contact for avian influenza related 
issues (reftel D).  The Secretariat of the Environment, which 
falls under the control of the MOH, is responsible for the 
national forest fire response plan. 
 
¶12. (U) Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) - The ARN operates 
independently of the other agencies and, in addition to its role 
as overseer of nuclear energy production, creates contingency 
plans for nuclear accidents.  As part of this process, the ARN 
coordinates emergency action plans with the Federal Police, the 
National Gendarmeria, the Coast Guard and local hospitals.  It is 
well-organized and well-funded. 
 
¶13. (U) Secretariat of Housing (SOH) - The SOH establishes 
guidelines for the construction of temporary housing for victims 
of natural disasters and determines if existing dwellings should 
be evacuated. 
 
BUENOS AIR 00001099  003 OF 005 
 
 
 
¶14. (SBU) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) - The MFA 
contributes to disaster relief efforts through the Secretariat of 
International Humanitarian Assistance which oversees the White 
Helmets, a team of volunteer medical professionals and 
technicians from various disciplines.  While the MFA does not 
have a history of effective coordination with other ministries, 
it did coordinate with the MOH to send emergency mental health 
teams from both ministries, including the White Helmets, to 
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 
(reftel G).  The MFA is also collaborating with other ministries, 
most notably the MOH, on Argentina's avian influenza response 
plans (reftel D). 
 
--------------------------- 
Disaster Response Scenarios 
--------------------------- 
 
¶15. (SBU) In the event of a natural disaster (forest fires, 
floods, storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.), the RSO and USAID 
OFDA representative have provided input into the below GOA 
response scenarios (in roughly sequential order): 
 
- Provincial government receives information on an actual 
disaster or a pending disaster, such as an approaching storm. 
(Comment:  The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) scheduled the repositioning of a NOAA 
geostationary satellite over the South American continent for 
October 2006, which will greatly improve the GOA's currently 
limited ability to provide public warnings about inclement 
weather (reftel E). 
- In severe situations, the provincial government may request 
assistance from the National Government 
- Emergency Cabinet (GADE) meets to determine which agencies 
should respond.  In a major disaster, control is often passed to 
the Ministry of Defense. 
- If necessary, the provincial government assists in evacuation 
procedures. 
- Provincial and municipal firemen, along with the provincial and 
civil defense officials, execute the evacuation plan. 
- The Head of the Cabinet of Ministries informs the general 
public on the magnitude of the situation through the media and 
may issue public requests for evacuation. 
- Relief agencies through their respective Ministries, submit 
requests to the national government to fund provision of 
emergency supplies. 
 
¶16. (SBU) In the event of a nuclear accident, the GOA response 
will be as follows (in roughly sequential order): 
 
- Representatives of affected nuclear facility notify Nuclear 
Regulatory Agency (ARN) Head of Emergency. 
- ARN Head of Emergency notifies civil organizations and security 
forces and instructs them to take action based on predefined 
procedures.  The Gendarmeria (Ministry of Interior) would take 
the lead role in securing the facilities and distributing iodine 
to victims.  The ARN contingency plan also calls for coordination 
with the armed forces and Coast Guard. 
- ARN alerts evacuation and management teams and medical 
personnel to assess potential biological effects of the 
radioactive release. 
 
¶17. (SBU) In the event of a biological or chemical accident, the 
GOA response will be as follows (in roughly sequential order): 
 
- Provincial government receives information on accident. 
- In severe situations, the provincial government requests 
assistance from the national government. 
- Within Buenos Aires, dedicated HAZMAT teams from the Federal 
Police bombaderos would respond.  Outside of Buenos Aires, 
provincial police bombaderos would be responsible.  The Ministry 
of Health and the Environment is also notified. 
- The provincial government would assist with evacuation 
procedures, if necessary. 
 
¶18. (SBU) In the event of a major airplane crash: 
 
- The airport authorities will request assistance from the 
Ministry of Defense (MOD). 
- The MOD, through the Air Force, will coordinate the relief 
efforts. 
- If available, the Federal Police will mobilize its fire 
fighting units (placed at 30 of the 50 major airports), otherwise 
local volunteer fire departments will have responsibility for 
fire fighting and rescue. 
 
 
BUENOS AIR 00001099  004 OF 005 
 
 
¶19. (SBU) Mass transit Accident (other than an airplane crash): 
 
- These are typically handled by the appropriate provincial 
and/or municipal governments.  The federal government may assist 
if required, but this is not common. 
 
¶20. (SBU) Large structural fires (apartment buildings, 
nightclubs, etc.): 
 
- These are typically handled by the appropriate provincial 
and/or municipal governments. 
- In Buenos Aires, the Federal Police will mobilize its fire 
fighting units (reftel F). 
 
--------------------------------------------- ---------- 
Shortcomings of the Argentine Emergency Response System 
--------------------------------------------- ---------- 
 
¶21. (SBU) Lack of communication and coordination among Ministries 
and agencies may hamper the ability of the GOA to effectively 
deal with a major disaster.  According to the USAID OFDA 
representative, political decisions often weigh heavily in the 
GOA's decision to declare a disaster.  When a disaster is 
declared, political factors can influence decisions by the 
Emergency Cabinet (GADE).  As a result, the agency with the 
expertise needed for a particular situation may not be 
immediately informed.  In a major disaster, the ministers cede 
authority to the Ministry of Defense (MOD), which conducts 
frequent mock disaster relief exercises, but in the past has 
excluded participation by civilian agencies.  RSO pointed out 
that, although disaster response teams responded quickly to a 
2004 nightclub fire (reftel F) that ultimately resulted in 196 
deaths, victims were loaded into overcrowded ambulances, in some 
cases without proper triage procedures, and taken to the nearest 
available hospital. 
 
¶22. (SBU) Uneven resource allocation among Ministries, each of 
which is responsible for maintaining separate emergency relief 
supplies, often impedes disaster preparedness.  For example, the 
Ministry of the Interior (MOI) is adequately funded, but lacks 
sufficient equipment, while the MOD has modern equipment, but 
lacks funding for maintenance and upkeep of it.  In many cases, 
provincial governments lack sufficient funding to handle serious 
disaster situations. 
 
¶23. (SBU) Provincial governments have no constitutional 
obligation to coordinate disaster relief efforts with the federal 
government.  This results in wasted time and resources as 
provincial and federal agencies pursue different approaches to 
resolve the same crisis.  Provincial and federal governments have 
enacted a large amount of contradictory and confusing disaster 
relief legislation that creates bureaucratic inefficiencies and 
red tape.  USAID OFDA representative pointed to the Federal 
Defense and the Interior Security statutes as examples of this 
type of legislation. 
 
¶24. (SBU) Insufficient training plagues some Argentine disaster 
response units.  Provincial volunteer fire departments, 
responsible for fire protection in most areas of the country and 
at 20 of the country's airports, lack sufficient training and 
equipment to handle a large scale disaster. 
 
¶25. (SBU) Many non-governmental organizations (NGO)that often 
form the backbone of disaster relief efforts elsewhere are not a 
key factor in Argentine disaster relief planning.  According to 
the OFDA representative, the Argentine Red Cross has a widespread 
reputation for mismanagement and is not considered a viable 
organization for disaster relief in the country.  The Argentine 
branch of the Catholic relief organization Caritas has withdrawn 
from joint-disaster relief planning with the GOA, due to 
deterioration in relations with the current federal 
administration. 
 
¶26. (SBU) Comment:  The GOA appears to respond to most disasters 
on a case-by-case basis, with no set plan in place for most 
disasters.  The shortcomings in the GOA disaster response system 
may limit the country's ability to effectively cope with a 
catastrophic situation.  Reform efforts are stalled and, as RSO 
noted, although the capacity of GOA teams to internalize reform 
efforts is higher than in other countries in the region, real 
efforts to enforce changes may be of limited duration.  End 
Comment. 
 
¶27. (U) To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our classified 
website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires.< /a> 
 
 
BUENOS AIR 00001099  005 OF 005 
 
 
Gutierrez