VZCZCXRO3107
OO RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA
RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHSQ #0611/01 2061650
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 251650Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY SKOPJE
TO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE 0002

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