Message N=BA. : OPS(EADRCC)(2007)0032
Dtg: 29 JUL 2007, 15:00 UTC
From: Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre
To: Points of Contact for International Disaster Response in NATO and Partner Countries
Precedence: Priority
Originator: Duty Officer Tel: +32-2-707.2670
Approved by: Head EADRCC Tel: +32-2-707.2673
References: Request for Assistance, OPS(EADRCC)(2007)0022
This report consists of: -3- pages
1. Situation update, based on reports from the Authorities of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) (Crisis Management Centre) and international experts from Austria and Sweden deployed on the site of operations:
1.1. The most of the fires have been put under control. There are still twelve larger active fires burning, located in Kumanovo, Goshince village, 20 Ha of forest affected with a risk that fires will spread towards Brest-Malino-Lukare villages, as the area is mountainous and hardly accessible for ordinary fire fighting equipment. In the vicinity of Skopje at National park of Jasen, the fires are lasting for several days with changeable intensity; the fire in Bitola is still active in some parts of the region. In Ohrid, Rabetino village, fires were raging in 100 m from the village. In Kicevo there are still fires in some areas, similarly in Veles, where 1000 Ha of forest have been affected. The involvement of national and international aerial fire fighting capacities into most critical spots was crucial in decreasing the threat for populated areas and putting fires under control.
1.2. One human casualty has been reported due to smoke poisoning, 200 Roma people (approximately 45 families) have been evacuated. 4600 Ha of forest in 32 municipalities have been burnt out within the period from 17 till 27 July.
2. The further needs for international assistance:
2.1. There is still a need for additional fire fighting equipment as up to the present time the situation remains to be serious.
3. Point of Entry: Alexander the Great airport near Skopje in Petrovec.
Note:
(1) Turkey recognizes the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.