Russian Federation Forest Fires OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: GVA/99/0095
Russian Federation Forest Fires
OCHA Situation Report No.1
28 July 1999

Present Situation

1. The Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM of Russia) is reporting on renewed large-scale forest fires in the country. Up to now, 839 fire spots have been registered (compared with 1998 - 157 spots), among them there are 91 large fires. As of 26 July 1999, 157 new fire sources were detected (at the same period of 1998-37 sources). The area damaged by fires up to now is 586,153 hectares (total area affected during the whole fire-dangerous period in 1998 was 801,018 hectares). The most dangerous situation remains in the Central, North-Western Siberian and Far-Eastern regions of the Russian Federation.

2. As of 26 July 1999, approximate damage inflicted by forest fires is calculated at 3 bln. Roubles, in comparison to 1998 when the total damage caused by the fire disaster was estimated at 5 bln. Roubles.

3. EMERCOM of Russia, together with the Federal Forest Service, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Interior, are fighting forest fires on a daily basis. The Russian authorities have managed to localize fires, and avoid their spreading to human settlements. Air support is being provided, with 95 aircraft from the Federal Forest Service fighting against forest fires and conducting air reconnaissance. EMERCOM of Russia is using Ilyushin-76 water bombing airplanes.

4. According to a forecast of Russian specialists, an increasing number of forest fires is expected in the near future. In this connection, EMERCOM indicates that it is necessary to urgently increase means and facilities of relevant national bodies, to cope with this emergency. Many fire fighting units are not sufficiently equipped, they lack the basic mechanisms and devices, such as fire engines, knapsack fire-extinguishers, bog tractors and telecommunication means.

5. OCHA, through its Joint Environment Unit and Europe/NIS Desk, is closely cooperating with EMERCOM of Russia in dealing with this disaster and in preventing further deterioration of the situation.

6. In 1998, an UNDAC Team was sent by OCHA, in cooperation with UNEP, to assess the fire disaster situation in the Russian Far East, and coordinate international assistance.

7. OCHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions for the immediate relief needs. Funds channelled through OCHA will be spent in coordination with the relevant organizations of the UN system, and OCHA will provide written confirmation of their use. Funds should be transferred to OCHA Account No. CO-590.160.1 at the UBS AG, PO Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, with reference: OCHA - Russian Federation - Forest Fires 1999.

8. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform OCHA Geneva, as indicated below, of relief missions, pledges or contributions and their corresponding values by item.

9. This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at: http:// www.reliefweb.int.

Telephone number: + 41-22-917-12 34
In case of emergency only: + 41-22- 917 20 10

Desk Officers: Mr. Vladimir Sakharov, Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit,
Disaster Response Branch, direct tel:+41-22-917 1142, and
Mr. Sergio Piazzi, Europe and NIS Desk, Disaster Response Branch, direct tel: + 41-22-917 3518

Contact person for the media: Ms. Elena Ponomareva, direct tel:+41-22-917 23 36

Telex 4142 42 OCHA CH
Fax: + 41-22 917 00 23
E-mail: info@dha.unicc.org