MINSK, 17 October (BelTA) – Russian rescue workers will participate in the radiation accident response exercise in Belarus, BelTA learned from Vitaly Novitsky, the official representative of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry.
The Russian team will comprise fifteen people and six vehicles. “They will deal with radiation detection and recovery from an imaginary accident. They are also set to carry out radiation monitoring in the area of radioactive pollution with the help of a mobile multi-functional software and hardware system,” Vitaly Novitsky said.
He added that Belarus has invited representatives of the CSTO member states and neighboring countries along with diplomats accredited in Belarus.
BelTA reported earlier that the exercise will take place in different Belarusian districts from 18 to 19 October. Representatives of various government agencies and the state emergency prevention and response system will partake in the event. “Safety is Belarus' top priority as the country is implementing its first ever nuclear energy program. In line with international recommendations, the countries commissioning major nuclear energy installations have to arrange a series of exercises to practice response to possible accidents. Such exercises are designed to check the readiness of the operational response system, which is also important for working out emergency plans for events outside the nuclear power plant site. Belarus acts in strict compliance with the IAEA recommendations as it holds the exercise. The country believes that safety is an overriding priority in implementing the national nuclear energy program,” the Emergency Ministry noted.
