Basic Principles of Planning and Implementation of Rapid Response Forces in the Event of a Destructive Earthquake

Abstract

In the aftermath of a destructive earthquake, in order to provide operative and effective assistance by the rapid response forces (rescue, police, traffic police, security facilities, medical, anti-epidemic, fire, water and sewerage, electricity, gas, telephone, etc.), to the minimizing victims, the possible material losses, it is necessary to apply the following principles, which are based on the 1988 Spitak earthquake lessons:1. Develop specific action plans based on seismic risk assessments and risk maps. 2. Plan to achieve high efficiency within 3-5 days of the earthquake, when there are great opportunities to save lives and prevent secondary consequences of the earthquake. 3. Make plans taking into account the conditions of extreme action (most unfavorable conditions of the year and day, lack or absence of means of livelihood, losses of rapid response forces, etc.) and the maximum possible consequences of the earthquake. 4. To ensure the coordinated actions of more than 10 rapid response forces, that is, to make complex plans. 5. Make complex plans simple and accessible so that they are feasible for outside forces.It is necessary to distinguish between the actions of the rapid response forces before the earthquake (preparatory phase) and immediately after the earthquake (rapid response phase).