From preparedness to resilience: The role of the IAEA in nuclear and radiological emergency response

Ahead of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, we look at the role played by the IAEA's unique Incident and Emergency Centre in preparing and responding to potential nuclear or radiological emergencies.

The centre is staffed by 29 permanent experts with over 200 staff on standby in case of a major nuclear or radiological emergency, irrespective of the cause.

The centre remains operational 24/7, ready to spring into full operational mode if a report is received and meets established criteria, such as the declaration of an emergency at a nuclear power plant.

The centre is ready to respond and inform Member States and the public in any scenario that may be relevant for nuclear safety and security. For example, on 1 January this year, at 07:10 UTC, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture. Just over an hour later, the Emergency Response Manager at the IAEA received a message via the Agency's Unified System for Information Exchange in Incidents and Emergencies (USIE): six of Japan's nuclear power plants had potentially been affected. Fortunately, no abnormalities were reported, detailed inspections were carried out by Japan to ensure that no plant functions had been compromised or damaged. At midday that day, an update was received from Japan that all nuclear power plants in the country were operating normally. This message was posted on USIE, and countries received the information within seconds. The IAEA also promptly issued an update via social media, reassuring the public that it was in contact with Japanese authorities, there was no cause for concern, and monitoring would continue.

This prompt notification, proactive dissemination of information, and continuous communication with the national authorities - even in the absence of public safety impacts, as in the example above - exemplify best practices in disaster risk reduction. These lessons have been honed through responses to past emergencies, such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.

"Over 1500 users from 173 Member States and 21 international organizations now rely on the IAEA's platforms and systems for prompt notification and assistance in a nuclear emergency. Over the years, the IEC has been able to build up an agile, responsive system which can respond at short notice to any event," said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre.

While major nuclear accidents are very rare, the potential for incidents or emergencies remains - especially as radiation sources are used in a variety of contexts, from medicine to industry.

For example, earlier this year in Liberia, a radioactive source was discovered in a stormwater drain at the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre, the country's largest hospital. Prompt intervention by the IAEA prevented a potential radiological incident, allowing the hospital to continue its operations without disruption. Read the full story.

Disasters can also compound one another: for instance, an earthquake may hinder efforts to respond to a nuclear emergency. Identifying, classifying, and preparing for swift action in response to different hazard scenarios is critical. Like pandemics and natural disasters, nuclear and radiological emergencies recognize no borders, amplifying the need for international coordination and information sharing.

The IAEA's Role in Global Preparedness

The IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) plays a pivotal role in helping countries fulfil their obligations under the international conventions on nuclear accidents. These conventions were established in the aftermath of the 1986 Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, when the world recognized the need for a robust international framework for cooperation in the event of nuclear emergencies.

The Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident ensures that countries rapidly share relevant information about nuclear accidents or radiological emergencies, minimizing the potential for transboundary radiological consequences. The Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency facilitates cooperation between countries and the IAEA to provide timely assistance during an emergency, aiming to protect lives, property and the environment.

Established in 2005, the IEC serves as the global focal point for preparedness, event reporting, information sharing, and coordinated response to nuclear and radiological emergencies, regardless of their origin.

Coordinating Global Responses

At the heart of the IEC's work is global coordination. Under the emergency conventions, the IEC mobilizes international experts and coordinates in-house IAEA efforts in preparedness and response. It also works closely with other international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), to support a coordinated response when required.

The IEC provides 24/7 assistance to countries facing nuclear or radiological events, including security-related threats. Its central platform, the Unified System for Information Exchange in Incidents and Emergencies (USIE), allows countries to notify the IAEA and the international community of emergencies confidentially and securely. While mandatory reporting is required for emergencies with potential transboundary impacts, countries are encouraged to report smaller events as well, even if they pose no immediate public safety risk but may cause public concern.

Through USIE, countries can access other vital IAEA tools, such as the International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS) for visualizing radiation monitoring data, as well as assessment and prognosis tools. These tools provide emergency managers with critical insights about the potential progression of a nuclear accident, allowing them to make informed decisions and take prompt protective actions.

IRMIS helps emergency managers decide the right protective actions during a nuclear emergency by showing radiation data compared to pre-calculated safety levels (Operational Interventional Levels, or OILs). For example, high radiation levels in a specific area might mean evacuation or sheltering is needed. This information is displayed using colour codes that clearly indicate the proper action, like evacuating affected areas, or asking people to shelter in place.

The Reactor Assessment Tool allows the IAEA to explain the status of nuclear facilities, like power reactors, using simple language and color-coded diagrams. It receives safety data from IAEA counterparts in Member States, helping the IAEA send clear, timely updates to all countries and the public about the emergency situation.

The IEC also maintains a Response and Assistance Network (RANET) made up of States Parties to the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency that have identified and registered in RANET national assistance capabilities consisting of qualified experts, equipment and materials that could be made available to assist another State.

Collaboration with Other Organizations

In addition to its in-house tools, the IEC collaborates with other organizations that provide essential data during emergencies. For example, the WMO offers atmospheric dispersion predictions based on real-time meteorological data, while the WHO is ready to engage specialised medical capabilities in Member States to provide assistance in cases of injuries caused by the improper use of radiation sources. This cooperation ensures that countries have access to relevant information to respond effectively in an emergency, from weather patterns to support in mitigating the consequences of nuclear or radiological emergencies. In fact, the IEC provides the Secretariat for the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE), which coordinates the arrangements of all these organizations for preparing for, and responding to, a nuclear or radiological incident or emergency.

Ensuring Preparedness

Preparedness is essential in ensuring that the impacts from a nuclear emergency can be adequately mitigated. The IEC plays a key role in strengthening national preparedness by providing guidance and training for a range of professionals from around the world, including emergency planners, responders, regulatory staff, and public information officers.

The centre also conducts Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) missions, which help countries evaluate and strengthen their national capabilities to respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies, aligning with international standards.

Nuclear accidents are rare, partly due to the robust safety and emergency preparedness regime in place globally. The IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre, through its coordination efforts, training programmes, and international partnerships, plays a crucial role in maintaining this safety net. By fostering international cooperation and ensuring readiness at all levels, the IEC helps mitigate risks, ensuring that even in the face of disaster, effective responses are in place to protect lives and the environment.