Essay: EMERCOM (Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies, and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters)

The Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies, and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) plays a significant role in the prevention, mitigation, and response to emergency situations, arising from both natural and man-made disasters. Keeping the nexus between a safe population and a thriving country at the forefront of our mission, EMERCOM safeguards Russian civilians from external and internal threats to their security, and also lends its hands in vital humanitarian aid to other regions in need, such as Ukraine, as well as those affected by natural disasters, for instance Vietnam and Italy, and volatile conflict zones such as Syria. EMERCOM, as part of the intergovernmental International Civil Defence Organisation and pivotal contributor at the International Committee of the Red Cross, also maintains working relationships with the international community in the realms of civil defence, safety, and protection.
At EMERCOM, we strive to issue regulations upholding the protection of our population and territories against emergency situations, the provision of fire and flood protection, and ensure the fulfillment of these regulations; we also take decisions that the federal executive authorities, regional authorities, and local governments and organizations must fulfill. EMERCOM is proud to steer the forces and facilities of the pivotal National Crisis Management Centre, State Firefighting Service, Search and Rescue Service, Aircraft Service (including 18 planes and 56 helicopters), Paramilitary Rescue and Mine Rescue Units, and the State Small Vessels Inspectorate, which works primarily in and around water bodies.
At the forefront of international assistance, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve vulnerable populations stuck in Syrian conflict zones. Over the past few years, EMERCOM has delivered over 530 tonnes of foodstuffs, medication and essentials to the Syrian people, and evacuated thousands of Russian, Ukrainian, and European citizens from the area of armed conflict. As the United States, United Kingdom, France, and their allies continue to mislead the international community by fabricating chemical attacks to accuse Syria of violating the Convention on Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Russian Federation, as ever, continues to act upon concrete facts and arguments. As stated during our humanitarian efforts in southeast Ukraine, we are committed to ensuring all our humanitarian operations are transparent. EMERCOM continues to invite international observers, representatives of world mass media, and specialists to go through our cargoes.
The management of fires and floods remains a priority to protect residents and restore social infrastructures in affected areas; after the tragic Kemerovo fire earlier this year, EMERCOM plans to implement a “12 steps” programme, to reduce risks associated with fires and other man-made disasters. The plan is currently being finalised, but as such aims to heighten the level of preparedness and training of personnel and the availability and functionality of technological resources. Under our leadership, rescue workers and local administrations continue to provide targeted aid in the flooded areas of northwest Russia and regions of the Urals and Siberia. As the water subsides, they restore roads, power lines, and the other means of communication.
Celebrating the 28th year of the Russian Emergency Rescuer’s Day this December 27th, EMERCOM thanks its employees for their tireless work in saving thousands of lives. They continue to provide their services as the New Year approaches; more than 400,000 employees of Russian ministries are going to provide safety and security during the New Year festivities in popular communal areas to safeguard the people of the Russian Federation as they welcome yet another year of prosperity. We have also set our ministry’s responding divisions to high alert from 25 December 2018 to 10 January 2019. Ultimately, the Ministry aims to continue all its efforts in safeguarding our nation from all possible threats, whilst also aiding our international comrades where and when possible.