IAEA Tests Global Emergency Response in Largest Ever Nuclear Accident Simulation

Exercises such as this one aim to enhance cooperation during an emergency, ensure prompt exchange of information, test mechanisms for international assistance and practice the release of public information, Lentijo said.

The scenario was developed by Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant and the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority, and involved the loss of coolant and release of radioactive material. “We hope an accident of this type never happens, but nonetheless we have to be prepared for it,” said Arpad Vincze, Head of the Department of Nuclear Security, Non-proliferation and Emergency Management at the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority.

“It’s all about practice,” said exercise participant Yassine Chaari, an IAEA Safety Officer. “I worked on a late shift as a liaison officer and was in constant contact with Member States, updating them on the scenario.” Responders might work long hours but, as Chaari said, “it is an essential part of emergency preparedness.”

In coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from participating countries and international organizations into a report. The report will identify good practices and areas that need to be improved to strengthen national and international preparedness to respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies of all kinds.

In the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency, the IAEA’s responsibilities and functions  are as defined  in accordance with its Statute, the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (the Early Notification Convention), the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (the Assistance Convention) and relevant decisions of IAEA policy-making organs. Convention Exercises (ConvEx) take place to practice the operational arrangements for the implementation of these Conventions.