ORSHA DISTRICT, 26 July (BelTA) – A joint exercise of the Belarusian and Russian Emergencies Ministries opened with an operational video conference, BelTA has learnt. Modern telecom solutions have been used to enable live communication between emergency response centers in Moscow, Minsk, Smolensk and the places that had suffered from man-caused disasters, according to the exercise scenario. Spokesman for the Emergencies Ministry of Belarus Vitaly Novitsky told BelTA it was the first time a video conference had connected not only fixed command posts but also field ones. The exercise to deal with cross-border emergency situations brought about by accidents at main oil and gas pipelines will be held in three stages in Smolensk Oblast and Vitebsk Oblast. During the exercise public alert systems will be tested, Belarusian and Russian systems and means to prevent and respond to emergencies will be brought online. In addition, the situation in the emergency zone will be assessed, decisions to deal with it will be made, means and forces to prevent and respond to emergencies will be managed, with tight interaction established between emergency prevention and response agencies of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. In line with the scenario, the surface subsided at the 253rd kilometer of the Unecha-Andreapol-Ust-Luga oil pipeline, the place where the pipeline goes underwater to cross the Dnepr River near the village of Boroviki, Smolesnk Oblast. As a result, the pipeline has been damaged, with oil spilling into the river and flowing into Belarus. The emergency has a chance to become a cross-border man-made disaster. The oil patch is estimated to reach the village of Zubovo, Orsha District, Vitebsk Oblast in three days. At the same time repair work at the Unecha-Ventspils oil pipeline operated by OAO Polotsktransneft Druzhba ignited oil near the village of Zubovo, Orsha District, Vitebsk Oblast. The forest caught fire and threatens nearby human settlements. The first stage of the exercise will be held near the village of Boroviki, Smolensk Oblast, the second one near the village of Zubovo, Orsha District, and the third one near the village of Kopys, Orsha District. Each stage focuses on a particular aspect and covers the whole complex of measures regarding response to man-made disasters. During the joint exercise the environment will be monitored. International observers will be on site to watch the exercise. The event will conclude with a parade of vehicles and rescue and emergency response gear of the Emergencies Ministries of Belarus and Russia, economic entities and emergency repair units.

БЕЛТА