U.S. Department of State  Bureau of Consular Affairs When Disaster Strikes: Consular Crisis Response Presents Michelle Bernier-Toth May 2012

When Disaster Strikes: Consular Crisis Response

U.S. Citizens The protection of U.S. Citizens is our highest priority. Consular staff play a vital role in assisting U.S. citizens before, during and after a crisis.

Crises Take Many Forms Natural Disasters – South Asian Tsunami – Haiti Earthquake – Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Manmade Disasters – Airline Accidents Terrorism – Mumbai Attacks – London, Madrid Bombings Wars and Political Unrest – Lebanon 2006 – Arab Spring 2011

No Double Standard Policy Consular Information Program – Country Specific Information – Emergency Messages – Travel Alerts – Travel Warnings Information is Critical

First Steps Nature and extent of crisis U.S. Citizens? Assess needs o Information, medical, transportation Embassy needs o Logistical support Public Messaging

Task Forces

Lebanon ~25,000 calls total Over 15,000 evacuated 140 consular TDYers 7,500 consular task force hours worked Haiti >390,000 calls in first four days alone ~16,700 evacuated Approximately 70 consular TDYers 11,790 consular task force hours worked Crises in Numbers

Natural Disasters Hurricanes – Be Prepared! Earthquakes and Tsunamis Rain, Landslides, and Floods Volcanoes and Ashes

Crisis Brewing? – Commercial transportation the best option Government-Sponsored Evacuation – Charters – Convoys – NEOs (Call in the Marines!) General Rules

By law, the U.S. Government must seek reimbursement from evacuated U.S. citizens Rate is equivalent to last available commercial fare No Free Ride

Who Goes? Adult U.S. citizens and immediate family members – documented for entry to U.S. Minor U.S. citizens and one adult escort LPRs, others on space available basis

Identify victims and their immediate needs – Injuries, trauma – Deaths Coordination with FBI/OVA Our work continues after the headlines fade Victims of Terror

We Touch Lives and They Touch Ours