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Description
Outcome and objective of the project:
The aim of the project is to ensure better systems for securing the Lithuanian population in the event of catastrophic disaster. Specifically, the project aims to enhance the capabilities of Lithuanian authorities to plan for and warn inhabitants so in order to reduce the risks should such events occur.
The objective of the project is to create a high-quality technical and organizational conditions for nuclear emergency preparedness. This will be done by creating a unified system for early warning of nuclear and/or radiological emergencies in Lithuania.
The project includes:
- The enhancement of the VATESI emergency preparedness capabilities;
- Install technical warning system (297 early warning sirens) in the impact zone of Belarusian NPP. In this project installation of warning system based on sirens is considered in 50-100 km zone due to high population density and potential disaster impact in the area. These measures should ensure effective and timely warning and information on imminent or actual emergency, likely effects, response measures and methods of protection of all residents, state and municipal institutions and agencies, other agencies and economic entities in case of emergency;
- Organize complex exercises for forces of civil protection system in order to assess human capabilities and material resources, while implementing protective actions as well as broadly involving residents in the potential accident zone of Belarusian NPP;
- Carry out training of residents living in the potentially dangerous zone of Belarusian NPP while planning specific practical measures and/or providing distance learning possibilities and organizing wide publicity campaigns also involving residents.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to improve the systems that protect the Lithuanian population in case of catastrophic events. Specifically, the goal was to enhance the ability of Lithuanian authorities to plan for and warn residents, reducing the risks if such events happen.
The project focused on improving preparedness for nuclear emergencies by establishing a unified system. This included purchasing early warning sirens and creating a management system to alert people about nuclear or radiological emergencies in Lithuania.
Project activities:
- An IT system was developed to evaluate nuclear accidents at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant and predict potential radioactive releases into the environment.
- 197 early warning sirens were installed in 26 municipalities near the Belarusian border.
- Three mobile containers were purchased for use by evacuation and decontamination teams during nuclear accidents. These containers are equipped with office and communication equipment to help register data on evacuated residents, conduct contamination checks and perform dosimetric control.
- A state civil protection exercise was held in September 2023 to assess the readiness of personnel and resources. The exercise involved 695 participants from 50 state and NGO institutions.
- A training and education program was developed, which included two videos ("Preparedness for Responding to an Emergency at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant" and "Actions for Residents in the Event of an Emergency at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant") and three educational material packages about ionizing radiation, its harmful effects and nuclear or radiological accident preparedness for school and vocational students.
Enhanced preparedness and response capacity for nuclear emergencies in communities near the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, through improved early warning systems and the availability of mobile decontamination units.
Increased public awareness and education on nuclear safety, ionizing radiation, and emergency response actions, particularly among students and local residents.
Strengthened coordination and preparedness of state institutions, NGOs, and emergency teams to respond effectively in the event of a nuclear accident, ensuring a more comprehensive civil protection framework.
Improved community resilience to potential nuclear incidents, reducing the risk of harm from radioactive exposure due to timely warnings and well-prepared local resources.
Enhanced international cooperation and knowledge sharing, especially concerning nuclear safety and emergency management practices, as demonstrated by the cross-border collaboration with institutions involved in the project.
Summary of bilateral results
The specialized software for simulating the data of severe accidents for the VVER-1200 type reactor, acquired by VATESI, will be designed not only to professionally assess the progression and consequences of accidents at the Belarusian nuclear power plant and the characteristics or predictions of radionuclide emissions into the environment, but also to implement procedures specified in the Lithuanian Crisis Management and Civil Protection Act of December 15, 1998 (No. VIII-971), in cooperation with other responsible Lithuanian institutions. Additionally, along with the updated population warning and information siren system, this software will more effectively help prevent disasters or mitigate their consequences and optimize actions taken in the event of a nuclear or radiological accident at the Belarusian NPP. After the contractor installs the computer program on the designated VATESI and DSA computers and creates a general model of the software, VATESI and DSA appointed employees will be trained to use the software and its models to evaluate the characteristics of radionuclides released into the environment during accidents, ensuring the timely assessment of radionuclide emissions or predictions in both countries.The Fire Safety and Rescue Department will use the acquired sirens and the national emergency warning and information system platform to ensure safety not only in the event of nuclear and/or radiological accidents but also in cases of war or natural disasters. This will allow for timely warnings to be issued to Lithuanian citizens about the progression of accidents at the Belarusian nuclear power plant and the characteristics or predictions of radionuclide emissions, obtained from VATESI or other Lithuanian and foreign responsible institutions. It will also enhance the technical and organizational preparedness of the institutions responsible for the safety of Lithuanian citizens in the event of a nuclear and/or radiological accident.