Greece takes part in simulated nuclear accident drill

Greece took part in the ConvEx-2d emergency response drill for a possible nuclear accident under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on October 5 and 6. The exercise was organised by the IAEA to test the levels of preparedness among its members, as well as the timely warning procedures, awareness and collaboration in responding to conditions of a nuclear accident. The exercise was based on a scenario where Romania was hit by a large earthquake which resulted in a radioactive active leak from a damaged nuclear reactor. The national Atomic Energy Agency of Greece tested its capacity regarding the communications infrastructure and evaluated the development of the radioactive cloud and the possible impact on the country’s population. The simulation also included its ability to warn the public, as well as specialised teams that were near the accident site, like ship crews. Similar drills checking the levels of preparedness and response times in cases nuclear-related accidents are carried out frequently to gauge the efficiency of IAEA members in emergency situations.