U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
When Disaster Strikes:Consular Crisis
ResponsePresents
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 needso Information, medical, transportation• Embassy needso 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