Disasters and complex emergencies often have a significant impact on the environment. A key element of an emergency response is therefore the rapid identification and mitigation of environmental risks. Countries facing an environmental emergency, which includes disasters or accidents resulting from natural, technological or human-induced hazards, or a combination thereof, that cause severe environmental damage and threaten human lives and livelihoods, often require technical support and specialized expertise to respond effectively, minimize adverse impacts, and recover rapidly.
Countries affected by these types of emergencies can call upon the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit (JEU) for the following services:
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Rapid environmental assessments to identify the risks and impacts of large scale, technological, human-induced and/or sudden onset disasters resulting from natural hazards in order to prevent and/or mitigate life-threatening situations and consequential environmental damage. Trained emergency responders and environmental experts use the Flash Environmental Assessment Tool (FEAT) methodology to screen and map existing or potential acute risks to human health and ecosystems posed by released hazardous chemicals following a sudden-onset disaster. Environmental experts also assess disaster waste management needs, which often is often generated in huge quantities of solid and liquid waste in the aftermath of a disaster or conflict, threatening public health, hindering reconstruction and impacting the environment.
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Independent and impartial sampling and analysis of air, water, soil, hazardous and toxic substances in order to provide immediate expert recommendations for appropriate follow-up action. These can help determine the toxicity of spilled hazardous substances and the degree of contamination of groundwater and soil. On-site sampling and analysis can also be used to identify safe evacuation distances and mitigation measures to protect the affected population and first responders.
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Rapid mobilization and deployment of technical experts within 48 hours of an emergency to carry out detailed assessments over a period of two to three weeks. The experts work with national counterparts to provide rapid and practical recommendations on a number of specific issues, including chemical accidents, dam breaches, waste management, damage to infrastructure and geohazards. Outcomes of these technical expert missions often serve as the foundation or input to an overall humanitarian response or early recovery strategy.
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