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