A course participant analyses the response to the Fukishima Daiichi Accident and suggests areas for improvement. (Photo: H. Zarate Segovia/IAEA)
The IAEA helps countries prepare for nuclear and radiological emergencies through its safety standards and guidance, as well as capacity-building initiatives.
But what happens when a nuclear or radiological emergency occurs alongside another major event? The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, triggered by a powerful earthquake and tsunami, highlighted the challenges that can arise when multiple emergencies unfold simultaneously.
To help countries strengthen their preparedness and response to such complex scenarios, the IAEA developed the training course " Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency Combined with Other Incidents or Emergencies ." Piloted in Austria in 2020, the course was organized for the first time in Chile for Latin American and Caribbean countries in May 2026.
"Demand for this course was particularly high in Latin America and the Caribbean due to the heightened risk of natural disasters happening in the region, underscoring the need for strengthened nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response capacities," said Eva Ciurana, an IAEA project management officer for Latin America and the Caribbean.
A key component of the course was identifying hazards. "Hazard assessment is critical for emergency preparedness," said Herman Zarate, Emergency Preparedness Officer at the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre. "By identifying and assessing potential consequences before an emergency occurs, countries can develop strategies that protect people and enable them to respond more effectively."
Meeting Regional Needs
The course brought together 21 participants from 16 countries around the region. It was delivered in Spanish and covered all sections recommended in the IAEA publication EPR Combined Emergencies 2020 , based on IAEA Safety Standards (GSR Part 7).
Through practical examples and real-life case studies, participants practised responding to scenarios where nuclear and radiological events occur alongside natural disasters or other crises.
"It was particularly important that the course was offered in Spanish," said Marco Artemio Munive Sánchez, a specialist in safety from the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy, "because if such an emergency were to occur, we need to be fast in our response and our native language is the most effective way for us to do this."
Strengthening Coordination Across Institutions
Participants visit Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response to learn how it monitors various hazards. (Photo: H. Zarate Segovia/IAEA)
The course brought together professionals across operating organizations, regulatory bodies, technical support organizations and emergency response teams, fostering greater collaboration and information exchange among institutions.
"This training is especially relevant for radiological resilience and safety in Cuba because it will allow us to integrate radiological response protocols within the Civil Defense system, update contingency plans, and train our teams," said course participant Yesenia Borges Agramonte, a specialist in the Department of Risk Reduction in the Cuban Civil Defence.
Preparing for Future Challenges
Participants visiting the Chilean Research Reactor, RECH-1. (Photo: H. Zarate Segovia/IAEA)
The first delivery of this training for Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America and the Caribbean marks an important milestone for the region.
"This course represents an important opportunity to strengthen regional capacities, promote inter-institutional coordination, and promote knowledge exchanges among Latin American countries," said Course Director Maria Jose Yañez, Head of the Occupational Radiation Protection Unit at the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission. "Organizing it in Chile reflects the country's commitment to strengthening nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness under international safety standards and collaborative regional approaches," she added.
About the IEC
The IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre is the global focal point for international emergency preparedness, communication and response to nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies, regardless of whether they arise from accidents, negligence or deliberate act. Established in 2005, it is the world's centre for coordination of international emergency preparedness and response assistance.
