VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
“We need to take stock of the existing buildings and improve them, because unfortunately, many of them do not meet modern seismic stability standards. Some of them are, in fact, so dilapidated that they pose a danger to people’s lives and health. This is a big problem, and it requires joint efforts of the federal government, regions, and local governments.”
“We agreed then that an interregional monitoring and emergency response centre needs to be set up in the Altai-Sayan Highland. It will rely on the operation of the modern seismic stations in the republics of Tyva, Khakassia and Altai. We need to complete, as soon as possible, the urgent warning system in all the high-risk areas in Russia.”
“I would like to remind you that 25% of Russia’s territory is a high risk zone due to its seismic activity – Siberia as well as several regions in the Far East and in the south of Russia – in all, 27 regions including 550 cities and towns which are home to about 2 million people. This is an important issue for Russia, and a serious problem that should always be at the centre of our attention.”
“Dilapidated and hazardous housing in earthquake-prone areas is a separate issue as we realise that it poses the greatest threat to people. We should develop a set of long-term measures. I mean the introduction of a control and continuous monitoring system in earthquake-prone regions – both at infrastructure facilities and in residential areas, towns and villages. At the same time, we need to create an emergency broadcast system. In this regard, I ask the Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief jointly with the Academy of Sciences to submit proposals on the establishment of an interregional Centre for the Forecast, Monitoring and Prompt Response to Emergencies on the Altai-Sayan Plateau.”
“Safety is our top priority. For this reason, we have decided to allocate some 500 million roubles more from the federal budget directly for research and development in this area. The money will be spent on development of personal protective equipment, rescue aids and comprehensive mine safety systems.”
“Today I want to say that we will certainly continue to strengthen the system of the Emergencies Ministry. This year we will receive new equipment: aircraft, fire engines and other special equipment. By 2015, the share of new equipment in the Emergencies Ministry will reach 80%.”
“Over the past few months there has been a series of plane crashes and incidents in Russia. This is yet another cause to seriously consider what is going on in that industry. The issue is not only the aircraft fleet. We should also consider airport infrastructure, the provision of the latest equipment for monitoring the technical safety of aircraft’s parts and recording their technical parameters. We must also highlight the training of flight crews, the provision of simulation equipment to airlines and their ability to train the crews to work in modern conditions. In fact, the size of companies does not matter; all companies, big and small, must be able to do this and to strictly comply with these requirements. Those that do so will be able to continue operating; those that don’t will be shut down. No commercial or market considerations are more important than the safety of our citizens.”
“Modern systems use the latest safety methods. Our nuclear reactors can operate without external power for three days. That is quite enough time to react. Specialists say they can make them run on their own for five days, only it would cost more. It’s a matter of cost, that’s all.”
“As for nuclear energy safety, this is a cornerstone of that type of energy. Surely you know as well as I do that the inspections of our power plants by the International Atomic Energy Agency have shown that our safety standards are the best in the world. I am proud to say this and I am saying it with full responsibility.”
“In 2010, Russia’s recovery from the crisis continued amid major natural disasters and catastrophes, an unprecedented drought, and heatwave and wildfires. <…> We must do everything to minimise the chances that the devastating disasters happen again. <…>As you know, a number of systemic decisions have been made, tougher fire safety regulations are being adopted, and the prerogatives of departments and government agencies are being clearly demarcated. A programme for re-equipping the Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief has been approved.”
