United Nations, Feb 6 (Prensa Latina) The International Atomic Energy Agency’s nuclear emergency response network has started operation, thanks to several member countries, it was announced at UN headquarters on Wednesday.
An IAEA release said the first countries committing to collaborate in coordinating international assistance in case of a radioactive incident or emergency are Mexico, Finland, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Known as RANET, the network is made up of a group of highly skilled experts, who will offer field assistance in case of accident should any IAEA member country ask for help if it exceeds its accident-response capability.
RANET will offer technology to calculate radiation doses in victims or control and measure the environmental impact of a nuclear accident.
IAEA reiterated that commitment from countries is fundamental so that this mechanism can be effective, as it mostly relies on their participation.