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Advance planning is one of the most important things to do to make sure that if our dam

fails or collapse occurs, first responders and emergency responders will know what to do if such

an incident were to happen. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) hasf been implemented in case

there is ever a dam failure or collapse. There are two levels to our EAP, an alert condition and a

warning condition. The alert condition is if there is a potential hazard, and failure to respond to

could result in a possible collapse of the dam. The warning condition is if a failure is about to

occur, or if failure is happening.

The EAP Coordinator is the person responsible for making sure that participants are

familiar with their responsibilities. Annual training takes place to provide participants with

periodic reviewing, testing, certification, and for updating of the EAP. The Coordinator is in

charge of conducting a test simulating a dam failure or collapse annually. Engineers have

surveyed the area to determine how much of the area surrounding the dam would flood. They

have provided us with a map of the flood region and a hazard area assessment, showing us which

homes or businesses would be caught in the torrents of the flood water. All homes and

businesses in the flood region have been notified that if a dam failure occurs they are in that

region and should evacuate immediately. Also, evacuation routes have been arranged so there is

a proper escape route.

If a failure is imminent or has occurred, the onlooker is to contact EAP Coordinator as

soon as possible, who will then contact the local law enforcement. The chief of police is

responsible for contacting the local media and public, so they know to get out harm¶s way. The

chief of police is also responsible for contacting the emergency agencies that are to respond in
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this event. The Highway Commissioner has the responsibilities of initiating thesetupof proper

barricades to reroute traffic.

I, the city¶s police chief, have just received a call that the dam has collapsed due to an

enormous explosion at the spillway. Its flood region reaches approximately 20 miles on both

sides of the river. There are very serious dangers that are present, as 10 billion cubic meters of

water have spilled into the river, which runs through the city and has many residents and

businesses in the region. I have reported to the media and public of the unforeseen disaster that

has unfolded. I have also contacted everyone on the EAP list. Because of the huge fireball seen

at the dam, the FBI Explosives Unit has been made aware and called in.

The major hydroelectric plant surrounding the river has been damaged. There have also

been reports of telephone and power outages. There is an immediate need to evacuate as more

human life could be lost, as there have been reports of people drowning near the dam. Since

there have been several miles of roads wiped out due to flooding, proper barricades are being put

in place to reroute traffic to the evacuation routes. The command post has been setup

approximately five miles out of the flood region.

Emergency response personnel and emergency rescue teams have been implementedto

rescue any people caught in the flood waters. Additional personnel are here to help evacuate the

area, and counselors are here to help any who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress

syndrome. Medical assistance personnel have come to the aid of injured people who are rescued

from flooded waters. Helicopters and ambulances are on standby at the command post. Shelters

are being set up immediately for any displaced residents, who have lost their homes.
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Several hours after the collapse of the dam, all residents and business owners in the flood

region have been evacuated. Quite a numberhave fallen victim to the rapid waters that

approached, as they were unable to escape the swift torrents.There is an estimated loss of 30-40

victims, with as many as 120-150 reported injuries. More than half of the city had to be

evacuated due to the flood waters. Emergency shelters are housing people who need shelter.

They are being provided food, clothing, and personal items they may need.

The FBI and FEMA have been a tremendous help in making the process move smoothly.

The FBI Explosives Unit is still investigating the explosion. They have found remnants of what

seems to be an explosive device, but have been unable to ascertain who may have planted it. Our

local law enforcement and medical assistance personnel are still helping as this unfortunate

occurrence has had a horrible impact on our city. This is the worst flooding we have had in over

100 years, prior to when the dam was built, all on the account of terrorism.