The operational heart of the Mechanism is theEarthquake and Information Centre (EIC) based atthe National Research Institute of Astronomy andGeophysics ( NRIAG). EIC is working 24/7 and canspring into action immediately when it receives acall for assistance.
` The EIC monitoring the earthquake signals in andaround Egypt through the National Earthquake
Network.
` NRIAGprovides Training courses for Young
Seismologists from Africa, Arab and Middle East.
`Salah Mahmoud
salahm@nriag.sci.eg; www.nriag.sci.eg

National Research Institute ofAstronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG)
Helwan, Cairo, EGYPT`Monitoring local and regional activity including artificialevents.

`Assessment of seismic hazard.

`

Estimating the expected future earthquake effects.

`

Continuous assessment of strategic buildings, high dam andarcheological sites, etc.

`Isoseismal map`

Information on Geology`

Seismic Zones`

hazard Map`

GPS Crustal deformation` Coordination: The EIC facilitates the provisionofEgyptian
assistancethrough
theMechanism . This takes place by matchingoffers to needs, identifying gaps in assistanceand searching for solutions, and facilitating
the pooling of common resources wherepossible.

` Communications:

NRIAG may acts as a focal
point for the exchange of requests and offersof assistance. This helps cut down on theparticipating states' administrative burden inliaising with the affected country.

` Example Case: NRIAG offers help during Izmit

earthquake (Turkey) 1999 and dispatched ateam.

` TheMechanism can be activated by any
participating state seeking prompt international
assistance following a major earthquake disaster.
` As soon as a request for assistance is received, it
can be viewed by all Provinces via the Center ofSupporting and Decision Makers (CSDM). The
national contact points then assess their available
resources and inform the CSDM whether or notthey are in a position to help.

` As the use of the Mechanism is not restricted tointerventions within Egypt, any country affectedby a disaster can also make an appeal forassistance through the Ministry of foreign Affairs(MFA). Following a formal request for assistancefrom other country, different procedures areapplied for the activation of the Mechanism. In
such cases, the MFA needs to consult thePresidency Council to determine the course ofaction to take. In this case the Council plays thelead role in coordinating the Egyptian response.

` Arrangements

for the dispatch of theaccepted assistance (delivery, transport,customs, etc.) are made directly between theoffering and requesting states. If required,the EIC may play a facilitating role. Anyintervention teams or assistance sent fromthe UNESCO to a disaster area will work
closely with the national authorities of theaffected country.

` ToResource
Lives that
allocation could be saved
Post-disasterPre-disaster

THANK YOUfacilitate the technical co-ordination of
Egyptian civil protection assistance a small
team of experts(Seismology & earthquakeEngineering) can be dispatched on site by
NRIAG. This team will ensure effective liaison
with local authorities and any other relevant
actors so as to integrate Egyptian civil
protection assistance into the overall relief
effort and facilitate the work of Egyptian
teams on the ground.