Cablegate: Pandemic Influenza: Preparing for Possible

VZCZCXRO5840
RR RUEHAP RUEHNZ
DE RUEHWL #0890 3170543
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 130543Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3481
INFO RUEHNZ/AMCONSUL AUCKLAND 1012
RUEHAP/AMEMBASSY APIA 0277
RUEHJA/AMEMBASSY JAKARTA 0035

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000890

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR A/GSSI - REBECCA PACKER
EAP/ANP AND EAP/EX
JAKARTA FOR RMO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT AMED TBIO ASEC KFLU KSAF KSEO
SUBJECT: PANDEMIC INFLUENZA: PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE
SHELTER-IN-PLACE - New Zealand and Samoa response

REF: STATE 177681 and clarification e-mail, 11/8/06

1. (U) Post continues to remind employees and families of possible
pandemic in New Zealand or Samoa. RMO presented an AI briefing
earlier this year. The Director of the Wellington Region Civil
Defence Emergency Management Group discussed pandemic influenza and
other possible disasters at a recent Town Hall meeting. Staff
expressed appreciation for the briefing and town hall meeting and
asked a number of questions.

2. (U) Post has distributed and stored MRE supplies at central
points convenient to areas where American and LES reside in
Wellington, Auckland and Apia. New Zealand water is potable and
local authorities have contingency plans in place to address
emergency needs. Wellington has enough bottled water to support
essential personnel working in the Embassy for a three to four week
period. Similarly, ConGen Auckland's bottled water supply can
support emergency operations for the minimum two-week period. The
CGR in Auckland and the DCR in Apia both have small swimming pools
that could serve as a backup water supply. We are working with Apia
to ensure they have bottled water supply sufficient for essential
personnel working for the minimum two-week period recommended.

3. (U) AI information and health links are posted on Embassy
website for American Citizens and the general public.
MCCORMICK

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