The World Health Organization (WHO) just wrapped up a 36-hour nuclear emergency drill led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The exercise brought together more than 75 countries and 10 international groups to test how well the world can respond to a major nuclear accident, according to a press release.
This year’s drill was based on a made-up accident at a nuclear plant in Romania, with large amounts of radioactive material released. Teams from each country shared updates in real time, tracked risks as they changed, and worked out what steps to take—including how to handle the medical response. WHO set up a special team of experts from its offices around the world to work with national health officials, send out public health messages, and offer mental health support for both the public and emergency crews.
The exercise added some new twists this year. Bulgaria and Moldova worked closely to coordinate their protective steps. International aid teams were “sent in” as part of the scenario, and organizers threw in a cyberattack to see how groups would handle it. A social media simulator was also used to test how well teams could communicate during a crisis.
These drills are designed to show what works and what needs fixing in emergency plans. They also help build trust and make sure countries can work together if a real nuclear disaster happens. WHO says it will use what it learned to update its own plans and keep giving countries the tools and advice they need to protect people from radiation.
The IAEA will publish a full review of the exercise, highlighting what went well and what still needs work. WHO will review the findings and make changes to its own processes as needed.
