Havana, November 30 (RHC)-- At the request of the Cuban government, experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently visited the island to assess the country's emergency preparedness and response systems. 

The IAEA reviewed how the country complies with international standards related to preparedness and response to radiation catastrophes, according to Cuban sources.

The evaluation focused on several sites in Havana, including the Ameijeiras Hospital, Jose Marti International Airport, the fire department and the General Customs Office of the Republic.

The team of experts hired by the IAEA also visited 30 organizations related to the area including the General Staff of the Civil Defense and Isotope Center.

Antonio Ortiz Olmo, of the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), led the five-person review team, which also included experts from Chile, Portugal and the IAEA.

“The team benefited from the very detailed, comprehensive and helpful self-assessment performed by the Government of Cuba in preparation for the EPREV mission, from the excellent involvement of relevant organizations integrated under a strong civil defense system and from the full availability of documents, personnel and facilities,” Ortiz Olmo said.

Cuba has a world renowned emergency response and recovery system, and is recognized for its timely and effective response to natural disasters, such as the hurricanes.