Home Front Defense Minister Erdan dedicates facility in Tal Menashe settlement meant to hold hundreds of people in case of an emergency.
By LAHAV HARKOVLikud MK Gilad Erdan(photo credit: REUTERS)
Samaria is safe from rocket attacks and evacuees from threatened areas would be safe there, Home Front Defense Minister Gilad Erdan asserted at a dedication ceremony for an emergency absorption center in Tal Menashe Sunday night.“Aside from the land’s Jewish, historic significance, and in light of the rising threat to the Israeli home front, Samaria is a secure front for Israeli citizens in case of a rocket attack,” Erdan said.Erdan explained that Samaria’s closeness to and accessibility from large population concentrations in the Dan region, as well as its topography and its residents’ motivation, make it the best place to send dozens of evacuees in case of an emergency.The facility, meant to hold hundreds of people in case of an emergency, is the first of its kind in Samaria and can house evacuees for 72 hours without any external aid.In case of an emergency in which electric grids or water lines are damaged or streets are closed, rescue forces are not always able to reach every site immediately, the minister explained. As such, Israel is preparing large absorption centers that enable local authorities to provide residents with basic services in an emergency.The ministry plans to establish three absorption centers in Samaria that will be able to work independently, without any outside aid. The facilities will have mattresses and blankets, heat, generators, water, emergency food supplies, toys, televisions, and radios.In 2009, Shomron Regional Council chairman Gershon Mesika prepared a plan to absorb evacuees in Samaria.“This plan was important and my ministry plans to continue using it to build its strategy for emergency preparedness,” Erdan stated.
