storm - Hrvatski memorijalno-dokumentacijski centar Domovinskog ...

- the degree of territory vulnerability in the combat area;
- functioning of the observation and information services, and timely alarming of the
population;
- degree of shelter completion;
- preventive protection measures.
Th e most intensive action and the largest quantity of weapons will be focused on
settlements in the zone of the fi rst threat degree and along the approved tactical lines of
assault.
Th e consequences of artillery and aircraft action will involve the following:
- destruction, knocking out or damage of industrial, traffi c, residential and other
facilities;
- congestion of traffi c facilities, particularly in larger urban settlements - towns;
- damage of public utilities, plants and installations (water supply facilities, pumping
stations and storage reservoirs; water supply, sewage, power, postal, telephone and
telegraph networks);
- fi res of varying scope in residential and industrial facilities; fi res set by incendiary
weapons in woods and crops;
- blasting and torching of facilities in parts of the territory possibly taken by the enemy,
including the destruction of cultural and material goods.
Th e extent of destruction, knocking out or damage of residential buildings in the zone
of most intensive action (peripheral villages and towns) may reach 80%, with 20-40% of
units sustaining damage preventing their use.
Air raids against towns can be expected to cause a 5-15% rate of destruction of up to 5%
of aff ected residential units, possible damage or knocking out of vital public utilities, and
considerable damage of the municipal infrastructure.
Th e town streets would be congested and according to estimates a maximum of about
20% would be rendered unserviceable because of caving-in. Considerable damage would
also be wrought on industrial facilities, food warehouses, silos and reservoirs.
Th e destruction of facilities/buildings will regularly be associated with a number of small
fi res (non-extinguished burners, ranges etc., burning electrical installations), some of
which may develop into major fi res depending on timely intervention and the quantity
of infl ammable material present on the site of the fi re. Larger fi res are more likely if
incendiary weapons are used, or if petrol stations or infl ammable material storage
facilities catch fi re.
Experience acquired during previous actions by the Croatian army and occupation of the
Republic of Serbian Krajina warrants the conclusion that the possibly occupied places
will be totally destroyed.
Th e population will suff er owing to the use of various weapons. A higher number of
casualties among the population can be expected because of
- lack of basic shelters;
- inadequate number of auxiliary shelters, cellars and other suitable facilities;
- delayed warning (no automatic activation of alarm sirens; limited time of seeking
refuge in shelters);
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