Ministry of Emergency Situations (Azerbaijan)

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Respublikasının Fövqəladə Hallar Nazirliyi) is a governmental agency of Azerbaijan responsible for protecting the population and territory from natural and man-made disasters, managing emergencies, ensuring fire safety, water safety, and industrial safety. It also oversees civil defense and response to nuclear and radiation accidents.

The Ministry was established in 2005 by Presidential Decree, consolidating several existing agencies under a single command. Prior to its formation, these functions were distributed amongst various ministries and committees. The creation of the Ministry aimed to improve coordination and efficiency in emergency management.

The Ministry's responsibilities include:

• Prevention and elimination of the consequences of natural and man-made disasters.
• Organization and implementation of civil defense measures.
• Ensuring fire safety.
• Ensuring safety of people in water basins.
• Supervision of industrial safety in mining and processing industries.
• Prevention and elimination of consequences of radiation accidents.
• Providing assistance to the population in emergency situations.
• International cooperation in emergency management.

The Ministry's structure includes various departments and agencies, such as the State Fire Service, the State Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Activity Regulation, and the State Water Rescue Service. It operates a network of regional centers and units throughout Azerbaijan to ensure rapid response to emergencies.

The current Minister of Emergency Situations is Colonel General Kamaladdin Heydarov.