. How the System Responds to Level 3 Emergencies:
HQ level - Step 1: Initial Analysis & Decision 1. Large-scale, sudden-onset crisis occurs. 2. ERC receives from OCHA , within 18 hours of the event, an initial assessment of the situation, based on: (a) Review of secondary sources; (b) Initial status report from Humanitarian Coordinator & Humanitarian Country Team1 ; (c) Consultation with authorities of affected state; (d) Bilateral ad hoc consultation with IASC partners at HQ level; and (e) Review of pre-existing contingency plan & national preparedness plan (where applicable).