DOCSLIB.ORG

Disasters Without Borders Without Disasters

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Disasters Without Borders Without Disasters Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will depend critically on greater resilience to DISASTERS WITHOUT BORDERS natural disasters. But the process works both ways − as countries achieve higher levels of DISASTERS WITHOUT BORDERS development they can invest more in disaster resilience. This report shows how the two objectives are inextricably connected − each supporting the other in a virtuous upward cycle. Regional Resilience for The report also points out that in Asia and the Pacific disasters can strike many countries simultaneously. Disasters without Borders argues that countries can therefore best reduce the Sustainable Development risks and the impacts if they work closely together − sharing information and expertise. Already the region’s spacefaring countries are providing valuable satellite imagery and other information to their neighbours, and there are many further opportunities for regional cooperation. Most disasters deliver a huge and sudden shock. But others are more insidious. Drought, for example, is a slow and silent killer − often a forgotten disaster. The report focuses on agricultural drought showing, for example, how the impact can be mitigated by recognizing drought as a long-term, recurring risk. Reducing this risk means addressing agriculture as part of an overall ecosystem that needs to be sustained − taking advantage of the skills of local people who are the ultimate custodians of the land. For drought and other disasters a key component of risk reduction is timely warning. The report argues that the most efficient early warning systems are ‘multi-hazard’ − covering many different types of risk. It also identifies the key elements of end-to-end systems that Report 2015 Disaster Asia-Pacific deliver warnings to the ‘last mile’, reaching the most vulnerable people. A critical part of disaster risk management is getting the right information to the right people at the right times. The report shows how vast quantities of data now being produced can be organized and analysed to make informed decisions. Disaster risk reduction should not, however, be considered in isolation, but closely integrated with development planning and programming. Just as every sector can be affected by earthquakes or floods or cyclones, so every sector needs to consider how to make its activities disaster resilient. The report places disaster risk reduction at the heart of sustainable development. Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2015 ISBN: 978-92-1-120699-9 ESCAP is the regional development arm of the United Nations and serves as the main economic and social development centre for the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific. Its mandate is to foster cooperation between its 53 members and 9 associate members. ESCAP United Nations publications may be obtained from bookstores and distributors throughout the world. provides the strategic link between global and country-level programmes and issues. It Please consult your bookstore or write to any of the following: supports Governments of countries in the region in consolidating regional positions and advocates regional approaches to meeting the region’s unique socioeconomic challenges Customers in: America, Asia and the Pacific in a globalizing world. The ESCAP office is located in Bangkok, Thailand. Please visit the ESCAP website at www.unescap.org for further information. Email: [email protected] Web: un.org/publications This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational or non-profit Tel: +1 703 661 1571 purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided that the source Fax: +1 703 996 1010 is acknowledged. The ESCAP Publications Office would appreciate receiving a copy of Mail Orders to: any publication that uses this publication as a source. United Nations Publications PO Box 960 No use may be made of this publication for resale or any other commercial purpose Herndon, Virginia 20172 whatsoever without prior permission. Applications for such permission, with a statement United States of America of the purpose and extent of reproduction, should be addressed to the Secretary of the Publications Board, United Nations, New York. Customers in: Europe, Africa and the Middle East United Nations Publication c/o Eurospan Group United Nations publication Email: [email protected] Sales No.: E.15.II.F.13 Web: un.org/publications Copyright © United Nations 2016 Tel: +44 (0) 1767 604972 All rights reserved Fax: +44 (0) 1767 601640 Printed in Bangkok ISBN: 978-92-1-120699-9 Mail Orders to: eISBN: 978-92-1-057608-6 United Nations Publications ST/ESCAP/2730 Pegasus Drive, Stratton Business Park Bigglewade, Bedfordshire SG18 8TQ United Kingdom For further information on this publication, please address your enquiries to: Chief Conference and Documentation Service Section Tel: 66 2 288-1110 Office of the Executive Secretary Fax: 66 2 288-3018 Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) E-mail: [email protected] United Nations Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue Bangkok 10200, Thailand Publication concept and cover design by Marie Ange Sylvain-Holmgren Cover photograph: think4photop/Shutterstock DISASTERS WITHOUT BORDERS Regional Resilience for Sustainable Development DISASTERS WITHOUT BORDERS Regional Resilience for Sustainable Development Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2015 I Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2015 FOREWORD As we approach the end of 2015, the Member States of the United Nations have taken stock of the 15-year anti-poverty effort embodied in the Millennium Development Goals and endorsed the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, framed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This new holistic and transformative agenda sets the strategic direction for building global resilience, among others by responding to concerns about the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and increasing damage to ecosystems and biodiversity. Prior to the adoption of the SDGs in September 2015, the global community agreed to reinforce the Goals with a new international framework to address the inextricable link between disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. In March, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 replaced the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. The Sendai outcome will guide the international community in its collective support to regions and countries in strengthening their resilience to disasters. In addition, Member States will gather for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, in December, to forge a new international agreement on climate action, ideally backed by the necessary resources for climate mitigation and adaptation. These new frameworks will have a profound impact on the lives of people all over the world for years to come. III The countries of Asia and the Pacific have borne the lion’s share of natural disasters. Over 40 per cent of the 3,979 disasters that occurred globally between 2005 and 2014 occurred in our region, resulting in the loss of half a million people, representing almost 60 per cent of the total global deaths related to disasters. More than 1.4 billion people were affected by these disasters, constituting 80 per cent of those affected globally. Our region has also faced severe economic damage of more than half a trillion dollars over the same time period, accounting for 45 per cent of global total. This year was no exception to these trends. Across Asia and the Pacific disasters have continued to undermine hard-won development gains. In March 2015, cyclone Pam caused widespread damage in Vanuatu, and also impacted neighboring countries: almost 166,000 people - more than half of Vanuatu’s population - were affected. In April, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude struck Nepal, leaving nearly 9,000 people dead and destroying more than half a million houses. This massive destruction has impeded Nepal’s bid to graduate from the status of a least developed country to a developing country by 2022. In May and June, India and Pakistan reported more than 1,000 deaths from a heat wave. In July and August, heavy monsoon rains claimed hundreds of lives and affected more than a million people in South and South-East Asia. For a region at such high risk of disasters, building resilience is not a question of choice, but rather a collective imperative. Therefore, countries in Asia and the Pacific have identified disaster risk reduction as one of their core priorities, and requested that ESCAP intensify its regional partnership and support for disaster risk reduction and resilience as an integral part of achieving sustainable development in the region. ESCAP’s work stands out for the assessment, identification and monitoring of a range of hazards, be they droughts, tropical cyclones, earthquakes or floods, including their impacts on people, economies, cities and the environment. This is why we have promoted the benefits of early warning and information management, some of which are often neglected, and advanced South-South cooperation to tap into the knowledge of more experienced partners. Building resilience of communities calls for long-term risk management, through strengthening of catastrophic insurance systems, social safety nets and relief delivery mechanisms, which become critical in times of disaster. Effectively managing the ecosystem, and deploying solutions based on emerging science and technology, are some of the best disaster risk mitigation approaches. ESCAP continues to offer a platform for exchanges on transboundary disaster risk in Asia and the Pacific.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Efforts for Emergency Observation Mapping in Manila Observatory
    Efforts for Emergency Observation Mapping in Manila Observatory: Development of a Typhoon Impact Estimation System (TIES) focusing on Economic Flood Loss of Urban Poor Communities in Metro Manila UN-SPIDER International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction – “Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Emergency Response” Session 4: Demonstrating Advances in Earth Observation to Build Back Better September 25, 2018 Ma. Flordeliza P. Del Castillo Manila Observatory EMERGENCY OBSERVATION MAPPING IN MANILA OBSERVATORY • Typhoon Reports • Sentinel Asia Data Analysis Node (2011-present) • Flood loss estimation for urban poor households in Metro Manila (2016-present) 1. Regional Climate Systems (RCS) – Hazard analysis (Rainfall and typhoon forecast) 2. Instrumentation and Efforts before typhoon arrives Technology Development – Automated Weather Stations 3. Geomatics for Environment and Development – Mapping and integration of Hazard, Exposure and Vulnerability layers Observing from space and also from the ground. Efforts during typhoon event Now, incorporating exposure and vulnerability variables Efforts after a typhoon event Data Analysis Node (Post- Disaster Event) Image Source: Secretariat of Sentinel Asia Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Sentinel Asia Annual Report 2016 MO Emergency Observation (EO) and Mapping Protocol (15 October 2018) Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Establish the Apply for EMERGENCY Elevate status to LOCATION/COVERAGE of OBSERVATION to International Disaster EOR Sentinel Asia (SA) Charter (IDC) by ADRC Step 6: Step 5: Step 4: Upload maps in MO, SA MAP Download images & IDC websites PRODUCTION Emergency Observation Mapping Work • December 2011 – T.S. Washi “Sendong” • August 2012 – Southwest Monsoon Flood “Habagat” • ” Emergency Observation Mapping Work • December 2011 – T.S. Washi “Sendong” • August 2012 – Southwest Monsoon Flood “Habagat” • December 2012 – Bopha “Pablo” • August 2013 – Southwest Monsoon Flood and T.S.
    [Show full text]
  • OCHA PHL TY Sarika Haima 17Oct2016
    Philippines: Typhoons Sarika (Karen) and Haima (Lawin) (17 October 2016) Typhoon Sarika Japan Typhoon Haima Typhoon category Typhoon Sarika (Karen) made landfall in (Saffir-Simpson Scale) Typhoon Haima (Lawin) has intensified 22 October 2016 Baler, Aurora province, at 2:30 a.m. on Category 1: 119-153 km/hr from a severe tropical storm. It was last 16 October. It slightly weakend while spotted 1,265 km east of the Visayas with China Category 3: 178-208 km/hr crossing Central Luzon but slightly maximum sustained winds of up to 150 intensified as it moves away from the Category 4: 209-251 km/hr km/h and gusts of up to 185 km/h. It is Philippines. As of 6am 17 October 2016, Taiwan moving west northwest at 22 km/h and is Typhoon Sarika is out of the Philippines Category 5: > 252 km/hr expected to enter PAR by the afternoon Area of Responsibility (PAR) and all PAGASA category of 17 October. The typhoon is projected Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals Hong Kong Typhoon Karen (SARIKA) to intensify into a category 5 as it moves Macao (TCWS) have been lifted. Tropical depression closer to northern Philippines. 21 October 2016 Lawin (HAIMA) Tropical storm EFFECTS Forecasted to make landfall Severe tropical storm PROFILE Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V and CAR in Northern Cagayan Typhoon within the 100 km radius of typhoon track affected areas 20 October 2016 P.A.R. 4 47 Actual typhoon track provinces cities/municipalities 75,000 Typhoon Haima people affected Forecasted track 17 October 2016 1.9 Million 406,000 19 October 2016 people households 70,800 LUZON people displaced 18 October 2016 Lawin (HAIMA) Forecasted to enter P.A.R.
    [Show full text]
  • Typhoon Haima Haima
    EmergencyEmergency Plan Appeal Final Final Report Report PhilippinesPhilippines:: Typhoon Typhoon Haima Haima Emergency Appeal n° MDRPH022 Glide n° TC-2016-000110-PHL Date of Issue: 31 October 2017 Date of disaster: 19 October 2016 Operation start date: 19 October 2016 Operation end date: 31 July 2017 Host National Society: Philippine Red Cross Operation budget: CHF 1,662,701 Number of people affected: 2.4 million Number of people assisted: 31,100 N° of National Societies involved in the operation: The American Red Cross, British Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross Society, Finnish Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross Society, Norwegian Red Cross, Red Cross of Monaco, Swedish Red Cross and The Netherlands Red Cross have contributed towards the Emergency Appeal launched on behalf of Philippine Red Cross. The Swiss Red Cross supported PRC on a bilateral basis. N° of other partner organizations involved in the operation: Philippine Red Cross participated in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meetings and coordinates with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Health, and the NDRRMC at provincial, municipal and barangay levels. Other agencies present were: Action Against Hunger and Relief International, through the support of UNICEF and Care Philippines. Appeal history: 17 October 2016 - Haima develops in the Pacific as a Severe Tropical Storm. 18 October - Government enforces pre-emptive evacuations in areas likely to be severely affected by the typhoon. 19 October - Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) number 5 – the highest – is declared over Cagayan province. - Haima makes landfall 23H00 (local time) over Peñablanca, Cagayan (around 500 km northeast of Manila) with winds of 225 kph and gustiness of 315 kph Haima brings strong winds and heavy rains; wind damage and flooding in the affected areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Typhoon Haima in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
    TYPHOON HAIMA IN THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Joint Damage, Losses and Needs Assessment – August, 2011 A Report prepared by the Government of the Lao PDR with support from the ADB , ADPC, FAO , GFDRR, Save the Children, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-HABITAT, WFP, WHO, World Bank, World Vision, and WSP Lao People's Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity TYPHOON HAIMA JOINT DAMAGE, LOSSES AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT (JDLNA) *** October 2011 A Report prepared by the Government of the Lao PDR With support from the ADB, ADPC, FAO, GFDRR , Save the Children, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN- HABITAT, WFP ,WHO, World Bank, World Vision, AND WSP Vientiane, August 29, 2011 Page i Foreword On June 24-25, 2011, Typhoon Haima hit the Northern and Central parts of the Lao PDR causing heavy rain, widespread flooding and serious erosion in the provinces of Xiengkhouang, Xayaboury, Vientiane and Bolikhamxay. The typhoon caused severe damage and losses to the basic infrastructure, especially to productive areas, the irrigation system, roads and bridges, hospitals, and schools. Further, the typhoon disrupted the local people’s livelihoods, assets and properties. The poor and vulnerable groups of people are most affected by the typhoon. Without immediate recovery efforts, its consequences will gravely compromise the development efforts undertaken so far by the government, seriously set back economic dynamism, and further jeopardise the already very precarious situation in some of the provinces that were hard hit by the typhoon. A Joint Damage, Losses and Needs Assessment (JDLNA) was undertaken, with field visit to the four most affected provinces from 25th July to 5th August 2011.
    [Show full text]
  • Msc Thesis Sandra Van Lint
    MSc Thesis Sandra van Lint MSC THESIS SENSE-MAKING OF THE NETHERLANDS RED CROSS PRIORITY INDEX MODEL CASE: TYPHOON HAIYAN, PHILIPPINES MSc International Development Studies | Disaster and Conflict Studies | WUR Sandra van Lint Chair group: Disaster and conflict studies | WUR Dr. Ir. Annelies Heijmans Project manager coalition of humanitarian innovation | The Netherlands Red Cross Maarten van der Veen 30th of November 2016 1 MSc Thesis Sandra van Lint 2 MSc Thesis Sandra van Lint Wageningen University - Department of Social Sciences Disaster and Conflict Studies MSc Thesis Sense-making of the Netherlands Red Cross Priority Index Model Case: Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines November 2016 Student S.L. van Lint, BSc Registration number 920707-522-020 MSc program Master International Development Studies Specialisation Sociology – Disaster and Conflict Studies Commissioner The Netherlands Red Cross Supervisor Dr. Ir. A. Heijmans Examiner/2nd supervisor Dr. G. van der Haar Netherlands Red Cross supervisor M. van der Veen Thesis code SDC-80733 3 MSc Thesis Sandra van Lint Abstract In the aftermath of a typhoon, decision-makers struggle to find appropriate, reliable and timely information to decide upon the prioritisation of municipalities for assistance. The Netherlands Red Cross designed a model that aims to identify the high priority areas for humanitarian assistance on the basis of secondary data. This research identifies how decision-makers from humanitarian agencies and the Philippine Government ‘make sense’ of this model and its predictions in order to prioritise municipalities for humanitarian assistance. This research explores what the Priority Index Model is, what similar initiatives are, who the decision-makers are that have to prioritise and what their information needs are.
    [Show full text]
  • Humanitarian Bulletin Typhoon Yutu Follows in the Destructive Path Of
    Humanitarian Bulletin Philippines Issue 10 | November 2018 HIGHLIGHTS In this issue • Typhoon Yutu causes Typhoon Yutu follows Typhoon Mangkhut p.1 flooding and landslides in the northern Philippines, Marawi humanitarian response update p.2 affecting an agricultural ASG Ursula Mueller visit to the Philippines p.3 region still trying to recover Credit: FAO/G. Mortel from the devastating impact of Typhoon Mangkhut six weeks earlier. Typhoon Yutu follows in the destructive path of • As the Government looks to rebuilding Marawi City, there Typhoon Mankhut is a need to provide for the residual humanitarian needs Just a month after Typhoon Mangkhut, the strongest typhoon in the Philippines since of the displaced: food, shelter, Typhoon Haiyan, Typhoon Yutu (locally known as Rosita) entered the Philippine Area of health, water & sanitation, Responsibility (PAR) on 27 October. The typhoon made landfall as a Category-1 storm education and access to on 30 October in Dinapigue, Isabela and traversed northern Luzon in a similar path to social services. Typhoon Mankghut. By the afternoon, the typhoon exited the western seaboard province • In Brief: Assistant Secretary- of La Union in the Ilocos region and left the PAR on 31 October. General for humanitarian Affected communities starting to recover from Typhoon Mangkhut were again evacuated affairs Ursula Mueller visits and disrupted, with Typhoon Yutu causing damage to agricultural crops, houses and the Philippines from 9-11 October, meeting with IDPs schools due to flooding and landslides. In Kalinga province, two elementary schools affected by the Marawi were washed out on 30 October as nearby residents tried to retrieve school equipment conflict and humanitarian and classroom chairs.
    [Show full text]
  • Disaster Risk Assessment
    Sustainable Rural Infrastructure and Watershed Management Sector Project (RRP LAO 50236) Disaster Risk Assessment Project Number: 50236-002 March 2019 Lao PDR: Sustainable Rural Infrastructure and Watershed Management Sector Project CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as at 6 February 2019) Currency Unit – Kip (KN) KN1.00 = $0.000115 $1.00 = KN6,660 GLOSSARY Catchment In its totality a catchment is equivalent to a watershed, however a watershed may comprise of micro-catchments and sub- catchments. In this document a catchment refers to a subset of the larger watershed. Watershed A topographically delineated area from which rainwater drains as surface run-off via a river or stream to a common outlet point (e.g. a large river, lake or the sea). Watershed management Securing watershed functions in a sustainable manner. Broadly these functions include: ➢ Ecological function: availability of sufficient good quality water over time, space; erosion control, soil fertility, biodiversity, clean air, carbon sequestration; ➢ Economic function: sufficient natural resource products like food, fuel wood, timber, water, fish, energy required for basic needs of the local population; income generating opportunities; ➢ Social function: maintenance of social structures; protection and development of knowledge and lifestyle arrangements; maintenance and revitalisation of cultural identity and values, recreational facilities. NOTE(S) (i) In this report, “$” refers to US dollars unless otherwise stated. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ADB : Asian Development Bank ACIAR : Australian
    [Show full text]
  • Development Cooperation Philippines/Spain
    Development Cooperation Philippines/Spain People, Prosperity, Our Planet and Peace Humanitarian Action Humanitarian Action aims to protect and save lives, to prevent and alleviate human suffering, to meet the basic and immediate needs of the population and to promote their rights, all from a perspective of reducing vulnerability and capacity building. Context Strategic approach The Philippines is among the world’s most vulnerable AECID has a Humanitarian Action Office in charge of countries in terms of natural disasters, and among the coordinating and leading the Spanish Humanitarian Action, top ten most affected by them (9th in Global Risk both in the context of humanitarian crises and in Index 2019). Because of its geographical position in the international and regional humanitarian fora. The Spanish Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is exposed to Humanitarian Action is governed by the principles of typhoons and various natural hazards, such as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) of independence, earthquakes and tsunamis. In addition, the 22 active humanity, neutrality and impartiality. volcanoes in the country give more complexity to the risk scenario. All these factors have led to the The fifth Master Plan for Spanish Cooperation 2018-2021 Philippines becoming one of the main recipients of the addresses the general paradigm shift outlined in the World Humanitarian Action for the Spanish Cooperation, as it Humanitarian Summit 2016. Ten years after the first receives support to several emergency response humanitarian strategy,
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters in 2016: a Year of Widespread Damages
    No 2 /2017 Natural catastrophes and 01 Executive summary 02 Catastrophes in 2016: man-made disasters in 2016: global overview a year of widespread damages 06 Regional overview 13 Floods in the US – an underinsured risk 18 Tables for reporting year 2016 40 Terms and selection criteria Executive summary There were a number of expansive In terms of devastation wreaked, there were a number of large-scale disasters across disaster events in 2016 … the world in 2016, including earthquakes in Japan, Ecuador, Tanzania, Italy and New Zealand. There were also a number of severe floods in the US and across Europe and Asia, and a record high number of weather events in the US. The strongest was Hurricane Matthew, which became the first Category 5 storm to form over the North Atlantic since 2007, and which caused the largest loss of life – more than 700 victims, mostly in Haiti – of a single event in the year. Another expansive, and expensive, disaster was the wildfire that spread through Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada from May to July. … leading to the highest level of overall In total, in sigma criteria terms, there were 327 disaster events in 2016, of which losses since 2012. 191 were natural catastrophes and 136 were man-made. Globally, approximately 11 000 people lost their lives or went missing in disasters. At USD 175 billion, total economic losses1 from disasters in 2016 were the highest since 2012, and a significant increase from USD 94 billion in 2015. As in the previous four years, Asia was hardest hit. The earthquake that hit Japan’s Kyushu Island inflicted the heaviest economic losses, estimated to be between USD 25 billion and USD 30 billion.
    [Show full text]
  • Member Report (2016)
    MEMBER REPORT (2016) ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee 11th Integrated Workshop China MERANTI （1614） October 24-28, 2016 Cebu, Philippines Contents I. Review of Tropical Cyclones Which Have Affected/Impacted Members since the Previous Session 1.1 Meteorological and hydrological assessment ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Socio-economic assessment ................................................................................................................ 13 1.3 Regional cooperation assessment ....................................................................................................... 15 II. SUMMARY OF KEY RESULT AREAS Typhoon forecast, prediction and research 2.1 Typhoon forecasting technique .......................................................................................................... 20 2.2 Typhoon numerical modeling and data assimilation .......................................................................... 21 2.3 Typhoon research ................................................................................................................................ 23 2.4 Journal of tropical cyclone research and review ................................................................................. 25 Typhoon observation, satellite application and data broadcasting 2.5 Ocean observing system and observation experiments ..................................................................... 26 2.6 GF-4 satellite applied in typhoon monitoring ....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Press Release October 19, 2016
    Press Release October 19, 2016 CARE PREPARES EMERGENCY TEAM, PREPOSITIONS RELIEF ITEMS FOR TYPHOON HAIMA Category four Typhoon Haima (locally known as Lawin) continues to strengthen and will be hitting Northern Luzon, Philippines with heavy rains and strong winds. An estimated 2.7 million people will be affected by Haima in several provinces in northern part of the country. In its bulletin issued 8 am on Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said Haima now has maximum winds of up to 210 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gustiness of up to 260 km/h. Moderate to heavy rain is expected within Haima's 700-km diameter. PAGASA earlier warned that Haima could become a super typhoon and may cause storm surges in coastal communities and landslides and flashfloods in upland and low-lying areas. In PAGASA classification, a super typhoon has maximum winds of at least 240 km/h. CARE is closely monitoring the typhoon situation and coordinating with UNOCHA, the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council and international non-government organization networks in Manila. CARE has activated its emergency response team and mobilized partner organizations located in areas to be affected by the typhoon (Cagayan, Ilocos and Cordillera). CARE and its partners Citizen’s Disaster Response Center, Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services and Ilocos Center for Research, Empowerment and Development have started prepositioning food packs and non-food items. “Our emergency team and our partner organizations are ready to carry out rapid assessments in affected areas and provide relief assistance,” said David Gazashvili, CARE Philippines’ Country Director. “Typhoon Haima is reported to be strong and may cause significant damage in infrastructure and livelihoods.
    [Show full text]
  • Strong, Safe, and Resilient : a Strategic Policy Guide for Disaster Risk Management in East Asia and the Pacific / Edited by Abhas K
    Disaster risk management is essential in the fight against poverty. Disasters can, in an instant, wipe out and Resilient Safe, Strong, decades of hard-fought poverty reduction and development gains and push countless households into poverty. Disasters disproportionately affect the poor: Vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are at particular risk. East Asia and the Pacific is the most disaster-stricken region in the world, suffering from both small recurrent and rare high-impact events. East Asia is rapidly urbanizing, and cities are becoming disaster hotspots. Unplanned or poorly planned urbanization, which puts more people and assets in harm’s way, Public Disclosure Authorized is the single largest driver of disaster risk. There is much uncertainty about future disaster and climate risks, challenging the region’s ability to adapt to new developments and the changing physical and natural environment. Decision makers can make a significant difference by effectively managing disaster risk and building resilience. Strong, Safe, and Resilient: A Strategic Policy Guide for Disaster Risk Management in East Asia and the Pacific helps them to identify the key challenges, best practices, and priorities in the short, medium, and long term. With communication, preparedness, and investments, urbanization can be channeled as a positive force for development. By decreasing disaster exposure and vulnerability through systematic assessments and communication of risks, better land-use planning, and many other practical measures, the impacts of natural hazards can be reduced significantly. At the same time, it is necessary to recognize that disaster risks cannot be entirely eliminated, and countries need to plan for failure by considering Public Disclosure Authorized different scenarios, especially within complex systems and networks.
    [Show full text]