OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2020 The A-PAD BULLETIN A United Corporate Front for Humanitarian Assistance Northeast Monsoon Preparedness Against the Pandemic Backdrop

“Aapadawata Pera Sudanama” : Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Director General, DMC, and Dr. Novil Wijesekara, DPRD, discuss northeast monsoon preparedness amidst the pandemic on Sirasa TV

n view of the approaching Northeast part of the discussion and was able to Monsoon, the Disaster Management connect multiple private sector partner Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Director General, DMC, addressing the meeting ICentre (DMC) initiated a virtual stakeholder meeting in discussing preparedness measures for the upcoming season. The discussion was significant as it was based on responding and preparing ahead of adverse weather conditions and potential after-effects amidst the 2nd wave of the coronavirus outbreak.

The discussion proved to be of value as it featured insights from the Meteorology Department, Disaster Preparedness and Response Division (DPRD) – Ministry of Health and the Irrigation Department as well as the Disaster Management Deep depression formed over Southwest Bay of Bengal lying center Northeast of Trincomalee Center (DMC). A-PAD SL was an integral Coast The A-PAD Bulletin

Officials from the Disaster Management Center (DMC) coordinate northeast monsoon preparedness meeting with virtual engagement from multisectoral partners organizations to attend the briefing Sector, Media, Humanitarian Sector and achieved through vigorous engagement virtually. The priority was to familiarize the UN to actively interact with the State of all those present. partners with the State’s initiatives Sector and clarify doubts as well as seek Subsequently, NewsFirst initiated a TV while also to mobilize wider support in enlightenment on respective concerns program named “Aapadaawata Pera complementing the State’s preparatory with regard to monsoon preparedness. Sudanama”, featuring officials from the measures. Further, a key purpose of the stakeholder DMC, DPRD and the Department of meeting was to establish multisectoral The discussion provided an opportunity Meteorology for wider reach and for partnerships in preparing and responding for stakeholders representing the Private better awareness among the public. to intersecting disasters and this was

A-PAD representation is observed among senior officials at the DMC during the virtual discussion

2 The A-PAD Bulletin A-PAD Bangladesh Hosts International Symposium

H.E. Mr. Ito Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, addresses the symposium in the presence of dignitaries representing various sectors A-PAD Bangladesh in collaboration with the symposium was well organized and in Adapting to Parallel Disasters”. Community Initiative Society (CIS), jointly educational, bringing to light timely topics hosted “Disaster Risk Management of discussion. A-PAD congratulates A-PAD (DRM) in the New Normal Age: Role Bangladesh and complIments the of Community, Private Sector and Civil The symposium saw active representation platform for their efforts in inspiring Society”, wherein local and international of A-PAD member countries while Mr. robust dialogue among diverse actors on partners joined in person and via virtual Firzan Hashim, Country Director, A-PAD SL, disaster management and multi- sector technology. Regardless of the COVID-19 was a speaker at the 2nd panel discussion engagement. pandemic and coordinating challenges, which focused on “Community Resilience

Mr. Kensuke Onishi, CEO, A-PAD Prof. Quazi Quamruzzaman, Chairman, CIS Mr. Firzan Hashim, Country Director, A-PAD International and A-PAD International SL & COO A-PAD International

Mr Masatake Uo, Director Ms Sinta Kaniawati, Director, Global Mr Faisal Djalal, Director, Human Mr. Golam Mostofa, A-PAD Strategic Planning, Networking and Partnerships - Indonesia Resource Development - Indonesia Bangladesh Development - Japan 3 The A-PAD Bulletin Strongest Storm of 2020 Hits Philippines

Flooding caused by Typhoon Rolly © Online Sources

uper Typhoon Rolly (Goni) barrelled Affected Deaths Injured Missing across the Islands of the Philippines, making landfall on the 1st of S Over 2 million 22 Over 165 3 November 2020. The storm developed towards the latter part of the month of October where swirling warm water currents in the Pacific Ocean exploded into a super typhoon with 180mph winds. The rapid intensification made Super Typhoon Rolly the strongest storm of 2020. As it approached the Philippines, Rolly was instilling gargantuan waves of upto 60 feet.

The Philippines typically experience around 20 tropical cyclones a year, with about 8 or 9 of them crossing the country. However, Typhoon Rolly was a storm of its own, making four landfalls in the Philippines. Its first landfall was in the Bicol Region, where much of the damage was recorded.

The typhoon severely impacted , causing storm surges through coastal The pathway of Typhoon Rolly towns, power outages, roofs torn off evacuation centers, flash floods, damage to

The Super Typhoon severely impacts the Philippines © Online Sources

4 The A-PAD Bulletin 2019 2020

An area prone to multiple disasters: In 2019, A-PAD SL visited a volcanic town in Albaya, Bicol region, and in 2020, the same area is affected by floods infrastructure and road blockage. In line with this unfortunate reality, the relief and emergency services to the Philippines’ had to face a 2nd successive families affected by Typhoon Rolly. The Of the regions affected, a volcanic area typhoon, “Typhoon Ulysses”, which made organization launched several fund in Albaya, Bicol region was one. This landfall in the Quezon area on the 11th of raising campaigns to provide emergency particular village was visited by A-PAD November and exited PAR on November relief aid, while also facilitated the Sri Lanka when the platform met its 13th. There are currently 12 reported delivery of relief goods , especially to the counterpart in Philippines in 2019. The deaths and 14 missing persons attributed Bicol region. In addition to this, A-PAD Mayon Village had previously been to the typhoon Ulysses. Philippines has also been involved in on- impacted by volcanic reactions and in the going data gatherings as well as social present context, it was affected by the The A-PAD Philippines Platform has preparation for relief distribution. storm. been instrumental in providing essential Double Jeopardy of Disasters: The Climate Crisis and COVID-19

he Asia Pacific Disaster Report Pacific records a much higher average Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), 2019 states that since 1970, number of 42,000. the Asia Pacific was the region hardest hit natural disasters in the Asia by the “double jeopardy” of disasters and T The climate crisis has not been put and the Pacific have killed two million the coronavirus pandemic. It is therefore people — 59 percent of the global death on hold for COVID-19, and millions of imperative that we address both these toll. Significantly, while the rest of the people have suffered from both crises crises simultaneously with equal attention world accounts for an average number intersecting with one another. According given to both. of fatalities of 28,730 per year, the Asia- to the International Federation of Red

(Floods) (Typhoon) (Landslide) (Earthquake) (Wildfire)

October 2020 November 2020 Country Disaster Deaths Country Disaster Deaths Turkey, Greece 22 Indonesia 2 Vietnam +314 Philippines +130 Cambodia +100

USA 11 Nicaragua, Honduras, +170 Mexico 8 Guatemala India +61 Mexico 21 Pakistan +16

Togo 11 Panama 9

5 The A-PAD Bulletin IO Wave 2020: National Tsunami Table Top Simulation Exercise

IO Wave 2020: The DMC coordinates table top simulation exercise in preparation for tsunami emergency situations

he Indian Ocean Tsunami of Coordination Group, established in 2005, December 26, 2004 resulted in innovated a governance mechanism in Tover 30,000 human deaths along order to streamline the Tsunami Early the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, while the System, dissemination mechanisms, overall impact was unprecedented. Due continuous community awareness to the losses incurred during this disaster, programs and enhance the response Sri Lanka, alongside 28 Indian Ocean Rim capability that have been developed Countries established the Indian Ocean across oceans. Tsunami Warning & Mitigation System (IOTWMS). This Inter-Governmental Regional and national tsunami warning

Maj. Gen. Sudantha Ranasinghe, DG, DMC

systems in every country is required to maintain a high level of readiness so that all the actions relevant to the public’s safety can be provided effectively and efficiently during a real-time disaster. Therefore, National Tsunami Warning Centers (NTWC’s) and Disaster Management Center (DMC) conduct regular and effective simulation exercises as per country specific protocols in order Simulation exercise in progress 6 The A-PAD Bulletin

Simulation exercise in progress to guaranty seamless communication and adherence to Standard Operations Procedures (SOP’s).

Following initial stakeholder meetings, “IO Wave – 2020” was conducted on the 13th of October 2020 as a table top simulation exercise at the Disaster Management Center. The exercise was targeted on 4 coastal districts, namely, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kalutara and Hambantota.

In the lead up to the main event, A-PAD SL was engaged throughout the preparatory discussions, and was recognized as an evaluator for the proceedings in assessing the response and actions of relevant stakeholders during a tsunami emergency. Mr. Firzan Hashim, Country Director, A-PAD SL in discussion

Simulation exercise in progress

7 The A-PAD Bulletin Abhiyogatharanaya: Let the Youth of Sri Lanka Overcome All Challenges An initiative by Sirasa Gammadda / V-FORCE for the young minds of Sri Lanka

he Gammadda / Volunteer Force (V-FORCE) initiated a virtual Tonline series targeted at the youth and volunteers of Sri Lanka, amidst the pandemic. The unwavering minds behind this thought process was birthed by the young minds at Sirasa Gammadda, who then brought to life a concept of “Abhiyogatharanaya” – Overcoming all challenges. Mr. Firzan Hashim, Country Director, A-PAD SL, shares his experience on leadership and The program saw a diverse range of overcoming challenges. He was virtually interviewed by Mr. Zulfick Farzan, NewsFirst. speakers who addressed the virtual “We thought we could help by creating a audience on leadership, economical platform for respected leaders from various concepts pertaining to Sri Lanka, fields to interact with the youth and share overcoming disruptions during the their experience” new normal, volunteerism, disaster Mr. Chevaan Daniel, Group Director, Capital management / reduction etc a few among Maharaja Organization many more. The program was launched for a large audience who tuned in virtually, via Zoom and Facebook live.

The pilot episodes featured, Mr. Mohan Perera of Maha Kumbala, Mr. Kishu Gomes, Group CEO of Dreamron Group of Companies and Mr. Firzan Hashim, Country Director of A-PAD Sri Lanka. Speaking to A-PAD Sri Lanka, Mr. Chevaan Daniel, Group Director, The Capital Maharaja Organization stated, “We know that times are challenging. Especially for young people, who are looking for guidance and mentorship. This is why we thought, we could help by creating a platform for respected leaders from various fields to interact with the youth and share their experience”

While we congratulate V-FORCE on this venture, we urge for the youth of Sri Lanka to join this platform and progress towards achieving your aspirations amidst any obstacle.

8 The A-PAD Bulletin Conducting National Examinations Amidst Intersecting Disasters Guidelines for Conduct of Examinations in Emergencies

Mr. Firzan Hashim, A-PAD SL, hands over “Access to Examination Amidst Disasters” to Maj. Gen. Ranasinghe, DG, DMC (Left) who in turn, presents it to Mr. Sanath Pujitha, Commissioner General of Examinations, in the presence Prof. Kapila Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Education (Right)

he Grade 5 Scholarship and G.C.E Coordinating Examination Examination Candidates Advanced Level Examinations took Centres Centres place in the months of October and Grade 5 Scholarship T 331,694 496 2,936 November after a prolonged period due to Examination the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. GCE Advanced Level 362,824 316 2648 Examination In view of this, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) in consultation with the significance to note that the northeast taking into consideration all necessary Department of Examinations took the monsoon season was also considered in precautions and A-PAD Sri Lanka was timely initiative in formulating “Access planning for the examinations. engaged in providing technical support in to Examinations Amidst Disasters”, a this regard. document encompassing guidelines During the preparatory discussions, and operational plans in conducting the health and safety of children were “Access to Examinations Amidst Disasters”, examinations amidst intersecting held at the helm of priorities while the was handed over by Mr. Firzan Hashim, disasters. responsibilities of respective stakeholders Country Director of A-PAD Sri Lanka to involved in the process were duly outlined. Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Against the pandemic backdrop, it is of The document was thereafter drafted, Director General, Disaster Management Center (DMC).

The Director General presented the document to Mr. Sanath Pujitha, Commissioner General of Examinations, Department of Examinations, in the presence Prof. Kapila Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Education for effective circulation.

The document can be accessed via:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LV_ FegyT2bkfrEojqAmP1hBkF5OtPdrq/ view?usp=sharing

9 The A-PAD Bulletin World Tsunami Awareness Day 2020 5 November n the month of December 2015, the the country’s coastal hotel industry. UN General Assembly designated the Though, the 2004 Tsunami may seem to 5th of November as World Tsunami I be an event of the distant past, this does Awareness Day, calling on countries, not rule out the possibility of another international bodies and civil society Tsunami occurring. to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction. Against a COVID-19 pandemic backdrop, the world needs to deal with the The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was one over 30,000 deaths and 21,000 injuries. possibility of concurrent disasters and of the most devastating natural disasters The East coast and the South coast of Sri multi hazard scenarios. Therefore, building in global history causing an estimated Lanka were affected considerably by the preparedness for a potential Tsunami is of 227,000 fatalities in 14 countries. Sri Lanka Tsunami. This was a huge blow for Sri utmost importance. was one of the hardest hit countries with Lanka’s tourism sector and especially for The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - 15 November he World Day of Remembrance for to this, motorcyclists and three-wheel Road Traffic Victims was observed drivers have been identified as the most Ton the 15th of November 2020 to vulnerable portion of road users. spare a thought for the mil lions of victims Due to road accidents and fatalities, and their families devastated by fatal road families of the victims not only have traffic accidents. to deal with emotional trauma but are Each year approximately 1.35 million also left to cope with financial struggles, people die from road traffic accidents, especially for those who have lost their even as 20 to 50 million people are left sole breadwinner. severely disabled (WHO 2020). In the act of remembering road traffic In Sri Lanka, approximately 3,000 deaths victims, we must also acknowledge the are caused by road traffic accidents plight of their families caused by factors with much of the victims falling into the that can easily be prevented. age range of 15-45 years. In addition International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - 25 November iolence against women, an their lifetime. insidious phenomenon manifests The onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic in the form of physical battering, V has led to an increase in such violence both sexual coercion and emotional or globally and in Sri Lanka. Unemployment psychological abuse. As per UN statistics, and a consequent loss of income may globally 1 in 3 women and girls experience lead to strained relationships at home physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, increasing the risk of women being a most frequently by an intimate partner. In Sri Lanka, physical abuse, rape and sexual target of their partner’s frustrations. The The root of the problem can be found in abuse cases go unreported as women fear International Day is a timely reminder in deeply ingrained misogynistic attitudes shame and stigmatization. According to light of the increase in violence against towards women. Violence against women the 2019 Women’s Wellbeing Survey 2 women arising out of an ongoing global can only be eliminated once such attitudes in 5 Sri Lankan women have experienced pandemic. towards women are eliminated. physical, sexual or psychological abuse in 10 The A-PAD Bulletin Sri Lanka Rescues a Number of Whales after Mass Stranding in the West Coast

Rescue operations underway © Online Sources ri Lanka is a tropical Island nation, blessed with a diverse range of Sspecies including a number of marine mammals that call its oceans their home. Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is often benefited by many a traveler, who visit with special focus on its bountiful marine life on offer.

On the 2nd of November 2020, an unusual phenomena was reported from the country when over 120 marine mammals A number of whales were found stranded on the Panadura Beach © Online Sources were found stranded on the shores in the country’s west coast in Panadura. Relentless rescue operations which lasted have died due to injuries sustained while The majority of the stranded mammals for several days were underway with the beaching. were pilot whales while several dolphins joint efforts of Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka During the rescue operations in Panadura, were also reported. Sri Lanka’s Marine Coastguard, volunteer groups such as NewsFirst was on site, providing timely Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) I-CERT and local communities. As a result, insights on the phenomena. A-PAD was confirmed that this was the country’s an estimated number of over 120 whales also present and will gather wider support largest mass beaching occurrence to were successfully rescued and pushed from multisectoral partners in preparing date. back into sea while four mammals – 3 and coordinating better in responding to whales and 1 dolphin - were reported to emergencies of this nature.

11 The A-PAD Bulletin Virtual Reality Amidst COVID-19: The Show Must Go On he anticipated second / prolonged relief responses of each country amidst better prepare our people and businesses COVID-19 pandemic has made lockdowns and stringent country specific to plan for multiple hazards and what Tits way through, locally and regulations, the platforms have been better time to practically address this than globally. However, the once named successful in addressing a crucial reality: the present “new normal”? “global village” now speaks for the name Intersecting Disasters. i.e the occurrence In lieu of this, A-PAD Sri Lanka calls out to itself. Virtually, the entire world is now of more than one disruption/disaster at its members to join us in further unraveling together, connected and yielding towards a simultaneous period. A phenomenon the concept of intersecting disasters and a progressive “new normal”. Assimilating that could almost go unnoticed but has potentially pioneer to become a nation to the present, A-PAD Sri Lanka has also surfaced due to the pandemic outbreak that is resilient at the hands of many hopped on the trend of virtual meetings and demands immediate attention and obstacles. Because, as the saying goes, to avoid stalling of any activity, either intervention. “the show must go on…” locally or globally. Could this phenomenon have emerged if Do stay tuned, as we will be initiating an Establishing and enhancing international not for COVID-19 outbreak? An interesting, open space hub in the near future, where connectivity, the regional partner yet, subjective view point which we would you are invited to share your views countries of A-PAD has carried out several like to name as “window of opportunity”. and perceptions on this topic of high meetings in planning and adapting our This enables developing nations as ours to relevance. activities. Sharing of best practices and Recognizing Little Achievers midst the COVID-19 pandemic, also provided with Grade 5 Scholarship preparing students during challenging students faced the additional Examination past paper books through times, burden of having to prepare for the “Reviving Education” Program – a A The following students performed their upcoming national exams, whilst partnership between HSBC Bank and exceptionally well and we congratulate having no access to digitized education. A-PAD Sri Lanka. It was important that them for the heart and will they no child is left behind, especially amidst Within these circumstances, several showed in crossing the examination multiple difficulties, and this initiative children who were unfortunate victims hurdle successfully, in spite of the many was implemented with the aim of better of the Easter Sunday Bombings were difficulties which came their way.

Miss. Nethudini Akarsha Master Sayura Sathsara Master L. Thishon Miss. Jesina Aruni Miss. Anne Emershan Miss. T. Shernida FEEDBACK: “Thishon has performed exceptionally well despite all the difficulties faced with schools having closed midway during the year. We cannot thank HSBC bank and your organization enough for the past paper book.” - Master Thishon’s Father - “We are extremely proud of Sayura’s accomplishment, especially considering that he had to attempt his exam writing with his left hand when he is naturally right handed.” - Master Sayura’s Grandmother- No 24, Kassapa Road, 05, Sri Lanka. Tel: +94 11 2 502 192 Website: www.apad.lk Facebook: www.facebook.com/A-PAD SRI LANKA For further information,12 please contact: [email protected]