HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

2.4. Enhancement of GLIDE
When a disaster occurs, information is distributed over the Internet not only byorganizations in the affected countries but also by organizations and the mass media in othercountries. This method of collecting and sharing information is not efficient. First, thisSection 2

requires searching many websites of relevant individual organizations every time a disasteroccurs. Second, there is no standardized naming protocol for disasters, as variousorganizations could assign different names. Third, the website links may be lost when anorganization modifies the structure of its database or website. To address these issues,
ADRC and UNOCHA ReliefWeb with technical assistance from LaRED developed the Global
unique disaster IDEntifier (GLIDE) in 2004 to give common but unique numbers to disasters
all over the world. GLIDE promotes disaster information sharing among databases
developed by many different DRR organizations, research institutions, and governments.
GLIDE numbers are issued to disasters immediately after occurrence.
As noted towards the end of FY 2020, over 7,200 GLIDE numbers have been issued andshared to over 2,000 GLIDE subscribers since 2004. ADRC, UNOCHA ReliefWeb, IFRC,and JRC/EC are tasked of issuing the GLIDE numbers.

Figure 2.6. Screenshot of GLIDE Website18

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

2.4.1. Introduction of API
It was also in FY 2020 that ADRC developed the Application Programming Interface (API),a tool to connect application software so that the application of GLIDE will be facilitated. In theprocess of the development, interviews were conducted with GLIDE partner organizations
and reported at the occasion of the Stakeholder Meeting.

Figure 2.7. Presentation of GLIDE API2.4.2. Contributions of GLIDEGLIDE has contributed to the development of Sendai Framework Indicators. There are 38
main indicators and Technical Guidance for Monitoring and Reporting on Progress have been
identified to measure the implementation status of the SFDRR. GLIDE numbers are usefulreference to the indicators that measure the progress of achieving the global targets of theSendai Framework. Each country’s progress report is annually published in the Sendai
Monitor, and this helps inform the global trends in the reduction of risk and losses.
Moreover, GLIDE is contributing to the Asia and the Pacific Data Integration Community ofPractice (DI-CoP), a UNESCAP initiative, aimed at supporting the member countries integratevarious statistical data. The national statistical bureau and relevant organizations join the DICoP to work for integration of a variety of data such as demographic, economic and social
data collected by national and local governments as well as disaster data GIS information.

19Section 2

such as UNOCHA, UNDRR, EU/JRC for their experiences and opinions. The API was shared

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

ADRC made a presentation on GLIDE project at DI-CoP on 12 May 2020 introducing thesystem and the significance of connecting disaster data and relevant information.

2.5. Notable Disasters in 2020
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On its website, ADRC releases information of latest disasters (e.g., those triggered
typhoons, floods, droughts, and earthquakes) to keep member countries and the generalpublic informed. Below are some of the notable disasters in 2020.
2.5.1. Typhoon Vamco, November 2020
On Nov. 13, typhoon Vamco made landfall in Manila and nearby provinces, killing 42people. The typhoon was the deadliest of the 21 the country has experienced in 2020, andresulted in the worst flooding. Vamco followed typhoon Goni, the world’s strongest typhoonof the year, compounding the damages in the Philippines.
2.5.2. Cyclone NOUL, September 2020
Tropical Cyclone NOUL made landfall in Viet Nam over the coastal area between Dong
Ha and Hue cities (Thua Thien Hue Province) on 18 September 2020. According to the Viet
Nam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA), more than 500,000 people were evacuatedin the central provinces. Causing heavy flooding, 253 people were reportedly been killed orare missing. An estimated 7.7 million people live in the affected areas (in nine provinces) andmore than 600,000 houses were flooded, damaged or destroyed.
2.5.3. Typhoon Haishen, September 2020
Agricultural damage across Japan were at US$118 million. About 107,540 households
were without power across the Kyushu region on 7 September 2020. Moreover, more than
200,000 households were out of power in Kagoshima and 3,930 households in Okinawa. In
the Republic of Korea, Haishen displaced 3,100 people and left at least 75,000 households
without power in Ulsan City.
2.5.4. Torrential Rain, July 2020
On 4 July 2020, record-breaking torrential rains brought a series of floods in theprefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima. Following overnight rains, authorities instructed
more than 75,000 residents to evacuate. About 203,200 residents were instructed to shelterin place, and 109 shelters were opened in the region.

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