HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

2. Highlights of FY 2020
In 2020 and early 2021, many of ADRC activities were implemented through virtual
means due to travel restrictions brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.
Section 2

2.1. Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2020
With the theme, “Can we Adapt to the New Normal?”, the Asian Conference on DisasterReduction (ACDR2020), 20-22 October 2020, virtually gathered representatives from ADRC

member countries, partner organizations, private sector, and the general public to shareexperiences and lessons.

20 Oct: Opening and Keynote Speeches
On the first day, three dignitaries, namely, H.E. Mr. OKONOGI Hachiro, Minister of State
for Disaster Management for the Government of Japan; H.E. Mr. Rustam Mazarzoda,
Chairman of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan; andProf. HAMADA Masanori, Chairman of ADRC delivered opening remarks touching on therationale of organizing the event and the relevance of the theme. Tajikistan would haveoriginally hosted the ACDR2020 but curtailed by COVID-19 pandemic. So, the country ishoping to have another opportunity to host the event in the future. Following the remarks wasa special presentation delivered by Mr. NAKAO Akifumi, Director of the International
Cooperation Division of the Disaster Management Bureau of the Cabinet Office of Japan.

Figure 2.1. Opening and Keynote Speakers

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HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

After this, keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Sanny Ramos Jegillos, Senior Adviserof the Disaster Risk Reduction Bangkok Regional Hub of the UNDP; Prof. ISOBE Masahiko,President of the Kochi University of Technology; Prof. Arnold M. Howitt, Faculty Co-Directorof the Program on Crisis Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School; and Prof. Ian Robert
the keynote speeches included multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific region,
two-level framework of coastal disaster reduction; challenges of concurrent crises, andcountermeasures to tackle risk reduction and climate change from intensifying hazards.

21 Oct: DRR Measures and Challenges to Intensifying Disaster Risks
Dr. Manzul Kumar Hazarika of the Asian Institute of Technology moderated this session,
which included presentations from member countries and experts. In Myanmar, Ms. Myat
Moe Thwe reported that managing cyclone risk remains challenging. One of the measures
introduced was the development a platform called MUDRA which provide data to ministries
and line agencies. Some concrete actions included the building of 236 multipurpose sheltersand establishment of cyclone response fund. In Vietnam, Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Hong andMr. TANAKA Yasuhiro jointly reported the challenges brought by flooding. While structural
measures such as embankments are put in place, suitable legal framework as well as thedevelopment of a Comprehensive Flood Management Plan are also pursued.

Figure 2.2. Session 1 Speakers

9Section 2

Davis, Visiting Professor at Kyoto, Lund, and Oxford Brookes Universities. Topics covered inHIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

In the Maldives, Mr. Umar Fikry reported that coastal erosion is becoming a big challenge
due to the effects of tropical cyclones and storm surges. Countermeasures are being
deliberated, noting that as the temperature rises by 2 degrees, the coral reefs will bedisappearing from the Maldives in the next 12 years. In Tajikistan, Mr. Kamalov JamshedSection 2reported that

institutional capacity of the national platform could face challenges in

implementing its National Disaster Risk Reduction Plan 2030. So, the platform intensively
collaborates with other agencies in pursuing various disaster prevention projects (e.g., ADB,the World Bank, JICA, and the King Salmon Foundation). In Japan, Mr. TAKAHASHI
Kazuaki reported the challenges posed by climate change and corresponding mitigation
activities, such as the government support in achieving zero greenhouse gases by 2050.
Experts showcased new technologies in this session. Prof. Cees van Westen (Universityof Twente) introduced digital technology for disaster prevention that is implemented in Asian
countries, including Tajikistan and Vietnam. This technology simulates future scenarios
through risk assessment and mapping, and uses a multi-hazard framework. Dr. Mizan
Bustanul Fuady Bisri (United Nations University) introduced a knowledge management tool
called CARI, an online search engine that could locate locally-relevant knowledge on DRR.
This tool addresses the gaps of fragmented and scattered knowledge that overlooked locallyexisting information. Mr. Keith Paolo C. Landicho (AHA Centre) reported various platforms at
AHA Center that are used to monitor and analyze disasters. One of these is the ASEAN
Science-based Disaster Management Platform (ASDMP), which is interactive researchportal that has access to thousands of disaster research products in Southeast Asia.

22 Oct: Disaster Countermeasures in the Midst of COVID-19
Prof. ISHIWATARI Mikio (University of Tokyo) moderated this thematic session, which
included a keynote speech from Dr. Jemilah Mahmood (Malaysia) as well as presentations
from member countries and partner organizations. In the Philippines, Dir. Claudio Yucot

reported new practices in responding to typhoon Ambo (Vongfong) in May 2020: (i)suspected COVID-19 cases were segregated from the evacuation area; (ii) separate
facilities were designated to take care of suspected COVID-19 cases; and (iii) occupants ofthe evacuation room must be either members of one family or people who know each otherfrom the same neighborhood. In India, Mr. Sandeep Poundrik said that the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA), in anticipation of the cyclone season (e.g., Amphan in May
2020), developed a GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS) platform to manage disaster

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HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

in the midst of COVID-19. In the Republic of Korea, Mr. KANG Jinmo mentioned that theMinistry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) developed a New Guideline for the Temporary
Shelter to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19. This guideline specifies the quarantine
measures prior to facility operations and the stockpiling of hygienic supplies (e.g., sanitizers
Emergency Situation (MES) integrated COVID-19 response in the Risk Analysis andEmergency Response Plan. In Nepal, Mr. Beda Nidhi Khanal said that the National Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) strengthened the institutional
coordination between the disaster response system and the COVID-19 management systemin all levels of the government.

Figure 2.3. Session 2 Speakers

Partner organizations reported how they extended support to DRM institutions ininnovative ways. Ms. Helen Mould (OCHA) said that OCHA-ROAP supports 12 Asia-Pacificcountries through the implementation of the Global Humanitarian Response Plan (GHRP),
particularly by seeking the funding. Prof. SHIBASAKI Ryosuke (University of Tokyo) reported
the open-source software called “Mobipack” that serves as decision support system (DSS)
tool for managing disasters during COVID-19 pandemic. In his commentary, Dr. Khamarrul
Azahari Razak (UTM Malaysia) mentioned that responding to disasters during pandemic
requires multi-level collaboration and enhanced multi-hazard preparedness efforts.

11Section 2and facemasks). In Armenia, Ms. Syuzanna Vardazar Kakoyan said that the Ministry ofHIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

At closing session, H.E. Mr. AKAZAWA Ryosei (Government of Japan) thanked the over
240 participants from 22 countries, partner organizations, and general public who actively
joined the virtual conference. Dr. OGAWA Yujiro (ADRC) also expressed gratitude tomember countries and partner organizations for sharing reports and case studies. Outcomes
Section 2of ACDR2020 showed that in Asia, most governments have introduced adaptation measures
to reduce the impact of intensifying disaster risks as well as address the concurrent crises
experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Figure 2.4. Closing Session Speakers

2.2. DRR Measures During COVID-19 Pandemic
On top of COVID-19, Asian countries continue to experience disasters from natural
hazards. Considering this, ADRC initiated to collect disaster risk Reduction (DRR) measuresduring COVID-19 pandemic from ADRC member countries, which are available on theADRC website.
2.2.1. Reports on Challenges in Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 Infection
In May 2020, some ADRC member countries (e.g., Republic of Korea, China, Japan, andSingapore) had already documented their respective practices in responding to COVID-19.
China, Singapore, Japan, and Republic of Korea highlighted the importance of learning frompast experiences in managing SARS and bird flu by building on those measures and12