1. Asian Disaster Reduction Center.

ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

Section 1

1.

Asian Disaster Reduction Center
Established in 1998, the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) is a regional initiative

aimed at enhancing disaster resilience, building safer communities, and creating a society
where sustainable development is attainable among its 31-member countries (Annex 1:
History of Establishment of ADRC).

1.1. Key Activities
ADRC has three pillars of activities to achieve its goals and objectives:

Information sharing. This includes the ADRC website, GLobal unique disaster
IDEntifier (GLIDE) number system, Sentinel Asia, and Asian Disaster Reduction
Conference (ACDR).



Human resource development. This includes the Visiting Researchers (VR)programs as well as seminars, workshops, and training on disaster risk reduction.



Cooperation among member countries and partner organizations. This includes
development and promotion of innovative tools as well as forging partnerships andnetworks to advance community resilience to disasters.

After 21 years of functioning as part of the Urban Disaster Research Institute (URDI),
ADRC became independent and obtained a corporate status in April 2020 following thelaunching of the ADRC Foundation. Under this newly reconfigured status, ADRC gained
greater flexibility in performing its international operations as well as bolstering its domestic
activities.

1.2. Composition
ADRC is composed of member and advisor countries (Figure 1.1. Map of member andadvisor countries) as well as partner organizations.

2

ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

Section 1

Figure 1.1. Map of Member and Advisor Countries

1.2.1. Member and Advisor Countries
At the outset, ADRC was comprised of 22-member countries, 4-advisor countries, and 1observer organization. Gradually, the membership expanded with Armenia joining in August
2000, the Kyrgyz Republic in July 2002, Pakistan in July 2005, Yemen and Bhutan in
December 2007, Azerbaijan in 2009, the Maldives in 2010, the Republic of Iran in 2012, andTurkey in 2018 bringing the number of member countries to 31. In March 2004, the US joinedas the fifth advisor country to ADRC (Table 1.1. Member and Advisor Countries).

3

ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

Table 1.1. Member and Advisor Countries
Section 1

1998(At the time of foundation)

India, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Singapore, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Republic of Korea, Tajikistan, China, Japan, Nepal, Papua New Guinea,
Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Laos and Russia(Member countries: 22)
Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand and France (Advisor countries: 4)
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (Observer)

2000

Armenia

2002

Kyrgyz Republic

2004

USA (Advisor country)

2005

Pakistan

2007

Bhutan, Yemen

2009

Azerbaijan

2010

Maldives

2012

Islamic Republic of Iran2018

TurkeyADRC’s counterparts are the disaster risk management (DRM) agencies (Table 1.2.).
Table 1.2. Counterpart Agencies
CountryCounterpart

Armenia

Regional Survey for Seismic Protection (RSSP), Ministry of Emergency Situations

Azerbaijan

Ministry of Emergency Situations

Bangladesh

Ministry of Disaster Management & Relief

BhutanMinistry of Home & Cultural Affairs

Cambodia

The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)

China

National Disaster Reduction Center of China

India

Ministry of Home Affairs

Indonesia

National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB)IranNational Disaster Management Organization (NDMO)

Japan

Cabinet Office

Kazakhstan

Ministry of Emergency Situations

4

ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

Ministry of the Interior and Safety

Kyrgyz Republic

Ministry of Emergency Situations

Lao PDR

National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare

Malaysia

National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA)

Maldives

National Disaster Management Authority

Mongolia

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

MyanmarMinistry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement

Nepal

Ministry of Home Affairs

Pakistan

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Papua New Guinea

Department of Provincial & Local Government Affairs

Philippines

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

RussiaMinistry of the Russian Federation for Affairs for Civil Defence, Emergencies andElimination of Consequences of Natural (EMERCOM)

Singapore

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

Sri Lanka

Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Ministry of Defence

Tajikistan

Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense

Thailand

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Ministry of Interior

TurkeyDisaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) , Ministry of Interior

Uzbekistan

Ministry of Emergency Situations

Viet Nam

Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development

Yemen

Ministry of Water & Environment

Section 1

Republic of Korea

1.2.2. Partner Organizations
To contribute to the efforts of disaster risk reduction in Asia, ADRC considers a global
perspective in cooperation with a variety of UN agencies and international organizations/
initiatives, such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), theUnited Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United
Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

5

2. Highlights of FY2020.

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 Disaster
Reduction (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, HE Mr OKONOGI Hachiro, Minister of State forDisaster Management for the Government of Japan; HE Mr Rustam Mazarzoda, Chairman of
the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan; and Prof. HAMADA
Masanori, Chairman of ADRC delivered opening remarks touching on the rationale oforganizing the event and the relevance of the theme. Tajikistan would have originally hosted
the ACDR2020 but curtailed by COVID-19 pandemic. So, the country is hoping to haveanother opportunity to host the event in the future. Following the remarks was a 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

8

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 and MrTANAKA 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

9

Section 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 Jamshed
Section 2

reported 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

10

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

in the midst of COVID-19. In the Republic of Korea, Mr KANG Jinmo mentioned that the
Ministry 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 system
in 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.

11

Section 2

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

At closing session, HE 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 to member
countries and partner organizations for sharing reports and case studies. Outcomes ofSection 2

ACDR2020 showed that in Asia, most governments have introduced adaptation measures toreduce 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 the
ADRC 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

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

procedures that were already in place. To enrich and share information about the experiencesof other countries, ADRC staffers and former visiting researchers developed case studies on
the challenges in preventing the spread of COVID-19 infection.
Detailed case studies of the Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Armenia, and France are
Section 2

among those uploaded on the ADRC website.

Figure 2.5. Screenshot of COVID-19 Information

2.2.2. Countermeasures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Infection
Disasters incidents during COVID-19 pandemic, in May 2020 alone, included Typhoon
Vongfong (Philippines) and Cyclone Amphan (India and Bangladesh). Cyclone Amphan also
impacted other countries, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar that were likewise inlockdown situations due to the pandemic. Responding to these disasters required additional
measures, such as social distancing, hand-washing, and face covering.
In ADRC member countries, countermeasures to prevent the spread of the newcoronavirus have been introduced at varying degree in terms of containing, mitigating, and13

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

managing the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. Example of indicative variations of thesemeasures are shown in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1. Variation of Countermeasures Japan & Philippines
Section 2

Preven ve Ac on

The Philippines

Staying Home

Social/Physical Distancing



Japan

Mandatory
Imposi on of lockdowns (military,
police, and related enforcement
agencies are engaged)
Cancela on of group events (e.g.,church worship, beach par es, andcockﬁghts)







Wearing Mask



Legislated at local governments(penalty for viola on of ordinance)

Washing Hands



Encouraged (on your own)



ADRC

membercountries

vary

in

the

degreeNon-Mandatory
No imposi on of lockdowns (drawing
on individual responsibility andcoopera on)
Avoidance of 3Cs: crowds, closed
spaces, closed contacts;
Also, cancela on of group events (e.g.,
marathons)
Encouraged but not legislated
Na onal Government announced
giving out masks
Encouraged (with wide establishments' support)ofimplementing

thecommoncountermeasures for COVID-19 due to differences of local situations, including socio-politicalcontexts. For instance, Japan and the Republic of Korea did not implement a nationwide
lockdowns or total travel restrictions while countries like India and the Philippines imposed
strictest lockdowns, even commanding the military to enforce those restrictions.

2.3. Tsunami DRR Seminar Series
ADRC organized a series of online Tsunami DRR Seminars, during FY 2020, to share thelatest research findings and experiences on the topic. The seminars also provided theopportunity to promote the World Tsunami Awareness Day to ADRC member countries, DRR
stakeholders, and the general public.

14

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

2.3.1. First Seminar: 24 November 2020
Speakers:Prof. IMAMURA Fumihiko
Professor, International Research
Section 2

Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS),
Tohoku University


Dr Anawat Suppasri
Associate Professor, International
Research Institute of Disaster
Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University

SummaryProf. IMAMURA recalled the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011, and explainedthat it was a triple disaster tragedy simultaneously experiencing earthquake, tsunami, andnuclear power plant failure. It was the time, where DRR experts including those from Tohoku
University realized the limitations of knowledge (e.g., multiple disasters) and technology (e.g.,real-time early warning tools) in Tsunami DRR. To help address knowledge and technology
gaps on tsunami DRR, the Tohoku University established IRIDeS by building on its existinggroup of interdisciplinary experts. Dr Anawat Suppasri shared lessons from the 2011
Tsunami experience in Japan. In Kamaishi, all students (of nearly 3,000) survived because
they calmly evacuated to the higher location, following what they learned from tsunami
mitigation training and drills. Based on these lessons, tsunami countermeasures improved,
such as by classifying tsunamis into two-levels. Level 1 tsunamis are those frequently
occurring, and less powerful. In this case, structural measures such as levees and seawalls
are useful. By contrast, Level 2 tsunamis are those that occur once in hundred or thousand
years, and very powerful. In this case, non-structural measures such as evacuation andawareness raising are important to save all human lives.

15

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

2.3.2. Second Seminar: 22 December 2020
Speaker
Dr Khaerunnisa, Associate Professor
University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta
Section 2(UAJY)

Summary
Tsunami education in Indonesia is carried out using different media, including tsunami
education programs in TV, digital fun games for smart phones, YouTube channel, posters,
guidelines, and formal education in schools. To describe the tsunami awareness of people inIndonesia, Dr Khaerunnisa presented a result of a survey that she administered to 100
respondents, and highlighted the following:

Majority of the respondents know whether they live in tsunami-prone area or not. Theirassessment of hazard is based on experience, knowledge of past tsunamis, andinformation government websites and local news.



Majority of the respondents said that in the scale of 1-5, their level of awarenessincreased up to 4th level, noting that they are receiving education and training related totsunami.



Majority of the respondents said that social media and evacuation drill are the mosteffective means to increase the level of awareness.

Dr Khaerunnisa pointed that it is essential to cross analyze the survey responses with factual
data such as record of tsunami-prone areas and existing hazard maps for validation. In doingso, she observed that there is no significant correlation between the actual experience oftsunami and the current knowledge and behavior. In view of this, she suggested that
education programs should be accompanied with regular training and drills to makecomprehension more effective.

16

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

2.3.3. Third Seminar: 26 January 2021
Speaker
Dr OHTSU Nobuhito
Section 2

Senior Researcher, National ResearchInstitute of Fire and Disaster Fire andDisaster Management Agency, Ministryof Internal Affairs and Communications

Summary
Dr OHTSU said that to ensure safety from tsunami, the ideal option is to resettle vulnerable
people as well as relocate vulnerable building away from the anticipated tsunami inundation
areas in advanced. If this option is difficult, then the next option is to understand andimplement measures on:How a safer space design can reduce the necessity of evacuation

What method can be used to measure and predict evacuation speed/timeHow to apply this practical evacuation method for zoning

In tsunami-prone areas, space-related factors such as: evacuation routes, distance ofevacuation sites from residence, location of higher grounds, target evacuation points, andlocation of tsunami evacuation building can affect total evacuation time. To improve spacedesign of evacuation for pedestrian, planners need to evaluate various options (e.g., relation,
vertical evacuation, horizontal evacuation, or secondary evacuation) of saving lives fromtsunami. To ensure safe evacuation of vulnerable people, Dr OHTSU stressed that it isimportant to measure the speed of evacuation to determine a successful evacuation.

17

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 an
organization 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 Website

18

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 API

2.4.2. 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 the
Sendai 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.

19

Section 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
Section 2

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 42
people. 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 or
are 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.

20

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

2.5.5. Cyclone Amphan, May 2020
On 20 May, India and Bangladesh were hit by cyclone Amphan, killing more than 85
people. Millions of people were evacuated due to the storm, one of the biggest storms in theregion in the past decade. Before making landfall, Amphan was the strongest storm everSection 2

recorded in the Bay of Bengal.

21

3. Information Sharing on DRR

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

3. Information Sharing on DRR
ADRC collects and disseminates disaster risk reduction (DRR) information, primarily on
website (http://www.adrc.asia), to provide member countries and the general public of
documented experiences, lessons, tools, and practices that maybe useful for their response,
mitigation, and preparedness activities.

3.1. Information Collection
Section 3

Supported by its 31-member countries, ADRC collects information on DRR systems,
plans, and policy measures based on each country’s disaster risk situations. Additionally,
ADRC also collects information from other countries and organizations in collaboration with
the ADRC Visiting Researchers (VRs) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The basic DRR information that ADRC collects are:

Disaster risk management systems (e.g., legal and institutional frameworks, disastermanagement plans, and manuals)

Disaster response and recovery activities (e.g., emergency response activities inaffected area/country)Disaster events due to natural hazards (e.g., descriptions of natural disasters such as
earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and so on, and the damages)

3.1.1. Country Reports on DRR
Since its establishment, counterparts in the member countries regularly provide reportand information on DRR, which are stored in the ADRC database. As these reports areusually posted in the respective counterpart’s websites, ADRC helps facilitate in sharing thewebsite links and relevant information to other member countries and partner organizations.
The updated record of country reports as of end of FY 2020 is shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1. Years Country Reports Updated as of FY2020

Year Prepared(Information frequently updated by VRs)

Country
Armenia

2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015 2016, 2017

Azerbaijan

2011, 2014

Bangladesh

1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011 2013, 2020

Bhutan2008, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019

Cambodia

1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 201324

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2012

India

1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2015 2018

Indonesia

1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012 2016

Iran

2013

Japan

1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Kazakhstan

1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006

Korea

1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008

Kyrgyzstan

2005, 2006, 2012

Laos

1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006

Malaysia

1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 2018

Maldives

2013, 2014, 2015, 2018

Mongolia

1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2013

Myanmar

2002, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2018, 2020

Nepal

1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 2019

PakistanPapua New
Guinea2005, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2017
1998, 1999, 2005, 2006

Russia1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017,2018
1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006

Singapore

1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006

Sri Lanka

1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019

Tajikistan

Turkey1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006
1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018,2019, 20202019

Uzbekistan

1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015

Vietnam

1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2017

Yemen

2009, 2012, 2014

Philippines

ThailandSection 3

China

As stated in section 2.2., most DRR reports from member countries in FY 2020 put
emphasis on DRR activities during COVID-19 pandemic. To some extent, other member
countries submitted thematic papers about preparing and responding to disasters amidst the
pandemic. These papers were presented at the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction(ACDR) 2020 and published by ADRC both in print and on the website.

25

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

3.1.2. Latest Disasters
Once disaster occurs (especially in member countries), latest information and updates ofthat event are posted on ADRC website. Basic information includes: date of occurrence,location, impacts and damage situations as well as relevant links to reports, articles, map,
relief efforts, and satellite images. Sources of information and updates include ADRC
counterparts, partner organizations, and networks (e.g., media, governments, internationalorganizations, research institutions and civil societies). Latest disaster information is posted
Section 3

on top page of the ADRC’s website (Figure 3.1). Clicking on any of the latest disaster, thereader will be linked to more detailed information (Figures 3.2 to 3.5).

Figure 3.1. Latest Disaster Information on ADRC Homepage

Figure 3.2. Basic Information

26

Figure 3.3. Link to GLIDEINFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

Section 3

Figure 3.4. Detailed Information

Figure 3.5. Link to Sentinel Asia

The set of disaster information provided on the ADRC website is comprehensive due towide range of reliable ADRC partners that provided the data.
3.1.3. Natural Disaster Databook
Disaster database and records are useful for policy making as well as in assessing andanalysing disaster management plans. In this regard, ADRC concluded an MOU on disasterdata utilization with the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) toanalyse disaster impacts based on the data from Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT)
maintained by CRED. Following the agreement, ADRC annually issues the Natural Disaster
Data Book (Figure 3.6), which covers data on disaster-specific issues of the year.

Figure 3.6. Cover of Natural Disaster Databook 201927

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

Examples of information contained in the Natural Disaster Data Book of FY 2019 areshown in Figures 3.7 to 3.8.

Section 3

Figure 3.7. People Killed from Disasters in the World (1990-2019)28

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

Section 3

Figure 3.8. Impacts by Disaster Type in 2019

These figures indicate that the number of people killed by disasters is decreasing, while
impacts of disasters, especially from storm, are increasing in the past 30 years.

3.2. Information Dissemination
Among the many ways of disseminating DRR information are: regular issuance of ADRC
Highlights (a monthly newsletter); dissemination via GLIDE; dissemination through Sentinel
Asia and other similar platforms; and sharing of information at conferences and learning
events.
3.2.1. ADRC Newsletter
One of ADRC’s important tools for information dissemination is the ADRC Highlights,
which has been issued since 1 June 1999. It had been issued twice a month until FY 2007.
After that, beginning 2008, it has been issued monthly following the renewal of its design.

29

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

Section 3

Figure 3.9. ADRC Highlights November 2020 Edition

ADRC Highlights (published in English, Russian, and Japanese) is uploaded on thewebsite, and its text version is distributed by email to the list of subscribers comprising:
ADRC counterparts, former visiting researchers, former GLIDE visiting researchers,
participants in the past ADRC annual meetings, visitors to ADRC, trainees in JICA's training
courses which ADRC conducted, and participants in international conferences which ADRC
took part. ADRC also registers e-mail addresses of those who wish to subscribe thenewsletter upon the receipt of request e-mail. ADRC has been updating its mailing lists inorder to deliver the newsletter more effectively and efficiently to readers.
As of 28 February 2021, the numbers of subscribers to the ADRC Highlights were 2,319
for English version, 200 for Russian version, and 894 for Japanese version. The contents
include articles on the latest ADRC activities, reports on participation in international
conferences, and other events which ADRC staff members attended and gave presentations
in, as well as reports by ADRC Visiting Researchers from member countries and interns. As
ADRC could not conduct its activities in a normal format this year due to the global pandemic,
the ADRC Highlights included various new topics including letters from former VRs regarding
COVID-19 related situations in their countries, as well as participation in online seminars,
introducing ADRC's online resources on COVID-19 in Asia, and ACDR2020.

30

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

3.2.2. Sharing of GLIDE Numbers
As mentioned in section 2.4, GLIDE is a disaster identifier system that is commonly
formatted but has unique numbers assigned to every disaster. ADRC disseminates detailed
information about disaster through GLIDE.

Section 3

Figure 3.10. GLIDE Information

GLIDE numbers (e.g., EQ-2021-000003-IDN) are hyperlinked to detailed information suchas situation reports shared by relevant organizations. It also links to country information
which contains data, such as trends of natural disasters and disaster management system.
The information is regularly updated with the original links, and shared to the users.
3.2.3. Data sharing through Sentinel Asia’s Platform
In the event of a disaster, it is important to be able to quickly assess the disaster area for
emergency response. For this reason, the use of earth observation satellites to analyse thedisaster area and provide data to the local community is useful and effective. This is why
ADRC continues to participate in the Sentinel Asia project, which was launched in 2006 withan objective of establishing a disaster risk management system by making the use of satellite
images in Asia. ADRC functions as the focal point to receive emergency observation request
in the framework of the Sentinel Asia. Upon receiving a request, ADRC decides whether the31

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

request is appropriate and whether the emergency observation should be implemented
mainly by assessing the damages and casualties. Based on its own judgement, ADRC will
forward the request to space agencies that participate in the Sentinel Asia Project, namely:
ISRO (India), JAXA (Japan), GISTDA (Thailand), NARL (Taiwan), CRISP (Singapore),
MBRSC (United Arab Emirates).

Section 3

Figure 3.11. Data Provider Nodes of Sentinel Asia

As of January 2021, 111 organizations from 28 countries and region joined Sentinel Asia.
In spite of the year-to-year changes in the number of requests, the ratio of activated numbers
remains stable at around 80%. After a peak of 2010-2011, however, the number of requests
reduced after ALOS, a laser sensor had stopped in May 2011. From January to December
2019, 28 emergency observations were requested, 25 of which were undertaken after theoperation of ALOS-2 (succeeding satellite of ALOS) which started in November 2014. In FY
2020, Sentinel Asia received 28 requests from JPT members and 28 were activated (Figure3.12).

32

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

Section 3

Figure 3.12. Emergency Observations 2017-2020

3.2.4. Sharing Information at Conferences and Events
ADRC actively participate in related global, international, regional, and national
conferences and learning events to disseminate disaster risk reduction information. Some ofthese events are highlighted in section 5.2.

33

4. Human Resource Development

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4. Human Resource Development
To enhance disaster risk management (DRM) capacities in member countries, ADRC
promotes human resources development (HRD) through the Visiting Researchers (VR)programme, seminars, workshops, and training events on disaster risk reduction (DRR) .

4.1. Visiting Researchers (VR) Programme
Since 1999, ADRC has been implementing the Visiting Researchers (VR) programmewith the participation of select officials from member countries. As of 22 February 2021, thetotal accumulated number of visiting researchers reached 117 from 27-member countries(Table 4.1). The objectives of the programme are:
Section 4

 To accumulate knowledge on latest disaster information, disaster management policy,
laws, plans and budget of member countries to help strengthen their disaster
resilience To analyze policies through collection and survey of good practices of DRR measuresof member countries
 To develop effective capacity development programmes and tools based on needs
and priorities of VRs and their countries
 To continue improving the VR programme based on their feedback

Table 4.1. Total Accumulated Number of VRs FY2020

36

Azerbaijan
Armenia

2
8

Yemen

3

Iran

1

India
Indonesia

6
4

Uzbekistan

2

Cambodia

4

Kyrgyz
Sri Lanka

2
11

Korea

3

Thailand10

Tajikistan

2

China

3

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Turkey

1

Nepal

9

Bangladesh

5

Pakistan

5

PNG

1

Philippines

9

Bhutan3Vietnam4

Malaysia

4

Myanmar4

Maldives

4

Mongolia

5

Lao PDR

2
117

Section 4

Total

4.1.1. Activities
In this programme, selected visiting researchers (VRs) collaborate with ADRC for few
months, and are oriented with the state of knowledge and technology on DRR. VRs also learn
the international cooperation activities of Japan at ADRC. This programme expects VRs not
only to contribute towards strengthening the DRR capacity in their countries, but also tofurther promote cooperation between their countries and ADRC.
In FY2020, selected VRs from India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar (Figures 4.1 to4.2) could not come to Japan for their on-site activities due to COVID-19 pandemic. So, mostof the activities (e.g., discussions of their research themes, country presentations, andlectures) were held online (Figure 4.3).

Figure 4.1. Names of Visiting Researchers FY2020

37

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Figure 4.2. Visiting Researchers FY2020
Section 4

Figure 4.3. Online Lectures for VRs FY2020

38

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4.1.2. Feedback from Visiting Researchers
Among the common feedback from VRs about the program are:

Dura on of the programme is appropriate and suﬃcientContents of lectures and on-site ac vi es are of great beneﬁt, especially the opportunity tovisit various disaster management organiza ons (e.g., Cabinet Oﬃce, Japan Meteorological
Agency, and local governments)



Sharing of prac cal researches/exercises are usefulPar cipa on in interna onal mee ngs and exchanging opinions with experts are beneﬁcialNetworking among former and current VRs is valuable (organizing VR reunion isrecommended)

link with one another and continually support the activities of ADRC in various ways. As
mentioned in section 2.2.1., current and former VRs wrote reports about the challenges inpreventing the spread of COVID-19 infection to facilitate knowledge sharing. Moreover,during the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2020, some visiting researchers
contributed by serving as resource speakers (Figure 4.4).

Figure 4.4. Presentation by Ms Syuzanna Kakoyan, VR 2016

4.2. Seminars and Training Courses
ADRC implements some JICA training courses, which are based on themes expressed byregion or country that benefit the training. In FY 2020, the courses included: Comprehensive
Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR); CDRR for Latin America; and Promotion of Mainstreaming
DRR. After the training, participants are expected to gain more knowledge in promoting DRR
in their countries.

39

Section 4

All former VRs comprise a network that belongs to a wider ADRC family, such that they

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4.2.1. JICA Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) Course
Held on 12 January 2021 to 8 February 2021, ADRC conducted a Comprehensive
Disaster Risk Reduction course for four participants (1 from Afghanistan, 2 from Nepal, and 1
from Pakistan). Due to the COVID-19 situation, the training was held online, focusing on
developing a Local Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Plan. The main subject, “8 STEPS:
Practical Method for Developing Local DRR Strategies/Plans”, originally developed by JICA,
was facilitated and supported by ADRC during the course. After learning the method, theparticipants formulated and presented the Local DRR Plan tailored to their own countries. It is
hoped that the method of developing the Local DRR Plan will be promoted at their own
countries after this program, contributing to their implementation of SFDRR Global Target E:
Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction
Section 4

strategies by 2020.

Figure 4.5. Virtual Training on CDRR

40

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4.2.2. JICA CDRR Course for Central and South America
Another comprehensive disaster risk reduction (CDRR) course was conducted forparticipants in Central and South America held on 29 January 2021 to 26 February 2021. A
total of 12 officials from 8 countries participated in this course, where sessions wereconducted online – early morning in Japan and evening in Latin American countries. One of
the key topics covered was the development of effective Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies(DRR Strategies). The process included watching pre-recorded video materials, discussions,and experience sharing.

Section 4

Figure 4.6. CDRR for Central and South America

4.2.3. JICA Knowledge Co-Creation: Promotion of Mainstreaming DRR
Furthermore, ADRC implemented the “JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program: Promotionof Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction” on 9-19 March 2021 to participants from
Bangladesh, Mongolia, Nepal, and the Philippines. The discussions put emphasis on lessons
and effective approaches to mainstreaming disaster risk reduction efforts.

41

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Section 4

Figure 4.7. Mainstreaming DRR Course

4.3. Short Training
Few online short training activities were also conducted in FY 2020. On 2 September
2020, ADRC and the University of Tokyo virtually organized a sharing experiences on
improving disaster education (Figure 4.8). Outcome of this activity included the expression ofmutual interest in conducting a localized programme based on the opinions of residents (e.g.,organizing evacuation drills for students, teachers, and community).

Figure 4.8. Virtual event with students from the University of Tokyo

42

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

In addition, on 27 January 2021, ADRC virtually organized an experience sharing activity
with students from Hosei University. In this event, ADRC shared lessons on promoting
seismic-resistant houses and buildings in Indonesia as well as the importance of “townwatching” as practical tool to enhance community resilience to disasters (Figure 4.9).

Section 4

Figure 4.9. Virtual Event with Students from Hosei University43

5. Cooperation and Partnerships

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

5. Cooperation and Partnerships
ADRC forges cooperation and partnerships among member countries and partnerorganizations to advance disaster resilience.

5.1. Mobipack Project in Himachal Pradesh
To promote the use of innovative tools and technology in disaster risk management,
ADRC and the University of Tokyo jointly initiated a pilot project on Mobipack in Himachal
Pradesh, India with funding support from the World Bank.
5.1.1. Project Description
Whenever a mobile phone subscriber sends a message or makes a call, his or her
location is indicated in the call detail record (CDR), which the telecommunications companies
store in their databases. Mobipack (an open-source software) can access and process the
CDR data from the telecommunications company. Mobipack can visually show on adashboard of a computer screen people’s movement in near real-time (Figure 5.1.
Section 5

Visualisation of People’s Movement). This data could help inform the disaster risk
management (DRM) agency’s decision to take appropriate actions, such as: (i) issuing early
warning to people going to hazardous locations, (ii) monitoring disaster hotspots andinfection outbreaks, (iii) informing evacuation operations, and (iv) informing the distribution ofrelief goods and supplies. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) will be coordinating the installation of Mobipack in local telecommunications
companies, covering the entire 12 districts.

Figure 5.1. Visualisation of Movement Using Mobipack

46

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

5.1.2. Partners and Collaborators
The University of Tokyo is the technical partner of ADRC for this project. In its
implementation, the project engages HP-SDMA of India and collaborating with the following
organizations: (i) Department of Telecommunications, Government of Himachal Pradesh; (ii)
Mobile Network Operators; (iii) Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI); (iv)
Resilience Innovation Knowledge Academy (RIKA-India); (v) IIT-Hyderabad; and (vi) Asian
Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). The collaboration is focused on implementing thefollowing core activities: setting-up the data pipeline, setting-up the analytical pipeline,
assessing the Mobipack enhancement that is tailored to the needs HPSDMA, and organizing
lessons learned workshop.

Section 5

Figure 5.2. Virtual Meeting Among Partners

5.2. Networking and Engagement
Most of ADRC engagements during FY 2020 were conducted virtually due to COVID-19
pandemic.
5.2.1. APEC-EPWG
On 21 July 2020, ADRC virtually participated in the 16th Meeting of APEC Emergency
Preparedness Working Group (EPWG). ADRC Project Director Mr SUZUKI Koji, co-chair of
the EPWG, moderated one of the sessions. Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki (Executive Director) Mr

47

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Gerald Potutan (Senior Researcher) and Ms SHIOMI Yumi (Senior Researcher) also
participated. Agenda included reporting from APEC economies on DRR measures during
COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing projects, and future plans of EPWG. Mr SUZUKI presented an“Update on EPWG initiative on sharing of information in responding to COVID-19”. Mr
Potutan presented the report on DRR Measures during the Pandemic on behalf of Japaneconomy. In the meeting, EPWG agreed to continue to address the issues related to the
COVID-19 pandemic in cooperation with other APEC fora.

Section 5

Figure 5.3. Screenshot of EPWG-16 Meeting

5.2.2. ASEAN
Engagements with the ASEAN included:High-Level Symposium on Disaster Management 2020 held at ASEAN Secretariat in
Jakarta, Indonesia on 26-27 February 2020. The symposium was organized by ASEAN
Secretariat and supported by China with the objective of providing a platform fordiscussions on disaster management in a cooperative framework by involving relevant
experts from various background by complementing the existing ASEAN mechanisMs
More than 100 participants from DRR and other fields like social and financial sectors
attended

from

ASEAN

membercountries,

academic

institutions,internationalorganizations and NGOs. ADRC shared information on disaster data development andmethodologies in ASEAN countries. Panelists regarded accuracy and coverage ofdisaster data as challenging regardless of disaster phase or activity field throughout the
symposium. Also, the application of GLIDE to their work was suggested for future
solution.

48

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Discussions on use of QZSS for disaster management with AHA Centre in Jakarta,
Indonesia on 3 March 2020. Together with partners from Asia Air Survey and CTI
Engineering International, ADRC met with Mr Siva Balan (Director for Operations) andother AHA Centre officials in Jakarta. The meeting explored the possibility of applying a
constellation of Japanese Satellites' positioning service (QZSS) as emergency
information platform. The key feature of this platform is that it can send text and voicemessages to a receiver. By using an application to decode the sent messages,
communities can receive the information even in the absence of telecommunication
infrastructure, telephone networks, or Wi-Fi. This platform is valuable to communities inmountainous areas, island communities, or areas where telecommunication infrastructure
is limited. AHA Centre officials recognized the added value of this emergency information
platform, especially for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV), as these
ASEAN member countries have limited capacities in disaster forecasting and early
warning.
Section 5

Figure 5.4. Meeting at AHA Centre, Jakarta

5.2.3. SAARC/Nepal
On 25-29 February 2020, ADRC engaged in three different activities during the visit to
Nepal. Firstly, ADRC Executive Director, along with researchers from JICA Tohoku Centerand University of Hyogo, met with Mr Sushil Gyewali, CEO of National Reconstruction
Authority (NRA) and other officials. The meeting discussed the joint research project on
Modeling Disaster Recovery Governance in Asia. Mr Gyewali explained the process as wellas the progress of recovery from the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. He reported that as of49

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

December 2019, 85% of all projects were completed. During the field visits, the team learned
that NRA utilizes 'User Committees' to reconstruct completely damaged heritage sites (e.g.,
Ranipokhari). NRA also promotes 'Integrated Settlements' in reconstructing private houses(e.g., Ward 12 in Melamchi). Since NRA will be dissolved in the end of 2020, its functions willbe transferred to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority(NDRRMA) - a newly established agency. Secondly, ADRC, in collaboration with experts
from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and GeoThings, organized a workshop on the'Utilization of ICT to Strengthen Disaster Resilience'. In this workshop, GeoThings
demonstrated the functions of 'geoBingAn' - a social media Apps that functions to reportpersonal safety and simple assessments (e.g., building damage) following a disaster. Thirdly,
ADRC coordinated other separate meetings with SAARC Secretariat, NDRRMA, Planning
Ministry, and JICA Nepal.

Section 5

Figure 5.5. Meeting at SAARC Headquarters in Kathmandu

5.2.4. Sentinel Asia
As member, ADRC participated in the regularly monthly meeting of the Sentinel Asia in
FY 2020. At the meeting, ADRC mainly reported the latest Emergency Observation Requests
it received and provided details (Fig 5.1). ADRC also participated in the following events:International Disaster Charter Board Meeting, 11 November 2020, which was organized
online. In this meeting, space agencies from the IDC member countries provided updates
on the latest DRR activity. ADRC functions as a Regional Support Office (RSO) in the50

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPSIDC framework. When ADRC receives an emergency observation request for Sentinel
Asia, ADRC escalates that request to IDC if asked to do so by the agency making therequest. Sentinel Asia targets Asian countries, but the IDC provides worldwide support incase of a more catastrophic disaster. ADRC has escalated 49 cases to IDC since 2011.
At this conference, ADRC proposed that a more robust network be developed.

Section 5

Figure 5.6. IDC Board Meeting Agenda



UN International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction:
Lessons Learned during an Unprecedented Pandemic, 24-25 November 2020, which
was held online. This conference was organized by the Beijing office of the United
Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency
Response (UN-SPIDER), a UNOOSA programme. At this conference, ADRC Project
Director Mr SUZUKI Koji gave a presentation entitled “Sentinel Asia Activation for a Flood
Disaster in Japan during the COVID-19 Outbreak.” This presentation mentioned how
space-based technologies were effectively employed to better mitigate this disaster
under the challenging conditions posed by the pandemic.

51

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Figure 5.7. Conference Agenda
Section 5

5.2.5. UNDRR
On 1-2 December 2020, ADRC participated in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction (UNDRR) Asia-Pacific Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction Forum, which washeld online. More than 150 representatives of government organizations and relatedorganizations from Asian countries participated the Forum.

Figure 5.8. Screenshot of UNDRR Virtual Forum

52

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

5.2.6. ESCAP/WMO: Typhoon Committee
With regard ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee activities, ADRC engaged in the following:

52nd Session of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee
On 10 June 2020, ADRC participated in the session as observer. The Session constitutedof reports from Typhoon Committee Secretariat, Working Group on Meteorology (WGM),
Working Group on Hydrology (WGH), and Working Group on DRR (WGDRR).

Japan

Meteorological Agency made a report on the activities of Regional Specialized MeteorologicalCenter (RSMC). In particular, the 2019 Typhoon Season summary was reviewed. It wasreported that out of 29 named tropical cyclones (TCs) formed, 18 reached typhoon (TY)
intensity. In the Session, the Typhoon Committee agreed to retire the names of the seventyphoons among them which brought about serious damages and to replace new ones.

Section 5

Figure 5.9. Screenshot of Session Materials



15th Integrated Workshops of the Typhoon Committee
On 1-2 December 2020, Vietnam hosted the Fifteenth Integration Workshop (IWS) of

ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. ADRC Senior Researcher Mr Gerald Potutan delivered akeynote speech titled “Disaster Response Amidst COVID-19: Lessons from recent typhoons
in three ADRC member countries.” The presentation highlighted the respective activities of
the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) agencies in the Philippines, India, and the Republic ofKorea in responding to recent typhoon disasters on top of COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to
restrictions of people's movement, health protocol requirements of social distancing and face

53

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

coverings, DRM agencies introduced various new response measures such as taking
measures at evacuation centers.

Section 5

Figure 5.10. Participants of 15th IWS

53rd Session of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee
On 23-25 February 2021, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) hosted the Fifty-Third

Session was hosted, and ADRC participated as observer. The Session began with JMA’s
2020 Typhoon Summary report and constituted of reports from Typhoon Committee
Secretariat, Working Group on Meteorology (WGM), Working Group on Hydrology (WGH),
and Working Group on DRR (WGDRR). Members and participants actively discussed theactivities, plans and schedules. During this session, PR China’s proposal for theestablishment of TC Collaborative Research Center was approved.

Figure 5.11. Participants of the 53rd Session54

6. International Recovery Platform

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

6. International Recovery Platform
As a pioneering member of the International Recovery Platform (IRP), ADRC supports
IRP activities, including co-hosting the IRP Secretariat in Kobe, Japan.

6.1. Overview
IRP was established following the Second UN World Conference on Disaster Reductionin Kobe, Hyogo, Japan in 2005 to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for
Action (HFA) by addressing the gaps and constraints experienced in the context of postdisaster recovery. After a decade of functioning as an international source of knowledge on
good recovery practice, IRP refocused its role as an "international mechanism for sharing
experience and lessons associated with build-back-better".
IRP is not an operational body. So, it does not directly implement project activities.
Instead, it functions as a platform for interested partners to periodically meet to exchange
lessons and ideas that will promote recovery best practice and learnings as well as capacity
building. Its activities are governed by a Steering Committee and supported by a small
Secretariat based in Kobe Japan and hosted by the Japanese Government, the Hyogo
Prefectural Government, ADRC, and UNDRR.
Section 6

IRP works towards supporting greater advancements in the field of resilient recovery andbuild-back-better by:

bringing together a broad range of senior policy makers and practitioners to exchange
experiences and facilitate discussion on resilient recovery challenges and build-backbetter opportunities at the annual International Recovery Forum

advocating for closer cooperation with development partners, regional intergovernmentalorganizations, regional organizations, and regional platforms for disaster risk reduction inpromoting and building capacity for achieving effective build-back-better outcomes

sharing of information through its inter-active website
IRP is governed by the Steering Committee, where membership is decided byconsensus. Steering Committee members contribute towards the approved activities of IRP,
by means of commitment of funds or in-kind contributions. The Steering Committee
members can request the Chair for technical experts or specialist to attend meetings on an
ad-hoc basis to provide specialist inputs as and when deemed necessary. The members of
IRP Steering Committee are: ADB, ADRC, Cabinet Office Japan, CEPREDENAC, Hyogo
Prefectural Government Japan, ILO, MOFA-Italy, SDC-Switzerland, the World Bank, UN-

56

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

Environment, UNCRD, UNDP, UNESCO, UN-Habitat, UNDRR, UNOPS, and WHO (Figure6.1. Logos of IRP SC members)

Figure 6.1. Logos of IRP SC Members

6.2. Activities
In 2020 and early 2021, IRP/ADRC implemented a range of activities to advance its goals
in the fields of resilient recovery and build-back-better.
6.2.1. International Recovery Forum 2021
Annually, in January, IRP organizes the International Recovery Forum (Forum) to
exchange experiences and facilitate discussion on challenges to resilient recovery, andopportunities for building back better. The online Forum was held in a hybrid modality on 22
Cases and Lessons for Recovery from Natural Hazards and COVID-19”. Attended by 340
participants from 49 countries, the Forum featured keynote presentations and panel
discussions on early lessons learned in recovery, and opportunities to build back better,greener, more equitable and resilient from COVID-19 and compound disasters.
As a global health crisis, COVID-19 has undoubtedly impacted many aspects of society
and the economy. The unprecedented socioeconomic impacts that it has caused haveundermined development progress and threatened the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals. Simultaneously, countries are confronted by the challenges of managing
compound risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural hazards. In view of this, the Forumorganized two panel discussions that aim to achieve two objectives:
The first objective is to examine priorities and opportunities to build back better, greener,
and more resilient from COVID-19 and compound disasters. Panelists discussed strategies
for building back better, greener, and more resilient from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural
hazards. Discussions included consideration for institutional, financial, and implementation
support for launching a green and resilient recovery while balancing immediate recovery

57

Section 6

January 2021, on the theme, “Building Back Better from Compound Disasters: PracticalINTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

needs and goals with priorities for longer-term resilience. Speakers reflected on lessons fromrecent and past recovery experiences that can inform priorities and opportunities to build
back better.
The second objective is to assess social and economic impacts and identify early lessons
learned for sustainable recovery from pandemics and compound disasters. Panelists delved
into cases and early lessons learned for recovery from disasters in countries most affected by
the pandemic and natural hazards. It provided insights from assessing social and economic
impacts, as well as planning and financing a sustainable recovery. It addressed key issues
for vulnerable groups, and consider measures for managing compound risks from thepandemic and natural hazards.
Speakers at the opening session included Mr Jared MERCADANTE, Chair of the IRP
Steering Committee (World Bank), Mr OKONOGI Hachirou Minister of State for Disaster
Management, Government of Japan, and Mr IDO Toshizo, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture.
The keynote speakers were Mr KAWATA Yoshiaki, Executive Director of the Disaster
Reduction and Human Renovation Institution (DRI) and Mr Stéphane HALLEGATTE, Lead
Economist, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), World Bank. Ms
MATSUOKA Yuki, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan moderated this keynote session.
Section 6

Members of the first panel discussions were Ms Maria Alejandra MUÑOZ SEMINARIO,
Vice President, Government of the Republic of Ecuador; Ms Bambi KRAUS, National Tribal
Affairs Advisor, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Government of the United Statesof America; Mr Vijay PADMANABHAN, Director, Urban Infrastructure, Southeast Asia
Department, Asian Development Bank; and Mr Joy ELAMON, Director General, Kerala
Institute of Local Administration. Ms Rita MISSAL, Recovery Advisor, Disaster Risk
Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team, United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) moderated this panel. Members of the second panel discussions were
Mr Malcolm DALESA, PDNA and Recovery Strategy Coordinator, Department of Strategic
Policy, Planning and Aid Coordination, Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Vanuatu;
Mr Ronald JACKSON, Head, Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience
Team, UNDP; Mr Mark JOVEN, Undersecretary, Department of Finance, Government of thePhilippines; and Ms Bernadia Irawati TJANDRADEWI, Secretary General, Asia-Pacific,
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). Ms Paola ALBRITO, Chief of Branch,
Intergovernmental processes, Interagency Co-operation and Partnerships, United Nations
Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) moderated this panel.

58

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

Figure 6.2. Speakers of the International Recovery Forum 2021

Finally, the Speakers at the closing session were Ms MIZUTORI Mami, Special
Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk
MURAKAWA Soshi, Director, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, on behalf of Co-Chair of
the IRP Steering Committee.

59

Section 6

Reduction, Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and Mr

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

Key Messages from the Forum

Risks cannot be treated in isola on. A mul sectoral, mul -dimensional, and systems approachis needed to be er understand risk interac ons, considering present and future risks.



Recovering countries and communi es will need to consider how they can build back be er,greener, more resilient and equitable.



A long-term vision for recovery should align with sustainable development, climate change,
and risk reduc on agendas. Recovery strategies should priori ze programmes that can meetboth immediate recovery needs and long-term resilience objec ves.

Social protec ons need to be expanded, strengthened, and sustained to mi gate the longerterm impacts of the crisis, and build resilience against future shocks.

Partnership is key to undertaking an integrated and transdisciplinary approach to maximize cobeneﬁts to society.



Needs assessments underpin mely, appropriately targeted recovery programmes. Mul ple
rounds of assessment will be needed to understand long-term impacts and evolving needs. Dataand informa on systems need to be strengthened to enable evidence informed decision-making.



Local ac ons have provided innova ve and eﬀec ve solu ons and will be key to building

Section 6

resilient and sustainable ci es.

6.2.2. Bosai Kokutai 2020
On 3 October 2020, IRP participated in the 5th National Convention for the Promotion ofDisaster Reduction, which was organized by the National Convention for the Promotion ofDisaster Reduction 2020 Steering Committee led by the Cabinet Office. This event has been
held since FY2016 and is now in its fifth year. The purpose of this event is to raiseawareness of disaster prevention among the people and to share knowledge andexperiences about disasters in order to enhance disaster preparedness, and to serve as anopportunity to raise awareness of disaster prevention at the individual and community levels.
This year, the event was held online in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.

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INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

Figure 6.3. IRP Guidance Notes Online Display

Through the online photo exhibition, IRP introduced its activities to the international
community to promote "Build Back Better" by introducing the sectoral recovery guidancenotes, leaflets outlining its activities, the IRP Herald and knowledge products related to
COVID-19, and side events at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Asian
Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

On 7 March 2021, IRP participated in the Sendai Disaster Reduction and Future Forum2021 held in Sendai City. The forum was held under the theme, "10 years after the Great
East Japan Earthquake for a better future" as an event where citizens could learn about
disaster prevention and disseminate their daily activities through sessions, booths, and hands-on events in order to connect the experiences and lessons learned from the Great East
Japan Earthquake to future disaster prevention.

Figure 6.4. IRP Booth at the Sendai Future Forum 2021

61

Section 6

6.2.3. Sendai Disaster Reduction and Future Forum 2021

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

IRP set up its own exhibition booth and distributed leaflets outlining its activities, USB
memory sticks containing many of its publications such as guidance notes and recovery
status reports, and the IRP Herald.
6.2.4. COVID-19: Opportunities for Resilient Recovery
IRP co-organized with UNDRR Asia-Pacific and ESCAP a webinar titled ‘COVID-19:
Opportunities for Resilient Recovery’ on 7 May 2020. The webinar was aimed at highlighting
the challenges, lessons learned from past disaster recovery events, and recommendations
on how countries can start preparing for a recovery that is climate-sensitive, inclusive andcontributes to global efforts to build more resilient systems that are better placed to prevent
such crises in the future.
The COVID-19 crisis is an opportunity to consider global resilience, not just to COVID-19
but also to an uncertain future, where climate change looms large. Every aspect of societyneeds to transform, and countries must work together and learn from one another toaccelerate action. Even while this crisis is far from over, and the full extent of its impacts has
yet to be seen, countries and communities must plan for recovery now, so that when ready,they have a roadmap with processes, people, and resources in place to build back better.
The webinar came up with key recommendations to inform resilience pathway.
Section 6

Key Recommendations
1. Adopt a phased approach to recovery appropriate to the context.
2. Invest in governance and ins tu onal coordina on.
3. Strengthen and expand disaster-responsive and adap ve social protec on.
4. Streamline data and informa on systeMs
5. Be innova ve in ﬁnancing mechanisms
6. Fuel resilient infrastructure investments.
7. Promote sustainable consump on and nature-based solu ons.
8. Ensure mental wellness and psycho-social care.
9. Promote and strengthen regional integra on and solidarity.
10. Capitalize on the UN plans for social and economic recovery

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7. Natural Disaster Databook 2020

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

7.

Natural Disaster Databook 2020
Annually, ADRC publishes the Natural Disaster Data Book to provide statisticalperspectives in figures and tables of natural disaster data. ADRC obtains data from EM-DAT
and analyses it to show the occurrence, death tolls, people affected, and economic impact ofdisasters (See Annex 2: Notes on the Sources of Data). For this year’s (FY2020) issue, twosets of data for statistical perspectives are added: data relating to climate-related disasters
and data relating to COVID-19 situation. The approach of presenting the data is as follow:

Natural disaster data of 2020 is compared with the annual average of disaster data of thepast three decades (i.e.,1990-2019) at the global level and at the Asian levelClimate-related disasters of 2020 is compared with the annual average of the past three
decades (i.e., 1990-2019) at the global level and at the Asian level



COVID-19 situation (i.e., using cumulative data of confirmed cases and deaths) ispresented at global level as well as in the ADRC member countries
While many observations could be made after looking at the infographics, the following

could be highlighted. Firstly, flood and storm have been the most frequent causes ofdisasters in 2020 as well as during the last 30 years. These two disaster types also accountfor the highest number of people affected and the highest economic losses in 2020 and in
the last 30 years. This observation indicates that disaster risk reduction and management
actions for flood and storm need further improvements. Secondly, flood and storm (unlike
earthquake) are climate-related disaster types that show the tendency of frequently
Section 7

occurring, as observed in 2020 and during the last 30 years. This observation is notable not
only globally, but also, in Asia. Thirdly, the number of confirmed cases and deaths fromCOVID-19 has peaked in several occasions since the World Health Organization (WHO)declared the pandemic on 11 March 2020. The highest peak so far was on 26 April 2021,
recording a total of 5,695,585 COVID-19 confirmed cases globally on that day. Althoughsome western countries started to roll out vaccines that time, there emerged some COVID19 variants (e.g., delta variant) that might have contributed to the increasing number ofconfirmed cases. In ADRC member countries, cumulative data shows that COVID-19
situation is so varied, reflecting the differences in policies as well as socioeconomic
conditions of Asian countries.

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

7.1. Global Disaster Data
This section presents the global disaster data pertaining to the occurrence, death tolls,
people affected, and economic losses in 2020 as compared to the last 30 years (1990-2019).
The source of all data, as used in this section, is from EM-DAT/CRED, UC Louvain,
Brussels, Belgium, www.emdat.be (D. Guha-Sapir), 26 May 2021.
7.1.1. Occurrence
The total number of disaster occurrence in 2020 is 398. This number is higher comparedto the annual average of 374 disaster occurrence in the past three decades (1990-2019).
Flood and storm show the highest number of occurrences in 2020 as well as during the last
30 years (Figure 7.1).

Section 7

Figure 7.1 Occurrence of Disaster 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

Of the total recorded disasters in 2020, forty one percent (163) occurred in Asia,
indicating that Asian region remains the most disaster-prone region in the world (Figure 7.2).

65

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

Figure 7.2 Disaster Occurrence by Region(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

7.1.2. Deaths
In 2020, the total number of deaths from disasters (excluding deaths from COVID-19) is
15,286. This number is lesser compared to the annual average of 62,361 deaths fromdisasters in the last three decades (Figure 7.3).

Section 7

Figure 7.3 Deaths by Disaster Type 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

The occurrence of high mass casualty events, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami,
the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, explains why the66

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

annual average number of deaths during the last 30 years is much higher compared with thedeaths from disaster in 2020.
7.1.3. People Affected
People affected by disaster in 2020 is about 99.1 million. This number is lesser comparedto the annual average of 202.1 million people affected by disasters in the past three decades(Figure 7.4).

Figure 7.4 People Affected by Disaster 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

the 2015/2016 drought in India) in 2020. This could be one of the reasons why the number ofaffected people in 2020 is lesser compared to the annual average of the last three decades.
7.1.4. Economic Losses
Economic losses due to disasters in 2020 is recorded at US$ 173.1 billion. This figure ishigher compared to the annual average of US$ 108.5 billion disaster economic losses in thepast three decades. Notably, much of the economic losses were caused by storms andfloods (Figure 7.5).

67

Section 7

Compared to the last 30 years, there were less occurrences of high-impact events (e.g.,

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

Figure 7.5 Economic Losses 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

7.2. Asian Disaster Data
This section presents the Asian disaster data pertaining to the occurrence, death tolls,
people affected, and economic losses in 2020 as compared to the last 30 years (1990-2019).
The source of all data, as used in this section, is from EM-DAT/CRED, UC Louvain, Brussels,
Belgium, www.emdat.be (D. Guha-Sapir), 26 May 2021.
7.2.1. Occurrence
Asian region recorded a total number of 163 disaster occurrence in 2020. This number ishigher compared to the annual average of 146 disaster occurrence in the past three decades
Section 7(1990-2019) as shown in Figure 7.6.

Figure 7.6 Occurrence Disasters in Asia 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

68

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

Similar to the global trend, flood and storm show the highest number of occurrences in2020 as well as during the last 30 years in Asia. These disasters mostly occurred inIndonesia, China, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Philippines, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan(Figure 7.7).

Figure 7.7 Top 10 Countries of Disaster Occurrence 2020
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

7.2.2. Deaths
In Asia, the total number of deaths from disasters (excluding deaths from COVID-19) in2020 is 6,042. This number is lesser compared to the annual average of 38,398 deaths fromdisasters in the last three decades (Figure 7.8).
Section 7

Figure 7.8 Number of Deaths in Asia 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

69

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

7.2.3. People Affected
People affected by disaster in Asia in 2020 is about 62.4 million. This number is lesser
compared to the annual average of 175.5 million people affected by disasters in the past
three decades in the region (Figure 7.9).

Figure 7.9 People Affected in Asia 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

7.2.4. Economic Losses
While the number of deaths and people affected by disaster is lesser compared to annual
average of the past 30 years, the economic losses are higher. Economic losses in 2020 is
US$ 67.4 billion, which is higher than the annual average of US$ 49.2 billion during the past
Section 7

three decades (Figure 7.10).

Figure 7.10 Economic Losses in Asia 2020 vs 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

70

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

7.3. Climate-Related Disasters
This section looks into the occurrences of climate-related disasters, especially flood andstorm during the past 30 years (1990-2019) as compared to its occurrences in 2020. The
source of all data, as used in this section, is from EM-DAT/CRED, UC Louvain, Brussels,
Belgium, www.emdat.be (D. Guha-Sapir), 26 May 2021.
In the past 30 years, the tendency of occurrences of flood and storm as compared toearthquake have been consistently high. Of the 10,686 global total disaster occurrences
during the period 1990-2019, flood accounts for 4,366 (41%) occurrences while storm
accounts 3,214 (30%) of occurrences. In other the combined occurrences of flood and storm
account for 71% of total disaster events. A similar trend is shown in Asia (Figure 7.11).

Section 7

Figure 7.11 Tendency of Occurrence of Flood and Storm 1990-2019(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

7.3.1. Global Trend in Climate-Related Disasters
In 2020, flood and storm (which are climate-related disasters) account for the highest
number of disaster occurrences globally. This number shows a similar trend during the past
30 years (1990-2019) as shown in Figure 7.12.

71

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

Figure 7.12 Tendency of Occurrence of Flood and Storm 2020
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

As noted earlier, flood and storm are not only the most frequent causes of disasters in2020 and during the last 30 years, but these also account for the highest number of people
affected as well as economic losses.
7.3.2. Asian Trend in Climate-Related Disasters
Similar to the global data, flood and storm account for the highest number of disasteroccurrence in Asia in 2020 (Figure 7.13).
Section 7

Figure 7.13 Tendency of Occurrence of Flood and Storm in Asia 2020
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2021)

72

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

7.4. COVID-19 Data
This section looks into the cumulative data of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths
since 11 March 2020 when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a pandemic.
Infographics in this section show the global COVID-19 situation as well as the situation in
ADRC member countries. The source of all data, as used in this section, is from the World
HealthOrganization

Coronavirus(COVID-19)

Dashboard,

https://covid19.who.int/,

21September 2021.
7.4.1. Global Situation
Since 11 March 2020, the number of confirmed cases has been peaking for several
occasions (Figure 7.14). The highest peak was on 26 April 2021, recording a global total of
5,695,585 confirmed cases on that day.

Section 7

Figure 7.14 Global Situation of COVID-19(WHO, 2021)

In January 2021, western countries started rolling out COVID-19 vaccines which maybe
contributing to the declining number of confirmed cases of infection during the months of
February and March. However, during those times, there were also new variants of COVID19 (e.g., delta variant) that were more transmittable. It is likely that the variants contributed tothe increasing number of confirmed cases, reaching the highest record in 26 April 2021.

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2020

7.4.2. Situation in ADRC Member Countries
At the outset, it should be noted ADRC has a total of 31 member-countries. However,
due to lack of data reported to the WHO, only the COVID-19 situation of 20 membercountries are presented (Figure 7.15).

Section 7

Figure 7.15 COVID-19 Situation in ADRC Member Countries(WHO, 2021)

The data indicates that countries in Asian region are so diverse in terms of policies andprograms in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection (as partly explained in Section 2.2).
Why is it that countries like Bhutan, China, Lao PDR, Papua New Guinea and Singapore
could minimize the number of deaths from COVID-19 while India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka
could not? One likely explanation is that ADRC member countries vary in the degree of
implementing the common countermeasures for COVID-19 (e.g., face covering, social
distancing, and hand sanitation) due to differences of local situations, including economic
conditions and socio-political contexts. For instance, Japan and the Republic of Korea did
not implement nationwide lockdowns nor strict travel restrictions while countries like India
and the Philippines imposed lockdowns, and even commanding the military to enforce those
restrictions.

74Annexes

ANNEX 1 HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENTHistory of Establishment of ADRC

1990s: International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR)At its 42nd General Assembly in December 1987, the United Nations (UN) designated the1990s as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). It adopted aresolution aiming to sharply reduce the damage caused by natural disasters around theworld, particularly in developing countries, through joint international action.

1994: World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction
In May 1994, the UN held the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction in Yokohama,Japan, to conduct an interim review of the decade-long IDNDR initiative and to propose anaction plan for the future. At the meeting, the “Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World” wasadopted, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in regions that sharecommon types of disasters and disaster reduction measures. Since then, disaster reduction
activities have been promoted throughout the world based on this strategy.

1995: Ministerial-level Asian Natural Disaster Reduction Conference
As the first step toward regional cooperation under the Yokohama Strategy, the IDNDRSecretariat organized a meeting in Kobe in December 1995 to formulate a policy on disaster
reduction cooperation in Asia. Cabinet members in charge of disaster reduction from 28
countries attended the meeting, which concluded with the adoption of the Kobe Disaster
Reduction Declaration. This declaration consists of ideas for promoting international
Annexescooperation in disaster reduction, including a Japanese proposal to launch a feasibility study
on a system for coordinating disaster reduction efforts in the Asian region.

1996: Asian Natural Disaster Reduction Experts Meeting
The Government of Japan and the IDNDR Secretariat jointly organized an expert meeting in
October 1996 to thresh out how a central disaster reduction system, as stated in the Kobe
Disaster Reduction Declaration, might be created for the Asian region. The meeting wasattended by key personnel in the disaster reduction bureaus of 30 countries, and they agreed

76

ANNEX 1 HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT

to study the creation of the tentatively named “Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)” toserve as a secretariat for promoting activities under the proposed system.

1997: Asian Disaster Reduction Cooperation Promotion Meeting
Again, the Government of Japan and the IDNDR Secretariat jointly organized a meeting inTokyo in June 1997 to discuss activities to be undertaken by the proposed center for disaster
reduction system. Likewise, the key personnel from the disaster reduction bureaus of 23
countries attended the meeting with an overall goal of promoting cooperation in disaster
reduction efforts through specific actions. A proposal was made at the meeting to establish acenter in Japan to serve as the secretariat for the proposed system.

1998: Establishment of ADRC
Gaining momentum from these series of meetings, the Government of Japan discussed theorganization, budget, and other aspects of the proposed office with the other countries
involved. With the cooperation of Hyogo Prefecture, ADRC was officially established in Kobe
on 30 July 1998.

Annexes77

ANNEX 2 NOTES ON SOURCES OF DATA

Notes on Sources of Data
Natural Disaster Data
All disaster data are based on EM-DAT: The Emergency Events Database - Université
catholique de Louvain (UCL) - CRED, D. Guha-Sapir - www.emdat.be, Brussels, Belgium.
Data set was obtained on 26 May 2021, unless otherwise stated.
EM-DAT Criteria:
For a disaster to be entered into the database, at least one of the following criteria must be
fulfilled:Ten (10) or more people reported killed

Hundred (100) or more people reported affected

Declaration of a state of emergency

Call for international assistance

Data Book 2020 follows the EM-DAT definitions of “people killed” as persons confirmed asdead and persons missing and presumed dead; “people affected” as the sum of injured,
homeless, and affected requiring immediate assistance during the period of emergency andrequiring basic survival needs such as food, water, shelter, sanitation and immediate medical
assistance.
Disaster Terms:
Drought includes an extended period of unusually low precipitation that produces aAnnexes

shortage of water for people, animals and plants.
Earthquake includes ground shaking and tsunami.
Epidemic includes bacterial and viral infectious diseases.
Extreme Temperature includes heat wave, cold wave, and extreme winter conditions.
Flood includes general flood, and flash flood.
Insect Infection is pervasive influx and development of insects or parasites affecting
humans, animals, crops and materials.
Landslide includes avalanche, debris, and rockfall.
Storm includes local storm, tropical cyclone, and winter storm.

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ANNEX 2 NOTES ON SOURCES OF DATA

Volcanic activity means volcanic eruption.
Wildfire includes bush/brush fire, forest fire, and scrub/grassland fire.
Classification of EM-DAT:EM-DAT distinguishes between two generic categories for disasters: natural andtechnological. The natural disaster category is divided into 5 sub-groups, which in turncover 15 disaster types and more than 30 sub-types. The technological disaster category is
divided into 3 sub-groups which in turn cover 15 disaster types, https://www.emdat.be/classification

COVID-19 Data
All COVID-19 data used in the Data Book 2020 is based from the World Health Organization
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard, https://covid19.who.int/ accessed on 21September
2021.
Data from the WHO COVID-19 Dashboard are from the official reporting to WHO throughregional offices and also from public websites, not official reported to WHO. Member States
select the reporting system they prefer to use and data from different reporting systeMs
Individual countries, area and territories may decline to allow country-level disaggregation.
Some ADRC member-countries have no record of COVID-19 data in the WHO COVID-19
Dashboard.

Annexes79