Chapter 2

Formation of a Network for Sharing Information on Natural Disasters and Disaster Reduction□■

2. Formation of a Network for Sharing Information
on Natural Disasters and Disaster Reduction

2-1. Formation of a Human Network
At the ADRC, we strive to establish a human network, the basic component in forming a network forsharing information on disasters in the Asian region.

2-1-1. International Meetings
Since the formation of a human network with counterpart member nations, advisory nations, andobservers is indispensable in the promotion of disaster management cooperation in the Asian region, theADRC held the first ADRC International Meeting in February 1999, a second in December of the same
year, and a third in December 2000 in Kobe. Vice-ministers, heads of bureaus and departments, andother high-level officials in charge of disaster management from various countries came together toactively exchange their opinions. (Tables 2-1-1-1, 2-1-1-2, 2-1-1-3, 2-1-1-4).
Such personal exchanges are expected to lead to the swift and effective gathering of information in the
future.
Table 2-1-1-1 Member countries
Classification: ①Supervisor ②Contact person ③Attended 3rd Intl. Meeting
Country

Classification

Name

Title
President, National Survey for Seismic Protection, Government of the
Republic of Armenia①②③

Dr. Serguei
Balassanian①

Mr. Hiralal Bala

Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Bangladesh
Secretariat, Dhaka

Bangladesh②③

Mr. Khabiruddin
Ahmed Khabir

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief,
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

Cambodia①②③

Mr. Samy Peou

Secretary General, National Committee for Disaster Management①②

Mr. Zou Junyu

Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation,
Ministry of Civil Affairs③

Mr. Kang Peng

Director, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Civil
Affairs①

Mr. Bhagat Singh

Additional Secretary & Central Relief Commisioner, Ministry ofAgriculture②③

Mr. S. K. Swami

Director, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry ofAgriculture

Armenia

China

India

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■□ ADRC Annual Report 2000

Country

Classification Name

Title

①

Mr.
H.B.Burhanudin

Assistant Disaster Management, Coordinator Minister for People's
Welfare and Poverty Alleviation②

Mr. Budi Atmadi
Adiputro

Ir., Disaster Management Division, Office of the Ministry for People's
Welfare and Poverty Alleviation②

Mr. Adang Setiana Coordinator Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Alleviation③

Ms. Nannie
Hudawati①

Mr.Kazuya Yoshii Director-General for Disaster Management, Cabinet Office②③

Mr. Toshiyasu
Noda①

Mr. Alexander
Director, Department for Emergency Prevention,
Kravchuk
Emergency Agency
Mr. Nurlan
Head, International Cooperation Office, Emergency Agency
Panzabekov
Mr. Yerlan
Baudarbek-Kozhat First Secretary, Embassy of Kazakhstan
ayev
Director General, Department of Environmental Quality Development
Mr. Soukata Vichit and Promotion, Science Technology and Environment Organization(STENO)
Mr. Sitha
Acting Director-General of Cabinet Science Technology andPhouyavong
Environment Agency
Mr. Singsavanh
Head of Environment Data Center, Environment Research Institute,
Singkavongxay
Science Technology and Eivironment Agency
Mr. Mohamad bin Director, Crisis and Disaster Management Unit, National Security
Haji Yaakub
Division, Prime Minister's Department
Mr. Abdul Khadir Deputy Director, Crisis and Disaster Management Unit, Division of
OthmanNational Security, Prime Minister's Department
Director, Department of Strategic Management and Planning,
Mr. T. Enebish
Ministry for Nature and the Environment
Officer, Department of Strategic Management and Planning, Ministry
Mr. D. Enkhbold
for Nature and the Environment

Indonesia

Deputy Assistant for International Relation and Disaster Information
System, National Coordinating Board of Disaster Management

Japan

Kazakhstan②③①

Lao PDR②③

Malaysia①③②①

Mongolia

Myanmar

Nepal

Papua New Guinea②

Director for Disaster Preparedness, Cabinet Office③

Mr. Namjildorj
Nyamdorj

Officer, Department of Strategic Management and Planning, Ministry
for Nature and the Environment①

Colonel Myint
Htun②

Mr. U Zaw Win

Director General, Fire Services Department (H.Q), Ministry of Social
Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
Director, Fire Services Department (H.Q), Ministry of Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement①

Mrs. Usha Nepal②③

Dr. Meen Bahadur
Under Secretary, Disaster Relief Section, Ministry of Home Affairs
Poudyal Chhetri①③

Mr. Leo Meninga②③

Mr.Kaigabu
Kamnanaya

Joint Secretary, Disaster Relief Section, Ministry of Home Affairs

Secretary, Chairman of National Disaster Committee, Dept. ofProvincial and Local Government Affairs
Assistant Director (Risk Management), National Disaster
Management Office, Department of Provincial and Local
Government Affairs

18

Chapter 2Country

Classification Name

RussiaDr. Melgabal
Sta.Barbara
Capistrano

Administrator, Office of Civil Defense, Department of National
Defense③

Ms. Rosario
CabreraRegional Director, Office of Civil Defense, Department of
National Defense①

Mr. Jong-Pal Lee②③

Mr. Jinyong Kim③

Dr. Keumho Oh①

Mr. Yury
Brajnikov
Dr. VladimirKuvshinov
Ms. Svetlana
Bandurkina
Mr. Comr James
Tan Chan Seng
LTC Christopher,
Tan Eng Kiong

②
③
①
②

Singapore③③①

Deputy Chief of Desk, Dept. of International Cooperation,
EMERCOM of Russia
Senior Expert, Dept. of International Cooperation, EMERCOM of
RussiaCommissioner, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Ministry of Home
Affairs
Head, Planning Dept., Singapore Civil Defence Force, Ministry ofHome Affairs
Head, Operations Planning Branch, Operations Department,
Mr. Phua Huat Hor
Singapore Civil Defence Force, Ministry of Home Affairs
Mr. Abdul Razak Head, Public Relations Branch, Public Affairs Dept., Singapore Civil
bin Abdul Raheem Defence Force, Ministry of Home Affairs
Mr. Amara
Secretary, Ministry of Social Services
Hewamadduma③

Mr. W. A.
Deputy Director, National Disaster Management Centre, Ministry of
Chulananda Perera Social Services
Mr. Kande
Assistant Director, National Disaster Management Centre, Ministry ofGamaralalage
Social Services
Wijayasiri
Mr. Bobogado
Chief, State Emergency Committee
Boltaev
Mr. Bahrom
Head, Dept. of the Territory and Population Protection, State
Mamadaliev
Emergency Committee
Dr. Abdurakhim
First Deputy Minister, Ministry of Emergency Situation and Civil
RadjabovDefenseMr. Pramuan
Director-General, Local Administration Dept., Ministry of Interior
Ruchanaseree
Chief of Planning Section, Civil Defence Division,
Mr. Chainarong
the Department of Local Administration,
Vasanasomsithi
Ministry of Interior

①
②
③
①
②
③
①
Uzbekistan

Chief, Dept. Of International Cooperation, EMERCOM of Russia

Mr. W.B.J.
Fernando③

Thailand

Director-General, Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Bureau,
Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs
Director, Disaster Preparedness Division, Ministry of Government
Administration and Home Affairs
Senior Analyst, National Institute for Disaster Prevention, Ministry ofGovernment Administration and Home Affairs②
Sri Lanka

Tajikistan

Title

①②
Philippines

Korea

Formation of a Network for Sharing Information on Natural Disasters and Disaster Reduction②③

Mr. Wachira
Chotirosseranee
Mr. Sosnovsky
Valentin
Olegovich
Mr. Abdullaev
Zafar Azizovich
Mr. Farrukh
Mukhsinovich
Alimov

Director, National Disaster Management Centre, Ministry of Social
Services

Governing Officer, Civil Defence Division, General, Ministry ofInterior
Leader, Dept. Of Emergency Situation, Cabinet Ministry
Chief of Staff, Secretariat of the Dept. of Emergency Situation,
Cabinet Ministry
Leader Expert, Dept. of Emergency Situation, Cabinet Ministry19□■

■□ ADRC Annual Report 2000

Country

Classification Name

Title

①

Mr. Nguyen Sy
Nuol②

Mr. Nguyen Huu
Phuc③

Mr. Nguyen Ty
Nien

Deputy Director, Standing Office of the Central Committee
For Flood and Storm Control, Dept. of Dike Management &Flood & Storm Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development
Deputy Director, Disaster Management Center, Dept. of Dike
Management & Flood & Storm Control, Ministry of Agriculture andRural Development
Director, Department of Dike Management & Flood & Storm Control,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development③

Mr. Le Xuan
TruongExpert, Department of Dyke Management & Flood & Storm Control,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Viet Nam

Table 2-1-1-2 Advisory Countries
Classification: ①Supervisor ②Contact person ③Attended 3rd Intl. Meeting
Country

Classification Name

Australia①

Mr. David②

Mr. Rod
McKinnon
Mr. Morris
Bradley
Mr. Didier
Montchamp
Mr. Michel F,
Morin
Mr. Anthony
Rossignol③①②

France③

Templeman①

Mr. John Norton②

Dr. Neil Britton①③

Mr. Beat Kuenzi②

Dr. Dieter Wepf③

Dr. Markus
Zimmermann

New Zealand

Switzerland

Title
Director General, Emergency Management Australia
Director, Policy, Planning and Coordination, Emergency Management
Australia
Director of Business Management, Emergency Management Australia
Directeur de Cabinet, Direction de la Securite Civile, Ministere del'Interieur
Directeur, Direction de la Defense et de la Securite Civiles, Ministerede l'Interieur
Assistant, Embassy of France
Director, Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management
Manager, Sector Development Unit, Ministry of Civil Defence andEmergency Management
Senior Program Officer, Division for Humanitarian Aid and Swiss
Disaster Relief
Chief Security Officer, Representative SDR, Division of Humanitarian
Aid and Swiss Disaster Relief
Member of SDR, Member of the Specialized Group"Prevention/Preparedness"

Table 2-1-1-3 Observer
Classification: ①Supervisor ②Contact person ③Attended 3rd Intl. Meeting
Country

Classification Name

ADPC

Title

①

Dr. Suvit Yodmani Executive Director, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center②

Mr. David
Hollister
Mr. Aloysius J.
Rego③

Deputy Executive Director, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
Director, Planning Development and Partner Relations, Asian Disaster
Preparedness Center

20Chapter 2

Formation of a Network for Sharing Information on Natural Disasters and Disaster Reduction□■

Table 2-1-1-2 Advisory Countries
Classification: ①Supervisor ②Contact person ③Attended 3rd Intl. Meeting
Country

Classification Name

USA

③

APDMC

③

UNCHS (Habitat)

③
③

UNCRD
③
③
UNOCHA
③
WHO

③

Title

Minister-Counselor for Environment, Science and Technology Affairs,
US Embassy
Director, International Operations, Asia Pacific Disaster Management
Mr. Sanny Jegillos
CenterMr. Madhab
Senior Human Settlements Advisor, UNCHS(Habitat) Fukuoka Office
Mathema
National Expert, Disaster Management Planning Hyogo Office,Dr. Michiyo Sugai
United Nations Centre for Regional Development
Associate Expert, Disaster Management Planning Hyogo Office,Mr. Kazushi Maki
United Nations Centre for Regional Development
Regional Advisor, Asian Disaster Response Unit, United Nations
Ms. Feng Min Kan
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA)
Program Assistant, Asian Disaster Response Unit, United Nations
Ms. Takako Izumi
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA)
Dr. Yoshihiro
Coordinator, Emergency and Humanitarian Action, World Health
Takashima
Organization Western Pacific Regional Office
Mr. James H. Hall

<Titles of the participants of ③ are the same as the time of participation.>

2-1-2. Outline of Third International Meeting
The Third International Meeting is outlined in the following:• Duration: December 5 (Tuesday) to 7 (Thursday) 2000
• Venue: Asia Disaster Reduction Center(International Health Development Center Building: Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan)• Participants: Total 60 including 40 international experts on disaster reduction from 26 nations and 6
organizations (Table 2-1-1-1 through 2-1-1-4) and other participants.

4) Outline of Conference
At this conference, along with the themes “Cooperation on Disaster Prevention in Asia”, “International
Emergency Aid Lessons Learnt from Recent Disasters”, and “Sharing Information on Disaster
Reduction,” it was agreed that further cooperation on disaster reduction will be promoted in accordancewith the actual situation of each country. Further collaboration on disaster measures and international
emergency aid will be promoted in times of disaster in each respective country, and information on
disasters and disaster prevention will be shared using technologies such as the Internet to support these
activities. In addition, by applying the respective resources and abilities of participating countries andorganizations, cooperation on disaster reduction will be promoted with the aim of reducing andstpreventing damage from natural disasters in the Asian region in the 21 century.
5) Results of Conference
Natural disasters in the Asian region include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions that to occur
frequently, as well as floods and cyclones, occurring on a increasing scale due to global climate changes.
st
In the 21 century, the world may experience natural disasters of an even greater magnitude. Faced withthis situation, participating countries and organizations agreed on the following items, and cooperation
on disaster reduction in the Asian region based on these agreements are anticipated.
1. Evaluation of specific activities
The Tsunami Pamphlet, compiled as a result of the Tsunami Disaster Reduction Enlightening Project
undertaken by the ADRC and the government of Papua New Guinea last year, has been reported to have
proved useful in actual tsunami disaster reduction (November 2000) by helping to achieve zero humancasualties despite material damage, for which Papua New Guinea expressed its gratitude andappreciation. The Tsunami Pamphlet has also been distributed in countries facing the risk of tsunamis
such as the Philippines and Indonesia, and has been well received.

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■□ ADRC Annual Report 2000

2. Promotion of international cooperation such as “Disaster Reduction Human Network Support”
The ADRC has until now received six persons involved in disaster reduction from member countries totrain them as disaster reduction specialists. It was agreed that in the future, support and collaboration
will be promoted to train disaster reduction specialists and regional leaders locally. First, the disaster
handling capacity of persons involved in disaster reduction in Cambodia and Sri Lanka will be
reinforced, and in Indonesia and Nepal, training of regional leaders and the spread of information will
be implemented among residents. By developing the results of these activities in other member
countries, which face similar problems in the aftermath of disasters, it will contribute to the reduction ofnatural disasters in the whole of the Asian region.
The ADRC signed a memorandum with Cambodia and Nepal on the promotion of the collaborative
project on December 6.
3. Reinforcement of support for international emergency aid such as “Emergency Aid Resource
Database”
Recognizing the strong need for support in times of large scale disasters in the Asian region, the ADRC
will build a database containing information related to emergency aid organizations which can provide
the aid sought, specific aid methods, details of support, and support provided until now (“Emergency
Aid Support Resource Database”), and provide the information by methods such as the Internet. The
ADRC shall also strengthen its partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and support information services so that international emergency aidorganizations like the United Nations can reply promptly to requests of various countries.
4. Sharing of disaster reduction information
The further collection and sharing of information on disasters is indispensable to the reduction ofdamage incurred by natural disasters, emergency measures implemented in times of disasters, andstrengthening disaster reduction efforts such as recovery and restoration. For this reason, the ADRC will
use the latest scientific technologies such as satellite image information and remote sensing to provide
disaster and disaster reduction information to member countries and related organizations in conjunction
with the flow of the Global Disaster Information Network.
5. Tasks and direction of ADRC
Invaluable opinions were exchanged on the tasks and direction of the ADRC in the future, and thefollowing guidelines were indicated:*As the collection and provision of disaster reduction and disaster information are important functionsof the ADRC, the continued activities of the ADRC as the “pathway” to disaster reduction information
are anticipated.
1. Activities to spread disaster reduction information and educate are vital in reducing damage
caused by natural disasters.
2. Promotion of disaster reduction cooperation projects corresponding to the actual situation ofeach country is required.
3. Intermediary function with disaster reduction related organizations from different sectors arenecessary.
4. Clarification of future strategies and focus on main activities are looked forward to.
6. General Summary
In order to strengthen disaster reduction capabilities in Asian countries, the ADRC will continue toenhance the collection of disaster and disaster reduction information in various countries to fulfill its
role as the disaster reduction information center in Asia. It will then share the gathered information, andat the same time build a database on organizations and resources which are available in times of large
scale disasters, as such as international emergency aid organizations to support the prompt
implementation of disaster measures in each country.
The ADRC expressed its hope that participating countries would also actively provide disaster reduction
related information to the ADRC.
Given the future tasks of clarifying future strategies and focusing on main activities, the ADRC plans tostcontinue fulfilling its roles in reducing and preventing natural disasters in the Asian region in the 21
century.

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2-1-3. Participation of Armenia as Member Country
The ADRC sent researchers to Armenia to visit their earthquake disaster reduction research center andexplain the aims and activities of the ADRC. As a result, Armenia joined the ADRC in August, 2000 asrd
the 23 member.

2-1-4. Receiving Visiting Researchers of Member Countries and Activities
Based on the agreement of member countries at the First International Meeting, ADRC has been
receiving visiting researchers. So far, we have received five persons under this program to reinforce
disaster reduction measures of member countries.
The following outlines our program for accepting visiting researchers:
1) Korea
Shim Kee-Oh
Title at the time of visit: Project Manager, Nation’s Institute for Disaster Prevention (Drought control),
Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.
Duration: August to October 1999
Conducted research on drought control in Japan. In addition to the introduction of drought control in
Korea, he has investigated and reported on recent drought disasters that hit Viet Nam and Papua New
Guinea.
2) Viet Nam
Ngo van Sinh
Title at the time of visit: Water-related Disaster Management Specialist, Disaster Management Center,
Committee for Flood and Storm Control, Department of Flood Management, Flood and Storm Control,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of S.R. Viet Nam
Duration: December 1999 to March 2000
Apart from presenting information concerning the disaster reduction system and flood control in Viet
Nam, he has studied flood measures in Japan while visiting related organizations. He conducted
research under Professor Takara and Assistant Professor Toda, Disaster Reduction Institute, Kyoto
University, in the area of water-related disasters.
3) Nepal
Lek Nath Pokharel
Title at the time of visit: Section Officer, Disaster Relief Section, Ministry of Home Affairs
Duration: January to May 2000
Apart from presenting information on the disaster relief system in Nepal, he has studied soil- andsand-related disasters in Japan while visiting the relevant organizations. He researched under AssistantProfessor Nakagawa, Disaster Prevention Institute, Kyoto University.
He has also compiled a report on the possible collapse and flood management of the glacial lake, Tsho
Rolpa in the Himalayas and researched under Professor Ueda (cryospheric variation) at the
Atmosphere-Hydrosphere Science Institute, Nagoya University
4) Sri Lanka
Nimal Dharmasiri Hettiarachchi
Title at the time of visit: Deputy Director for Disaster Relief, Department of Social Services, Ministry ofHome Affairs
Duration: April to October 2000
Currently investigating disaster measures of various countries in addition to Sri Lanka’s disaster
reduction system and disaster information services. He is planning to visit related organizations
including the Kyoto University Disaster Reduction Center. His interests lie in sustainable development
and disaster reduction.
5) Bangladesh23

■□ ADRC Annual Report 2000

M. Babul Akhter
Title at the time of visit: Assistant Manager, Palli Karma Shayak Foundation, Treasury Department
Duration: May to November 2000
Engaged in Bangladesh’s disaster reduction system and disaster information service, as well as involvedin joint project with the World Bank applying his experience in small scale loans to NGO’s.

6) Sri Lanka
Chulananda Pelera
Title at the time of visit: Deputy Director, Sri Lanka Ministry of Social Welfare, National Disaster
Management Center
Duration: November 2000 to April 2001/05/27 Report on Sri Lanka’s natural disasters, disaster
reduction systems, and organizations such as the National Disaster Management Center. Also compilingthe disaster reduction-training manual required by Sri Lanka.
7) Armenia
Ripshima Bardanyan
Title at the time of visit: Secretary to Director, Armenia National Earthquake Center (NSSP)
Duration: March to June 2001
Reported on natural disasters such as the Spitak earthquake and disaster reduction organization such as
NSSP. To survey the disaster reduction situation in Japan, he will visit disaster reduction relatedorganizations like the cabinet office, Hyogo Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, etc.
2-1-5. Joint Projects between UN OCHA and ADRC
Since the set up of an Asia Unit by OCHA in the ADRC as a joint project between the two organizations
in February 1999, OCHA and ADRC have been exchanging various information as well as collaboratingclosely.
Main collaborations have been as follows;
Use of ADRC’s human network
1) The OCHA Asia Unit is able to use at any time, ADRC’s networks with the disaster reduction
secretariats of member countries and disaster reduction related organizations. They can also exchange
opinions with researchers of member countries currently visiting the ADRC.
2) Provision of disaster information through UNDAC (United Nation’s Disaster Assessment)
Because the ADRC is informed of disasters investigated by district advisors such as China, Mongolia,
and Cambodia at the actual disaster areas in UN’s UNDAC missions whenever requested, the ADRC isable to provide the corresponding information via the Internet, and share it with municipals and NGOs
dealing with emergency aid.
3)Of the three sessions, the “International Emergency Aid Lessons Learnt from Recent Disasters”
session saw discussions and exchange of opinions by participants on the situation of natural disasters inmember countries such as Mongolia and Cambodia with district advisors as the mediator, resulting in a
productive meeting.
4) ADRC Open House
In August 2000, the ADRC held an ADRC Open House, which introduced the activities of the center tothe local residents of Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, etc. During the event, the OCHA Asia Unit
described their activities related to assessment of damages incurred by disasters and international
emergency aid coordination activities, which were well received by the public and media.
5)JICA Disaster Reduction Administrator Seminar
The ADRC held a disaster reduction administrator seminar in January and February 2001 foradministrators of developing countries under the commission of JICA (Japan International Cooperation
Association). During the seminar, the district advisor of the OCHA Asia Unit explained the role of the
UN in disaster measures, especially the activities of OCHA. This deepened the understanding ofparticipants in the roles and activities of OCHA.

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2-1-6. Cooperation with Other International Organizations and Initiatives
1) EMI The Earthquakes and Mega cities Initiatives Workshop
The Earthquakes and Mega cities Initiative (EMI) is a non-profit international earthquake disaster
reduction research organization. EMI has working groups in five areas of the world, in which multiple
large cities participate. Its aim is to promote earthquake disaster reduction measures through mutual
cooperation.
In East Asia, cluster cities disaster reduction conferences attended by Shanghai in China, Manila, capitalof Philippines, Seoul of Korea, and Kobe City of Japan. In November, 2000, the conference was held in
Seoul, Korea.
Based on its longtime relationships with Kobe City and EMI, the ADRC supported Kobe City at the city
workshop of the East Asia Group, and during the previous conference, supported the implementation of
the 3-city disaster reduction conference attended by Shanghai, Manila and Kobe. In the recent Seoul
conference, Seoul participated for the first time with the three cities above, and intense discussion was
carried out between the four cities. Here, it must be noted that Seoul used to be considered a country
relatively free of large earthquakes, but has recently been experiencing increasing frequency of larger
earthquakes. There are some researchers who predict that an earthquake of magnitude 5 on the Richterscale will hit Seoul city within the next 15 years, and the city has begun in-depth review of earthquake
disaster reduction measures. From its experience during the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake, Kobe Cityis expected to be asked by the other three cities to provide advice in various aspects of the disaster. The
ADRC is planning to provide as much support as it can to promote cooperation and exchange among thefour cities.
2) SAGIP International Conference
Based on the agreement reached in the Asia Region Forum, the Philippines started efforts to promote a
multinational framework (SAGIP) in disaster measures with the U.S. and Australia in 1999. The ADRC
attended the meeting in October 2000 (Makati, Manila, Philippines) as an observer. The participants
were defense and disaster related officials of the 18 countries participating in the ASEAN region forum
whose main members are the Philippines, the U.S., and Australia, and UN OCHA.
SAGIP means “relief” in Taglog. The first meeting was held in 1999 on the occasion of the ARF
inter-sessional meeting (participants were Philippines, U.S., and Australia).
In this meeting, opinions were exchanged on the topics “early warning system”, “decision making andplanning process”, “disaster measures and restoration and recovery”, and “reduction of disasters by
disaster reduction” based on the theme “promotion of multinational cooperation in disaster measures”.
The ADRC also reported on its construction of a disaster reduction database and tsunami disaster
reduction educational programs, etc. as examples of multinational disaster reduction cooperation in Asia,and these efforts were highly praised.
(A characteristic of SAGIP was that military and civilian officials involved in disasters attended it toexchange opinions on possible multinational cooperation. The Japanese government only sent its locallystationed defense official. In the future, potential organizational cooperation in disaster measures within
the Asia Pacific region should continue to be reviewed.)
3) Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster, Louvain Catholic University, Brussels(CRED)The ADRC and Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster, Louvain Catholic University,
Brussels (CRED) agreed on the “MOA between CRED and ADRC on the collaboration of informationand data on disasters, concerning cooperation in collecting disaster prevention information” on
November 5, 1999. Its aim was to comprehensively track information on disasters which occurred in the
Asian region during the past century, and to construct the “Comprehensive Database on Asian Naturalth
Disasters in the 20 Century”, which will serve as an asset for reinforcing disaster prevention in each
Asian country in the next century. CRED is the only organization in the world with a general natural
disaster database. The two parties will disseminate disaster information while sharing andsupplementing data.
It was confirmed at the GDIN meeting in March 2001 that the ADRC would promote the Unique ID
project proposed in GDIN with ReliefWeb.

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■□ ADRC Annual Report 2000

4) ReliefWeb (OCHA)The ReliefWeb of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
provides reliable information on natural disasters and disaster measures via the Internet to support
humanitarian aid activities in times of disaster. Since its launch, the ADRC has linked its homepage to
the ReliefWeb and built a system, which allows UN information to be browsed efficiently via the ADRC
web. From the broad variety of information of various countries available at the ADRC homepage, theReliefWeb also started to link its homepage to ADRC’s web page as a source of disaster reduction
information from different countries with the aim of sharing information, and provide efficient
information to respective users.
ReliefWeb is currently collecting and providing information in New York and Geneva. Because it isunable to cover 8 out of 24 hours due to the time difference, they have been considering setting up anantenna office in the Asian region.
Based on the existing relationship between ReliefWeb and ADRC, and from the fact that the OCHA
Asian Unit is set up within ADRC, OCHA and the Japanese government are currently considering
further expanding this Asia Unit and setting up the ReliefWeb antenna office in ADRC.
The antenna office is expected to open as early as the first half of 2001, once the environment has been
established.
5) GDIN (Global Disaster Information Network)
The GDIN (Global Disaster Information Network) is a project which was launched by the initiative of
the U.S. Department of State (Secretary: Larry Roeder, Policy Advisor, IO/PPC, US Department ofState). Its aim is to construct a framework to implement international partnership systematically forsharing disaster information, through this framework improve access to existing information, andimplement efficient use of the information to “provide relevant and reliable information promptly tothose who require it in a precise form.
Particularly, being able to determine the situation as quickly as possible when a disaster has justoccurred is a crucial task. Active use of satellite information and GIS is also taken into consideration.
Since this initiative aims not to compete with existing information organizations but to collaborate withthese organizations and effectively use their assets, it shares similar activities and goals as the ADRC.
To date, three international GDIN conferences have been held;st
1 : July 16 and 17, 1998 in Washington DCnd
2 : May 11 to 14, 1999 in Mexico Cityrd
3 : April 26 to 29, 2000 in AnkarathPrior to the 4 international conference held in Canberra from March 21 to 23, 2001, a pre-meeting(Asia Pacific Working Group Meeting) was held in Canberra between August 16 and 18, 2000.
rd
Having attended the 3 Ankara meeting, the ADRC has been actively participating in this global disaster
reduction information sharing initiative this year by becoming a member of the Asia Pacific WorkingththGroup, which has been set up for the 4 conference. (The 4 conference will be discussed later.)

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Formation of a Network for Sharing Information on Natural Disasters and Disaster Reduction□■

2-2. Network for Sharing Information on Natural Disasters andDisaster
Reduction
2-2-1. Configurations of ADRC Network and Information Equipment
Fig. 2-2-1-1. shows the construction of the ADRC network and information equipment. The Internet isreached via the inter-ministry information network (IMnet) and private lines connected to the Osaka
NOC IMnet access point. The IMnet promotes the flow of information required for studies carried out
between national research centers, special foundations, and research organizations which conduct joint
research projects with these organizations, to contribute to the sharing of research information
infrastructures at these organizations and the international flow of research information. Currently, the128 kbps speed of the exclusive lines for connecting to the IMnet poses as the bottleneck of the network.
ADRC is thus planning to construct a network which can handle anything from text to live images byapplying the latest broad band technologies available, such as the ADSL and FTTH, etc. In
consideration of security, the ADRC separates its network inside and outside the center, and installs afirewall in between. The intra-network is connected to the laptop computers of employees, and desktop
PCs with various server functions. Each of these PCs is assigned a private IP address, which is valid
only inside the center. When a server inside the center is accessed, the built-in address converter
function in the firewall converts it to private address in the center so that it can be sent to the server
requested. The firewall converts global IP addresses to private IP addresses, as well as controls thepassage of packets based on the rules that deal with protocol, and the source and destination of packets.
This enables minute restriction of access to the internal systems of the ADRC, as well as the monitoringof illegal accessing.
Fig. 2-2-1-1 Configuration of ADRC Network and Information Equipment
Private IP Address
192.168.1.0/24 areallocated for internal
machineOnly open servers are allocatedglobal IP address. Private
address is changed to global IP by
NAT for global information traffic.

Fire Wall

Exclusive Line

DNS request fromexternal domain

by Osaka Media
Port(Private Sector)
128K optical cableOpen ServerInternal Server

Global DNS

Osaka NOC

Internal ClientsInternal DNS
Request27

ATMInter-Ministry ResearchInformation network (IMnet)by Science and Technology
Agency, Japanese Government

Internal DNS

Forwarding unresolved
DNS Request

INTERNET■□ ADRC Annual Report 2000

Particularly, for common Internet crimes seen in recent years such as attacks on mail services and web
servers, efforts were made to upgrade to a more reliable system, and to implement stringent operations
rules for center staff. This has helped prevent Internet crimes such as impersonations by outsiders andrewriting of the homepage, etc; however, to maintain network functions, unrelenting measures tocounter Internet crimes are being sought. Peripheral equipment installed includes equipment for
network meetings such as CCD cameras and in cams, portable media such as memory stick andcompact flash, etc., backup devices such as CD-Rom, MO, and DAT, printers such as black/white laser
printers and color laser printers, and raster image input equipment such as flat head scanners and film
scanners, and digitizers for inputting digital data.

2-2-2. ADRC Website
As shown in Fig. 2-2-2-1, the ADRC homepage provides information on the following: Recent Disaster
Information, Disaster Reduction Specialist Information, Great Handshin-Awaji Earthquake Information,
Disaster Reduction Training Information, Member Country Report Information, Disaster Reduction
Training Information, Disaster Reduction System Information, Disaster Reduction Calendar Information,
and Conference and Academic Meetings Information (URL.http://www.adrc.or.jp). These eight subject
areas are accumulated in the form of corresponding databases. When accessed through the Internet, theinformation is retrieved from the database, and sent in hypertext format to the user while referring to
instructions as to the color and layout the information should be displayed to the user. By adopting
separate systems for information and layout, etc., such as a database for information, and instructions
for the layout, etc., the data administrator is released from complicated tasks such as layout settings. At
the same time, layout can be changed freely and collectively according to user needs and the progress oftechnological innovation. By providing two types of doors for the users according to information
category through this data management method, directories for facilitating the access of information canbe used. (Refer to Fig. 2-2-2-1.)
Fig. 2-2-2-1 Seven Disaster Prevention Information Databases (left)
Fig. 2-2-2-2 Latest Disaster Prevention Information Database and Screen Layout (right)

防

災

災

データベース

カ
レ
ン

報

ダ

情

情

家

報

制

門

情

体

専

害

阪 神 淡 路 大震 災 情 報

防

災

災

要求

ユーザー

防災情報
ウェブページ参照
インストラクション
色、レイアウトー報

メ ン バー 国 防 災 レ ポ ー ト 情 報防新防 災 ト レ ー ニ ン グ 情 報

最

国別の扉

情報カテゴリー別の扉

As one example, “Latest Disaster Information” is described here. The purpose of this category is toprovide the latest information on disasters currently occurring as soon as possible. Reports provided by
the UN and websites of other media are reviewed and summarized. The site also includes links to theoriginal information. As shown in Fig. 2-2-2-3, two tables; a table by disaster and a table by reportmanage this information. Based on the information accumulated in this table, the information requestedby the user (display of a report on a certain disaster) is extracted, and a report is compiled according to
the layout instructed.
This fiscal year, the disaster ID number created by CRED is also added to ADRC’s latest disasters
information database in an effort to promote the sharing of information of disaster information
databases all over the world. At the expert meeting of the Global Disaster Information Network, the28Chapter 2

Formation of a Network for Sharing Information on Natural Disasters and Disaster Reduction□■

disaster common code number proposed by the ADRC was adopted as a pilot project, and this projectwill be undertaken mainly by CRED, ReliefWeb, and ADRC.
Problems of databases used by different organizations until now include:
Need to search for organization for each disaster
Disaster name sometimes differs according to the organization, thus it cannot be found by the searchengine.
(3) Link is cut off when the structure of the database or homepage of an organization is changed.
The use of common code numbers will facilitate the search of databases on past disasters as well as new
disaster data. The ADRC has thus started the use of a common disaster ID and is appealing to otherorganizations to join in the effort.
Information can be updated remotely via the Internet as shown in Fig. 2-2-2-4. Currently, the latest
information and disaster prevention calendar in the database are subject to remote updating considering
the frequency and necessity of updating. “Topics” (latest news) and “Links” at the top page of the
ADRC homepage can also be changed remotely. In the future, we are planning to apply the remote
updating function to the whole database, and to improve the system for more accurate information
service and prompt information updating upon careful consideration of security.
Five center staff and graduate student part-time employees run the data collection and registration
operation for the “Latest Disaster Information”. They are assigned day and night shifts to collectinformation, in order to expedite the information collection and registration time when a disaster hits.
During the Gujurat earthquake in India, the first report was registered immediately after the earthquake
occurred on January 26. The ADRC was able to provide not only the information from the mass media,
but news flashes which were just sent by the Indian government. The ADRC web page was accessedover 300 times daily.
Fig. 2-2-2-3 Latest Disaster Prevention Information Database and Screen Layout (left)
Fig. 2-2-2-4. Information Updating from Remote Areas Using the Internet (right)

Data Server
T able :T h e Late st In fo
ID D isaste r
C o u n try C o de
N am e o f D isaste r
D ate
Re su m en u m be r
c o de
te xt
te xt
te xt

To
and
from
Users

L IN KT able :Re po rt
ID Re po rt
ID D isaste r
C ate go ry
T itleC o n te n t
U RLInformation
itselfn u m be r
n u m be r
te xt
te xt
te xt
te xt

Addition and Editionof Information fromall over the world

2-2-3. ADRC Highlights
Until now, the ADRC has been providing information mainly through the Internet, as well as promoting
the sharing of information with member countries by distributing annual reports and holding expert
meetings. However, hearings at expert meetings re-confirmed that although the Internet is available foruse in developing countries in Asia, and the ADRC website has been accessed frequently, theenvironment is still not one where governmental organization staff members can use the Internet all thetime. On the other hand, more and more personnel in developing countries now have their own e-mailaddresses as the use of e-mail continues to spread.
Under these circumstances, the ADRC has decided to issue a bi-weekly newsletter, “ADRC Highlights”,
to provide information on its Internet website in a more detailed and timely manner. The first editionth
was issued on June 1. Through two publications every month, it will reach the 20 edition within this29

■□ ADRC Annual Report 2000

year as shown in Table 2-2-3-1.
The newsletter contains information provided by the ADRC, recent activities and topics, reports ofexpert meetings attended, latest disaster information mostly in Asia, and articles by counterparts andvisiting researchers. Basically, it is printed on A4 paper and edited into an easy-to-read volume.
Contents that cannot be included on paper are placed on the web, with the web addresses indicated in
the newsletter.
The newsletter is distributed mainly by e-mail, to ADRC counterparts, participants of past ADRC expert
meetings, internal and external ADRC related personnel, visitors to the ADRC, other participants ofinternational conferences in which ADRC participated, 300 in Japan, and 535 overseas. The newsletteris also distributed by fax or direct mail, and is also available in downloadable PDF file, with color
pictures on the ADRC homepage. Visitors to the ADRC also receive all printed versions of back issues.
Compared to previous occasions when the ADRC only needed to contact member countries, etc. several
times a year, it now sends out information at least twice a month. This has had a positive effect offostering a sense of unity amongst members, and has helped to increase the frequency of member
countries supplying information to the ADRC, receiving high praise at the expert meeting in December.
The distribution of ADRC’s information more frequently to many others involved in disaster reduction
other than ADRC’s counterparts has also markedly enhanced recognition of ADRC. For instance, many
participants of the International Meeting knew about ADRC Highlights. Favorable comments werereceived, even from parties ADRC was unfamiliar with.
ADRC will continue to further enhance ADRC Highlights and distribute it even more widely in efforts
to provide relevant and timely information.
Table 2-2-3-1. ADRC Highlights Index
DateVol. 1 6/1
Vol. 2 6/16

Main Topics
Greeting from the Chairman,
ADRC
Disaster Information Data BaseVol. 3 7/3

List of Disaster Management
Legal Systems and Plans on
ADRC's Website

Vol. 4 7/17

Human Resources Information（ADRC E-Net)

Vol. 5 8/1

Second Anniversary of theEstablishment of ADRC ( by Dr.
Ogawa)

Vol. 6 8/16

VENTEN as Internet GIS System

Vol. 7 9/1

Data Book on Asian Natural
Disasters in the 20th Century

Vol. 8 9/18

Visiting Researcher of ADRC

Vol. 9 10/2

Visiting Researcher of ADRC 2

Sub Topics
Recent Natural Disaster in Asia
1.Intoroduction of ADRC
2.Registration of Mailing Address
Participation in the GDIN Conference 1. Earthquake in Bengkulu, Indonesia(June 4,M7.9)
2. Flood in China (Sichuan, Gansu
Province)
Landslides in Bangladesh

1. International Conference held in
Bangladesh
2. Unique Activities for Natural
Disaster Reduction in Cambodia
1. Armenia will Join the ADRC
Member
2. Open House Seminar of ADRC
3. Natural Disasters in Nepal in thisyear (reported by counterparts)

Participation in the APDIN

Tropical Depression in Philippine

1. Drought in Central and South Asia
2. Flood in Cambodia

1. Flood in India
2. Flood in Bhutan
3. Drought in Central and South Asia
(Follow-up)
1. Floods in India
2. Floods and Landslide in Nepal
1. Sudden Tidal Surge in the Bay of
Bengal
2. Floods and Landslides in Tokai
District, Japan
Tremendous Deluge Hits Asia

30

Chapter 2

Formation of a Network for Sharing Information on Natural Disasters and Disaster Reduction

Date
10/16

Main Topics
Cooperative Project (Nepal,
Cambodia)

Vol.
11

11/1

1. Cambodia Floods and OCHA Activities
2. Bangladesh Storm

Vol.
12

11/16

Recent ADRC's Activities
1. 5th Asia Pacific Conference
on Disaster Management
2. 2. GDIN Information
Technology Exposition &Conference
Promotion of Tsunami Awareness
Program in PNG

Vol.
13

12/1

PNG New Ireland Earthquakes
and Tsunamis: Tsunami education
was tested

1. Expansion of Floods Damage inSoutheast Asia
2. Flood Damage in Sri Lanka

Vol.
14

12/18

The 3rd ADRC Meeting was heldin Kobe in Dec.

Vol.
15

1/16

New Year's Greetings from the
1. Major Natural Disasters in the 20th
Asian Disaster Reduction Center Century(by Dr. Ogawa)2. Report from the ADRC Visiting
Researcher (from Sri Lanka)

1. Dzud in Mongolia
2. A Large Earthquake Hit Central
America
3. Tropical Cyclone in Sri Lanka

2/2

Change in 6 years after the Great
Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, Kobe

A Great Earthquake Hit West India

Vol.
18

2/16

Vol.
19

3/1

Disaster Management Exhibition World Conference on Natural Disaster 1. Another Strong Quake rocked El
Started!
2001
Salvador
2. Successive Disasters in Indonesia
JICA Seminar on Disaster
ADRC Visited Gujarat, India
Management

Vol.
20

3/19

Vol.
21

4/2
Promotion of Effective Disaster(schedu Information Sharing by "Uniqueled)
ID Number"

Vol.
10

Vol.
16
Vol.
17

Sub Topics
About the third ADRC International
Meeting□■

Recent Natural Disaster in Asia
Western Tottori Earthquake (WesternJapan)

Landslides in Central Java, Indonesia

ADRC Cooperative Project(Nepal, Cambodia, Indonesia)
1. ADRC Visiting Researcher Program GEIYO Earthquake in Japan(by researcher from Sri Lanka)
2. Mr. Murata Leave and Mr.
Yoshimura Join ADRC

31