HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2020

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

Figure 2.4. Closing Session Speakers

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

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 areSection 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

Preventive Action

The Philippines

Staying Home

Social/Physical Distancing

JapanMandatory
Imposition of lockdowns (military,
police, and related enforcement
agencies are engaged)
Cancelation of group events (e.g.,church worship, beach parties, andcockfights)






Wearing Mask



Legislated at local governments(penalty for violation of ordinance)Washing Hands



Encouraged (on your own)

ADRC

membercountries

varyinthedegree

Non-Mandatory
No imposition of lockdowns (drawingon individual responsibility andcooperation)
Avoidance of 3Cs: crowds, closed
spaces, closed contacts;
Also, cancelation of group events (e.g.,marathons)
Encouraged but not legislated
National Government announced
giving out masks
Encouraged (with wide establishments' support)

ofimplementing

thecommon

countermeasures 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