1. Asian Disaster Reduction Center.

ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

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 activities, as reported in its Annual Report, are focused on three pillars:·Information sharing. This includes the ADRC website, GLobal unique disaster IDEntifier (GLIDE)
number system, Sentinel Asia, and Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR).

·

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

·

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

After 21 years of functioning as part of the Urban Disaster Research Institute (UDRI), ADRC became
independent and obtained a corporate status in April 2020 following the launching of 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 and advisor countries) as
well as partner organizations.

Figure 1.1 Map of member and advisor countries

3

Section 1

1.

ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

1.2.1

Member and Advisor Countries

Section 1

During its establishment, ADRC was comprised of 22-member countries, 4-advisor countries, and 1-observerorganization. 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, theMaldives in 2010, the Republic of Iran in 2012, and Turkey in 2018 bringing the number of member countries
to 31. In March 2004, the US joined as the fifth advisor country to ADRC (Table 1.1 Member and Advisor
Countries).
Table 1.1 Member and Advisor Countries

1998(At the time offoundation)

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 andRussia (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

Country

4

Counterpart

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)ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

Section 1

CountryCounterpart

IranNational Disaster Management Organization (NDMO)

Japan

Cabinet Office

Kazakhstan

Ministry of Emergency Situations

Republic of Korea

Ministry of the Interior and Safety

Kyrgyz Republic

Ministry of Emergency Situations

Lao PDR

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

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 and Local Government Affairs

Philippines

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

RussiaMinistry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies andElimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM)

Singapore

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

Sri Lanka

Disaster Management Centre, 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 Presidency (AFAD), Ministry of Interior

Uzbekistan

Ministry of Emergency Situations

Viet Nam

Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA), Ministry of Agriculture andRural Development (MARD)

Yemen

Ministry of Water & Environment

5ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER

1.2.2

Partner Organizations

Section 1

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

6

2. Highlights of FY2021.

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

2.

Highlights of FY 2021

In the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, much of ADRC activities, including the Asian Conference on
Disaster Reduction (ACDR), were still held online.

Activities in Figures

Section 2

2.1

Figure 2.1 below shows some of ADRC milestones in FY 2021 at a glance.

Figure 2.1 Highlights of ADRC Activities on FY 2021

2.2

Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2021

Last year, the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) was held online on 14-16 December 2021
with the theme, “Time for Change and Transformation: The Road to a Resilient Asia”. ACDR2021 was anoccasion for general assembly among ADRC member countries, and it also served as venue for discussionsof policies, programmes, projects, activities, and approaches that could facilitate change and transformation
towards a more resilient Asia. ACDR2021 included keynote speeches, high-level round table, thematic
sessions, and side event.
2.2.1

Opening and Keynote Speeches

At the opening, HE Mr NINOYU Satoshi (Minister of State for Disaster Management, Government of Japan)
stressed that strategic DRR actions, such as investing in mitigation and awareness raising, are essential toachieve transformation towards greater resilience. HE Mr Rustam Nazarzoda (Chairman, Committee ofEmergency Situations and Civil Defense, Tajikistan) emphasized the role of regional cooperation (e.g.,knowledge exchange) in addressing recent DRR issues while Prof HAMADA Masanori (Chairman, Asian9

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

Section 2

Figure 2.2 Speakers who provided remarks at the Opening Session

Disaster Reduction Center) told the participants that the ACDR itself was a forum to facilitate DRR actions
that could lead to better transformation.
Three different perspectives were presented during the keynote speeches. Firstly, Ms Mami Mizutori (Special
Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Head of the United
Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) encouraged the governments to pursue actions that will improveclimate risk data, inclusive DRR approaches, localization of DRR efforts, and financing DRR as all thesecontribute to the implementation of the new Asia Pacific Action Plan 2021-2024 of the Sendai Framework.
Secondly, HE Dr Basuki Hadimuljono (Minister for Public Works and Housing of Indonesia) pointed that inhazard-prone countries like Indonesia, strategies that could help overcome the disaster risk management(DRM) challenges (e.g., investing in DRR, build back better approach in recovery, pre-disaster investment,
early warning system, and cooperation in promoting resilient infrastructure) exist and must be scaled-up.
Finally, Ms Sandra Wu Wen-Hsiu (Chairperson and CEO, Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.) built the case for theprivate sector’s role in DRR, emphasizing the sector’s rich experience, skills, and resources. She stated that
Emergency Agreements (EA) with national government agencies – a mechanism pioneered in Japan – isnow adopted in many Asian countries and around the world.

Figure 2.3 Keynote speakers of the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2021

2.2.2

High-Level Round Table

High-level officials who delivered statements, include: HE Mr Rustam Nazarzoda (Tajikistan), AssistantCommissioner Yazid Abdullah (Singapore), Mr Md Mohsin (Bangladesh), Dr Syamsul Maarif (Indonesia), MG
G Ariunbuyan (Mongolia), Mr Muhamad Idrees (Pakistan), Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (Philippines), Major
General Sudantha Ranasinghe (Sri Lanka), Mr Boontham Lertsukekasem (Thailand), and Mr Pham Duc
Luan (Vietnam). The statements generally highlighted the following: (1) investing in DRR and climate change
adaptation, (2) applying multi-hazard early warning system, (3) promoting all-of-society, inclusive, andproactive DRR approaches to ensure that no one is left behind, (4) enhancing capacity building in DRR, and(5) promoting disaster-resilient infrastructures.

10

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

Section 2

Figure 2.4 Officials who delivered statements at the High Level Round Table

2.2.3

TS1: DRR Technologies that Meet Local Needs

Thematic Session 1 (TS1) was
about

developing

DRR

technologies that meet local
needs to create safe, secure,and livable society. Dr Mandira
SinghShrestha(Programme

Coordinator, Climate Services,
Mountain Environment Regional
Information System, ICIMOD)
moderateddrawing

thisinsights

session,onhowtechnologies could contribute intransformation towards a more
resilientsociety.

Dr

HendroFigure 2.5 Speakers of Technical Session 1 of ACDR2021

Wardhono (Director of the Board Managers, PUSPPITA, Indonesia) described how the new technologies at
BNPB (e.g., InaRisk) contributed in managing a recent disaster caused by Mt. Semeru Eruption of 4
December 2021. Dr Seong Sam Kim (Team Leader, Disaster Scientific Investigation Division, Ministry of theInterior and Safety, Republic of Korea) demonstrated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and drone mappingin detecting disaster damage and assessing the impacts of affected areas. Among the experts, Dr Hasi
Bateer (General Manager, Global Business Development Division, Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.) demonstrated
the utilization of geospatial data for DRR. He cited the Red Relief Image Map (RRIM) as one example ofvisualising and interpreting digital imagery from satellites. Mr SUZUKI Koji (Project Director, Asian Disaster
Reduction Center) showed how the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) early warning service could
contribute towards transmitting a clear, timely, and actionable warning message directly to the communities,
especially in areas where ground telecommunication systems are limited. Dr David Nguyen (Associate

11

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

Professor, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University) argued the need ofdeveloping an international standard (ISO) for smart community infrastructure to keep the methods simple
and avoid useless operations as well as reduce costs and spread of technologies, especially in Asia.
2.2.4

TS2: Education and Awareness Raising for DRR Actions

Section 2

Thematic
dealt

Session
with

2

(TS2)

strengthening

disaster preparedness througheducationandawareness-raising for promoting proactive

DRR actions. Dr SAKAMOTO
Mayumi (Professor, Graduate
School of Disaster Resilienceand Governance, University of
Hyogo)

moderated

thissession.

She

said

that

in

Japan,

DRR

educationiscovered in all subjects, aiming
to enhance “knowledge andFigure 2.6 Speakers of Technical Session 2 of ACDR2021

skills”, “humanities”, and “abilities to think, judge and express”, which are considered as the three pillars ofeducation. Dr Le Quang Tuan (Deputy Director, Department of Science Technology and International

Cooperation, Vietnam Disaster Management Authority, Vietnam) introduced the CBDRM (2009-2020)
activities, which included training on DRM knowledge and enhancing communication capacity of reporters,
editors, and district radio/television staffers who are in-charge at the grassroots level. Ms Syuzanna Kakoyan(Head of the Department of Education, Administration of Activities with Public, Regional Survey for Seismic
Protection, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Armenia) shared the “Code of Conduct on Earthquake
Protection” in Armenia. The Department of Education implements the code of conduct through games, drills,
and quizzes, and also works closely with mass media and private sector. In his commentary of the session,
Mr FUKASAWA Yoshinobu (Secretary, TeLL-Net/Specially Appointed Professor, Kyushu Sangyo University)
highlighted the importance of preserving and passing on the “live” experiences and lessons from disasters toother areas and generations. He said that sharing live lessons through oral storytelling, photographs,
audiovisual materials, museums, monuments, and music are powerful means of transmitting lessons thatcomplements the formal DRR education in schools.
2.2.5

TS3: Investing in DRR for a Resilient Society

Thematic Session 3 (TS3) discussed investing in disaster risk reduction for a resilient society, where officials
from ADRC member countries shared recent knowledge, perspectives, and approaches to accelerate riskinformed investments. Mr TAKEYA Kimio (Distinguished Technical Advisor on Disaster Risk Reduction,
Japan International Cooperation Agency; and Visiting Professor at International Research Institute ofDisaster Science, Tohoku University) moderated this session, providing an overview of practical methods ofinvesting in DRR. Dr Renato Solidum, Jr (Undersecretary, Department of Science and Technology; and12

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

Officer-in-Charge,

Philippine

Institute of Volcanology andSeismology,

Philippines)

reported about the “GeoRisk
Philippines” as an investment intoachieve

Section 2

DRR

greaterunderstanding of hazards andrisks. Dr Le Minh Nhat (Deputy
DirectorofResponse

Emergency

andDisaster

Recovery Department, Vietnam
DisasterManagement

Authority, Vietnam) presented

Figure 2.7 Speakers of Technical Session 3 of ACDR2021

the investment priorities under the National DRR Plan 2021-2025 of Vietnam. Investments include theconstruction of hydrological monitoring equipment for river water levels, dams, and rainfall as well as
investments in water disaster prevention information system. Mr Abdul Malik Sadat Idris (Director of Water
Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of National Development Planning, Indonesia) reported the Indonesia’s
investment in strengthening of critical infrastructures for flood resilience in 50 high-risk cities, which is
integrated in the National Medium-Term Development Plan. Mr Jerry A. Fano (Assistance Core Head at
Office of the Project Director, Unified Project Management Office, Department of Public Works andHighways, Philippines) shared the pre-disaster investments in flood mitigation in the Philippines. These
investments include the construction and strengthening of flood control structures (e.g., flood gates, floodwalls, and spillways) that reduced flood inundation and economic damage by 85%.
2.2.6

Closing Messages

At the closing, Mr MURAKAMI
Takeo(Director,

International

Cooperation Division, Disaster
Management Bureau, Cabinet
Office, Government of Japan)
pointedthat

CabinetOfficeJapan organized a side event

titled,“Public

andPrivateSeminarfor

Disaster

Risk

Reduction”, at the ACDR2021 topromote DRR technologies ofJapanese companies. He also
encouraged ADRC member-

Figure 2.8 Speakers at the Closing of ACDR2021

countries to strengthen investments in DRR along with COVID-19 recovery as integral part of National DRR
Strategy and in support of the Mid-Term Review of the Sendai Framework in 2022. Dr OGAWA Yujiro

13

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021(Executive Secretary, ADRC) formally closed the conference with message that member-countries muststrive to accelerate efforts on implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to help
overcome intensifying disaster risks.

2.3

Online DRR Seminar Series

Section 2

To support the thematic discussions leading to the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR2021),
ADRC organized a series of Online DRR Seminars.
2.3.1

Seminar 1: Investing in DRR for a Resilient Society

Date: 15 June 2021

Theme: Investing in Disaster Risk for a Resilient Society
Number of Participants: 300 from 20 countries
Key Messages:
·

Dr

Jun

Rentschler,

SeniorEconomist at the World Bank,
said that "investing in resilience
is sound, profitable, and urgent."
He supported this claim withevidence-based

casestudiesand statistics showing that every$1

investedininfrastructure

resilience results in $4 in net
benefit. He argued that investingin resilience is urgent concern
and delaying such action iscausing an estimated loss of

Figure 2.9 Speakers of Seminar 1 on 15 June 2021

$100 billion in one year.
·

Mr Ronald Jackson, Head of DRR and Recovery for Building Resilience Team at UNDP-Geneva,
presented UNDP's "Signature Solutions", a Programme that implements six cross-cutting approaches todevelopment: poverty, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender. Mr Jackson cited
examples of disaster risk mitigation projects under this Programme, such as in Pakistan (water
conservation), Belize (gender and livelihoods), Ukraine (community-based disaster risk mitigation), Iran(climate change adaptation planning), and Rwanda (awareness raising).
·

Prof NISHIKAWA Satoru at the Disaster Mitigation Research Center of Nagoya University stressed theimportance of "pre-disaster" actions or investments in DRR based on the outcomes of empirical studies
and lessons from past disasters in Japan. He said that after World War 2, Japan was in ashes andinfrastructure recovery was impeded and even further damaged by the impacts of typhoons. In order toprevent future typhoon damage, Japan invested in flood control using funds borrowed from the World
Bank. Since then, Japan has strengthened investments in DRR by regularly evaluating what went wrong
and went right with pre-disaster countermeasures.

14

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021·

Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki, Executive Director of ADRC, moderated the discussions and offered two key
takeaways at the closing. First, funds for DRR should not be seen as an expense but as an investment.
It was clear from the presentations, and affirmed during the discussions, that $1 in DRR investment
would render $4 in benefits. Moreover, DRR investments are not always infrastructure investments.
Stakeholders can also invest in planning, policies, regulations, databases, and nature-based solutions.
economic growth could expand income inequality, such that poor people remain disproportionately
affected by disasters or global pandemics.

2.3.2

Seminar 2: Education and Awareness Raising for DRR Actions

Date: 13 July 2021
Theme: DRR Education and Awareness Raising through the Passing Down of Lessons from Past
Disasters
Number of Participants: 281 from 18 countries
Key Messages:·

Prof MURAMOTO Toshiaki (IRIDeS,
Tohoku University) introduced an
innovative educational method that
could provide an opportunity forstudents to perceive disasters as"their own business”. This method

involves: (1) interdisciplinary lecturesat school; (2) visits to disasteraffected areas and opportunities tohear the stories from 'kataribe'/storytellers

andinteracting

withvictims; (3) group work to identify

Figure 2.10 Speakers of Seminar 2 on 13 July 2021

challenges for earthquake recovery
and to explore ways to solve those challenges; and (4) planning and execution of lectures on DRR forother students based on their learning.
·

Ms Vanda Lengkong (Plan International Asia Pacific Regional Office) reported the ASEAN Safe School
Initiative (ASSI) in partnership with the civil society organizations (CSOs). The initiative creates space todiscuss and share school safety technical resources, approaches, and sound practices to minimize theimpacts of disasters on children and the education sector. This initiative is unique in that the elements
included in the formal educational system are supplemented with DRR educational activities for children
and parents in the community (e.g., puppet show).

·Dr Sébastien Boret (IRIDeS, Tohoku University) pointed to the importance of museums and monuments
as methods of DRR education, particularly in promoting "collective memory." He cited the example ofAceh Tsunami Museum in Indonesia, which functions not only as a center for education and learning but

15

Section 2

Second, DRR investments must be people-centered. As observed in the past, investments focused on

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

also as a memorial, an evacuation building, and an activity space where the community can gather andinteract.
·

Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki, ADRC's Executive Director, concluded the event by noting that themethodologies of DRR education are most effective at encouraging proactive learning and action when
they are appropriate for a given context and aligned with a community's culture and practices.

Section 2

2.3.3

Seminar 3: Technologies that Meet Local Needs

Date: 14 September 2021
Theme: Developing DRR Technologies that Meet Local Needs to Build a Safe, Secure, and Lively
Society

Number of Participants: 116 participants from 23 countries
Key Messages:
·

Dr

ONO

Takahiro(Director,

Mitsubishi Corporation Insurance)
said

that

standardizationisimportant to keep methods simple,
avoid

useless

operations,andfacilitate smooth communication.
·

Mr Sanjaya Bhatia (Head of Office,
UNDRR-GETI)

discussed

UNDRR-GETI

isengagedhowindeveloping the ISO standards forthesustainable

developmentofcommunities to make cities resilient

Figure 2.11 Speakers of Seminar 3 on 14 September 2021

(MCR). He highlighted the following
ISO standards: Indicators for City Services and Quality of Life (ISO 37120); Indicators for Smart Cities(ISO 37122);and Indicators for Resilient Cities (ISO 37123).
·

Dr David N. Nguyen (Associate Professor, Tohoku University and Researcher at NIED) reported on the
progress of the work of the ISO Technical Committee in identifying and planning for smart community
infrastructures that enhance DRR. He highlighted the community infrastructures from Australia, Chile,
Colombia, Germany, Greece, Japan, and Turkey.

·

Mr HIRUMA Yoshiki (Vice President, Sustainability Management at the Development Bank of Japan,
DBJ) discussed the application of financing methodologies to design a resilient future. One example isthe utilization of pre-disaster mitigation in business continuity management (BCM) among small andmedium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance safety.

·

Mr Pradeep Kumara Kodippili (Deputy Director, Disaster Management Centre in Sri Lanka) gave apresentation on the disaster early warning systems in Sri Lanka. He described the capacity of his office,the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), as having 77 early warning towers, High Frequency (HF) andVery High Frequency (VHF) communication, intra-government network (IGN), and disaster early
warning network (DEWN) system that could send text messages.

16

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

2.3.4

Seminar 4: GLOF Impact to the Local Economy and Measures

Date: 28 September 2021
Theme: GLOF Impact to the Local Economy and Countermeasures
Number of Participants: 88 participants from 14 countries
Key Messages:
Section 2·

Mr ARAKIDA Masaru (Director of
Research Department at ADRC)
moderatorofthesessionbyfocusing on three questions: Is thenumber of GLOF events increasing
due to climate change? How does
GLOF impact the local economy?
What are the disaster risk reduction
measures for GLOF?
·

Ms Finu Shrestha (Analyst, Remote
Sensing
Geospatial

andGeo-information

Solutions,

ICIMOD)

presented some research findings

Figure 2.12 Speakers of Seminar 4 on 28 September 2021

using remote sensing techniques: (1) a total of 25,614 glacial lakes, in five major river basins of HKH, as
recorded as of 2018; (2) of this total, 47 are potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGLs); (3) mass

movement are the main factors for dam failure in the Eastern and Central Himalaya; (4) temperatureand extreme rainfall cause GLOF in the region; and (5) the frequency distribution of GLOF events in thelast 4 decades varies every decade, making it difficult to predict its occurrence.
·

Dr Mandira Singh Shrestha (Programme Coordinator, Climate Services, Mountain Environment
Regional Information System, ICIMOD) stressed the importance of integrating risk assessment, risk
analysis, and risk mitigation in the risk reduction strategy for GLOF (e.g., using Earth Observation toassess, monitor, and understand the risk of GLOF). While it is difficult to predict the occurrence of
GLOF, systematic and continuous monitoring of mountainous environments could offer robust
knowledge, and could strengthen the capacity for early warning.

·

Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki (Executive Director, ADRC) mentioned that the risks from climate-related
hazards such as GLOF could further intensify. Therefore, it is important to reframe the disaster risk

management (DRM) approach by focusing not just on single hazard at a time but by adopting a multihazards approach.

17

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

2.3.5

Seminar 5: Promoting Disaster Mitigation Strategies

Date: 18 October 2021
Theme: Promoting Disaster Mitigation Strategies for Urban Resilience
Number of Participants: 127 from 14 countries
Key Messages:
Section 2·

Mr KORESAWA Atsushi (Regional
Representative for Asia and thePacific, UN-Habitat) introduced the
Cities and Climate Change Initiative(CCCI)

that

supports

citiesinresponding to the negative impact ofclimate change by putting emphasison participatory processes, soundanalysis,sustainable

planning,

good

urban

governance,

responsive leadership, and practical
initiatives at all levels.
·

Ms

PragyaPRADHAN

Figure 2.13 Speakers of Seminar 5 on 18 October 2021

(Country

Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Nepal) highlighted the recovery and mitigation strategies ofpreserving the heritage settlements, which were damaged during the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. Ms

Pradhan pointed out two key lessons. First, development efforts must be complemented with disasterrisk reduction (DRR) efforts to safeguard lives and properties through risk informed spatial development
planning, infrastructure investments, and economic activities that caters to the need of all. Second,urban resilience is multi-dimensional that entails strengthening of social, economic, institutional, andspatial aspects.
·

Mr Ibani PADAO (Chief, Monitoring and Evaluation Division DHSUD, Philippines) reported that since thelocal governments are at the frontline in the implementation process, the national government of thePhilippines has provided relevant tools and guidelines to resiliency planning. These include:
Mainstreaming Guidelines for Local Land Use and Shelter Plans; Climate and Disaster Risk
Assessment (CDRA) Tool; and National Guide for Climate Resilient Urban Plans and Designs.

·

Mr Christopher ROLLO (Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Philippines) presented the case ofLegazpi City in developing and implementing the adaptation strategy for flood hazard. Legazpi city
utilized the government’s resiliency tools/guidelines to come up with systematic and evidence-based
structuring (e.g., designing sites and buildings that promotes structural resilience, safety of people andfacilitates evacuation and rescue).
·

Ms PANNAPA Na Nan (Director, International Cooperation Section, DDPM Thailand) reported that the
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has been constantly improving its disastermitigation efforts following the 2011 floods that greatly impacted the country. For instance, DDPM
leverages international cooperation support, particularly through the ASEAN Committee on Disaster18

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

Management (ACDM) and AHA Centre in implementing urban resilience projects (e.g., communitybased flood management project).
·

Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki (Executive Director, ADRC), who moderated the event, mentioned thatbuilding disaster resilient society is the overarching theme of the upcoming Asian Conference on
Disaster Reduction (ACDR) that would further provide an opportunity to discuss other initiatives andSection 2

actions to promote disaster resilience.

2.4

Tsunami Seminar 2021

On 9 March 2022, ADRC held an Online
Tsunami Seminar FY2021, and invited
Assistant

Professor

Gallardo

from

the

Mauricio

Reyes

UniversityofValparaiso in Chile. He gave a lecture
entitled "Experience with Tsunami Risk
Reduction in Chile." In terms of disasterrisks, he noted that Chile is a multihazard country, with earthquakes andtsunamis being the most notable hazards
as experienced in 1960, 2007, 2010, and2015. Tsunami experiences in Chile

Figure 2.14 Prof Mauricio Gallardo of the University of Valparaiso in Chile

offered opportunities to improve andstrengthen tsunami risk management through: 1) technological improvements in early warning systems 2) the
development and adoption of the National Building Code as well as the Reinforcement Code; and 3) theapplication of "Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Maremotos" (SNAM) and "Sistema Integrado de Prediccion y
Alarma de Tsunamis" (SIPAT) to keep people informed about tsunami risks and help provide guidance
relating to evacuation and safety measures. Despite improvements in tsunami risk management, Prof
Gallardo said that Chile remains vulnerable to tsunamis due to the following factors: lack of urban planning;societal, ecological, economical, and cultural complexities; lack of education; poor use of technology; andpoorly maintained infrastructure. He concluded that good risk governance is needed for establishing systems
that can bring order to the complexities of tsunami risk. Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki, Executive Director of
ADRC, concluded the seminar by saying that ADRC would promote tsunami disaster risk reduction throughsharing of experiences and lessons in Japan and other countries.

2.5

Innovation of the GLIDE Number System

The GLIDE number system, which gives common but unique numbers to disasters all over the world, does
not only support the integration of DRR data in each country, but it also improves the efficiency of retrieval of
information on historical and on-going disasters from various databases across different countries andorganizations. This system is continually improving through further studies and institutional arrangements.

19

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY2021

2.5.1

Study on Promoting GLIDE

Once a disaster occurs, an operator of a GLIDE member organization issues a GLIDE number by inputting
disaster information such as location, time, disaster type, initial damage. The GLIDE number being issued
appears on the GLIDE website,
and is also emailed automatically
Section 2

to over 2,000 subscribers. So far,over 7,300 GLIDE numbers havebeen issued. ADRC continues to
conduct

study

onaddressing

technical and practical issues toefficiently promote the utilization of
GLIDE,

includingitsStandard

Operating Procedures (SOP).

Figure 2.15 Slide on Study of Promoting GLIDE

2.5.2

Establishment of the Steering Committee

The GLIDE Steering Committee (SC) was established on 30 June 2021 to facilitate sustainable operation,and during its establishment, the first SC Meeting was held online. A total of 17 participants from 9 founding
and new partner organizations participated in the meeting. Prof ONO Yuichi was selected as the first chair
and ADRC as Secretariat. The
main outcome of the first meeting
was the establishment of threesubcommittees:
OperatingStandard

Procedure(SOP),

Application Programming Interface(API), and Product Development.
The Second SC Meeting took
place on 8 December 2021 withparticipation of 13 people from 6
organizations. In that meeting, thesubcommittees

reported

activities and proposals.

20

their

Figure 2.16 Slide presented during the SC Meeting on 30 June 2021

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 its website (https://www.adrc.asia), to provide member countries and the general public of documented experiences, lessons,tools, and practices that maybe useful for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities.

3.1

Information Collection

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 collects information from
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, disaster management
plans, and manuals)·

Disaster response and recovery activities (e.g., emergency response activities in affected 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

Member countries regularly provide reports and information on DRR to ADRC Secretariat, which manages

the database. To facilitate sharing, ADRC disseminates DRR related website links and other relevant
information among member countries and partner organizations. The updated record of country reports for
FY 2021 is shown in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1. Years Country Reports Updated as of FY2021

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, 2013

China

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

23

Section 3other countries and organizations in collaboration with the Visiting Researchers (VRs) and the United Nations

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

Year Prepared(Information frequently updated by VRs)

Country

Section 3

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

Pakistan2005, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2017

Papua New
Guinea1998, 1999, 2005, 2006

Philippines

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

Russia1998, 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

1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006

Thailand

1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017,2018, 2019, 2020

Turkey2019

Uzbekistan

1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015

Vietnam

1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2017

Yemen

2009, 2012, 2014

In FY 2021, the reports from member countries continued to put emphasis on DRR activities during COVID19 pandemic. Some of the reports were written as thematic papers, which were submitted and presented at
the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2021.
3.1.2

Latest Disaster Information

Information on latest disaster and its updates are regularly posted on ADRC website (Figure 3.1). In
particular, the date of occurrence, location, impacts, and links to reports, articles, maps, relief efforts, andsatellite images are among the basic information that are included in the updates. The sources of theseinformation are from ADRC counterparts, partner organizations, and networks (e.g., media, governments,
international organizations, research institutions and civil societies). For instance, ADRC updates theinformation based on the materials provided by the ReliefWeb (operated by UNOCHA), United States
Geological Survey (USGS), and other media information, including government agencies.

24

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

Section 3

Figure 3.1 Latest Disaster Information on ADRC Website

The five most notable disasters in FY2021, as shown on the ADRC website, included:·

Floods in India, June to September

In Western India, severe flooding and landslides was experienced in Maharashtra State starting in June
2021. As of 28 July, the death toll increased to 209, according to the National Emergency Response Centre.
About 8 people were missing, 52 injured, 434,150 displaced (over 251,300 to 308 temporary relief centres),and more than 382,650 people were affected across ten districts. Heavy rain continued until September 2022
over northern and coastal Maharashtra. https://bit.ly/indiaLF2021·

Henan Flood in China, July

More than 144,660 residents were affected by torrential rains in Henan Province of Central China, 16-20 July
2021. It was reported that 10,152 people were relocated to safe places. https://bit.ly/HenanFL2021·

Nuristan Flood in Afghanistan, July

On 28 July 2021, massive flash floods, triggered by heavy rain, occurred in Mirdesh village in Kamdesh
district in Nuristan province – eastern part of Afghanistan. Around 150 were reported missing and 113 people
were found dead. Around 300 residential houses were impacted with 200 houses fully damaged. One public
bridge and four small bridges were also damaged. The flood swept away cattle and livestock, destroyed
agricultural lands, and demolished a large part of a road in Kamdesh district. https://bit.ly/AfghanFL2021

25

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR·

Typhoon Rai in the Philippines, December

Typhoon Rai (Local name: Odette) slammed southeastern part of the Philippines on 16 December 2021,
bringing heavy rains and flooding that displaced thousands over a large area. It rapidly intensified to a
Category 5 storm before making landfall. It killed 405, injured 1,371, missing 52, affected 7.8 million, andevacuated 114,943 people. Over 2 million houses were totally/partially destroyed and about 1,734
infrastructures were damaged. https://bit.ly/PHILFL2021·

Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami in Tonga, January

The Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) Volcanic
Section 3

Eruption and the induced tsunami waves which hit
Tonga in the evening of 15 January 2022 resulted in
the displacement of about 2,390 people and 465
households. About 54.41% of affected households
were in Tongatapu, 30.54% in Ha’apai Islands, and15.05% in ‘Eua.
https://bit.ly/TongaVL2022
The set of disaster information provided on the ADRC
website is comprehensive due to wide range of reliable
ADRC partners that provided the data.

Figure 3.2 ADRC presentation on HTHH Volcanic Eruption of
15 January 2022

3.1.3

Natural Disaster Databook

ADRC obtained data from EM-DAT and analyzed it to show theoccurrence, death tolls, people affected, and economic impact of disasters
during the year 2020 (but reported and published in FY2021). In addition,
the analysis also included two other sets of data. One pertains to data on

climate-related disasters, and the another pertains to data COVID-19
situations. In general, the Natural Disaster Databook 2020 presented
three data perspectives:·

Natural disaster data of 2020 is compared with the annual average ofdisaster data of the past three decades (i.e.,1990-2019) at the global
level and at the Asian level
Figure 3.3 Cover of Natural Disaster
Databook 2020

26

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR·

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) is presented at global
level as well as in the ADRC member countries

The analysis of disaster data was presented in a form of infographic. For instance, in 2020, the economic
losses from disasters (excluding losses from COVID-19) was USD173.1 billion. This number was higher
compared to the annual average of USD108.5 billion of economic losses from disasters in the last three
decades (Figure 3.4).
Section 3

Figure 3.4 Economic losses by disaster type 2020 vs 1990-2019 annual average

Some highlights of the Natural Disaster Databook 2020 could be mentioned here. Firstly, flood and storm
had been the most frequent causes of disasters in 2020 as well as during the last 30 years. These twodisaster types also account for the highest number of people affected and the highest economic losses in2020 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) areclimate-related disaster types that show the tendency of frequently occurring, as observed in 2020 andduring the last 30 years. This observation is notable not only globally, but also, in Asia. Thirdly, as of 21
September 2021, the number of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19 had 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 globallyon that day. Although some western countries rolled out vaccines, there emerged some COVID-19 variants(e.g., delta variant) that might had contributed to the increasing number of confirmed cases. In ADRC

27

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

member countries, cumulative data shows that COVID-19 situation was varied, reflecting the differences inpolicies as well as socioeconomic conditions of Asian countries.

3.2

Information Dissemination

ADRC disseminates DRR information using a range of channels, including: a) regular issuance of ADRC
Highlights, a monthly newsletter, b) dissemination via GLIDE, c) dissemination through Sentinel Asia andspace-based platforms, and d) sharing of information at conferences and learning events.
3.2.1

ADRC Highlights

Section 3

Since 1 June 1999, ADRC has been issuing the ADRC Highlights for information dissemination. For eight
years (until FY 2007), the ADRC Highlights had been issued twice a month. However, following the renewalof its design in the beginning 2008, it has been issued monthly and published in three languages: English,
Japanese, and Russian.

Figure 3.5 ADRC Highlights issued in three different languages

As of 28 February 2022, there are 2,329 subscribers for English edition, 915 for Japanese edition, and 229
for Russian edition. The newsletters are available on ADRC website and also disseminated by email in

English, Russian, and Japanese languages to 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 of international conferences which ADRC isengaged. The contents include articles on the latest ADRC activities, reports on participation in international
conferences, and other events in which ADRC staff members attended and gave presentations. Reports by
ADRC Visiting Researchers from member countries and interns are also covered in the newsletter.

28

INFORMATION SHARING ON DRR

3.2.2

Data Sharing through GLIDE Number System

As of FY 2021, over 7,300 GLIDE numbers have been
issued. GLIDE (operated by ADRC and other partners
includingthe

UnitedNations,

international

partnerorganizations, and researcher institutions) is a disaster
identifier system that is commonly formatted but has
unique numbers to disasters to support the integration ofdisaster risk reduction (DRR) data as well as improve theefficiency of retrieving historical and on-going disaster
Section 3

information from various databases across different
countries and organizations. Figure 3.6 shows a list of
GLIDE numbers with the disaster and geographic
information. Once a GLIDE number is issued, it is shared
to some 2,000 registered users in the world and applied
to their databases and products.

Figure 3.6 GLIDE Information on its Website

3.2.3

Data Sharing through Sentinel Asia

As of January 2022, a total of 111 organizations from 28 countries and region join the Sentinel Asia. In
accordance with the Cooperation Agreement between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs(UNOOSA) and ADRC signed on 4 June 2009, ADRC has been established as a UN-SPIDER Regional
Support Office (RSO) operated by its staff members as coordinators. In spite of year-to-year changes in thenumber of requests, the ratio of activated numbers remains stable at around 80%.
In 2021, Sentinel Asia received 34 requests from JPT members and 34 were activated in 2021. Looking at the
breakdown of the number of disaster observations by country and region from 2007 to 2021 (Figure 3.8),
Indonesia requested the most at 60. This is followed by 56 requests from Vietnam and 50 requests from thePhilippines, indicating that Southeast Asian countries occupy the top positions. Floods represent the largest
number of disasters with 212 requests (50.1%), followed by earthquakes at 54 (12.8%), typhoons at 36

Figure 3.7 Data Provider Nodes of Sentinel Asia

Figure 3.8 Emergency Observations 2007-2021

29

4. Human Resource Development

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4.

Human Resource Development

To enhance disaster risk management (DRM) capacities in member countries, ADRC promotes humanresources development (HRD) through the Visiting Researchers (VR) Programme, seminars, workshops, andtraining events on disaster risk reduction.

4.1

Visiting Researchers (VR) Programme

As of October 2021, an accumulated total of 121 visiting researchers have participated in the programmefrom 27 countries since 1999. In principle, VRs are expected to spend around three months at ADRC. During
this period, VRs will be engaged in their own research activities, such as comparing disaster management

systems between their countries’ and Japan, participating in various DRR events, and visiting relevantorganizations in Japan. These activities provide VRs the opportunities to learn about disaster management
systems and practices of Japan and other countries.
Activities During the Programme

VRs for FY 2021 included: 1) Ms Gevorgyan Ani, Armenia; 2) Ms Batjargal Ariuntungalag, Mongolia; 3) Ms
Thai Huong Minh, Vietnam; and 4) Mr Asghar Ali Jamali, Pakistan (Figure 4.1). During the programme, VRs
learn the latest knowledge and technology on DRR and international cooperation of Japan. VRs do not only
to contribute to the strengthening of the DRR capacity in their countries, but they also further promote
cooperation between their countries and ADRC.

Figure 4.1 Visiting Researchers of FY2021

4.1.2

Networking of Visiting Researchers

ADRC taps the network of former VRs in order to carry out ongoing projects effectively and efficiently.
Additionally, ADRC taps them to design new projects that meet the local conditions. Furthermore, through theformer VRs, ADRC extends support to the member countries to effectively implement their DRR activities.
For instance, during the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) that was held on 14-16 December
2021, a number of former VRs served as speakers in various sessions. In particular, Ms Syuzanna Kakoyan

33

Section 4

4.1.1

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(VR 2016, Armenia) presented in one session that dealt with strengthening disaster preparedness througheducation and awareness-raising for promoting proactive DRR actions, where she shared the “Code of
Conduct on Earthquake Protection” inArmenia (Figure 4.2)
Former VRs (e.g., Bhutan, Bangladesh,and Mongolia) also served as expert
respondents in the survey that ADRC
conducted about the Satellite Report for
Disaster and Crisis Management (DCReport) using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite
System(QZSS)

constellation

of

–

a

Japanese

GlobalNavigation

Figure 4.2 Ms Syuzanna Kakoyan, Visiting Researcher FY 2016

Satellite System (GNSS).
Section 4

4.1.3

DRR Lecture Series

Although ADRC could not conduct its activities in a normal
format in FY2021 due to the global pandemic, ADRC initiated the
DRR Lecture Series where Japanese experts provide lectures ina wide range of topics to expand knowledge among DRR
researchers and practitioners.

In March 2022 alone, eightlectures were organized (Figure 4.3). The topics, include:·

Disaster Management in Japan·

Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction·

Flood Disaster Management·

Local Flood Disaster Countermeasures·

Earthquake Disaster Management·

Landslide Disaster Management·

School DRR Education·

Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction
Figure 4.3 List of ADRC DRR Lectures

4.2

JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Programme: “Comprehensive Disaster Risk
Reduction”
JICA commissioned ADRC to conduct comprehensive training courses on DRR, which are designed basedon themes of interests in each region/country. In FY2021, three comprehensive DRR courses were
implemented for the African region, Central Asia and Caucasus, and Asian region in general.

34

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4.2.1

Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for the African Region

Duration: 27 September to 28 October 2021
Number of Participants: 23
Contents: DRR in Japan, 8 Steps in formulating local DRR plan

Section 4

Figure 4.4 Discussions among trainees using Miro

A total of 23 participants from the countries of Algeria, Cabo Verde, Cote D'Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini,
Mozambique, South Africa, and Sudan had completed this training course, which was conducted using an
English language. Participants were officials from the central and local governments in charge of disastermanagement. The training was an occasion for participants to share knowledge and experience tostrengthen the disaster risk reduction programs of their respective institutions. In light of the COVID-19
pandemic, the training (which include lectures and workshop for formulating local DRR plan using online
whiteboard "Miro") was conducted online for the first time.

4.2.2

Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for Central Asia and Caucasus

Duration: 4 November to 2 December 2021
Number of Participants: 10
Contents: DRR in Japan, 8 Steps in formulating local DRR plan

Trainees, who participated in this course, are the countries of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Turkmenistan,and Uzbekistan. The course was conducted in Russian for central and local government officials in charge ofdisaster management in Central Asia and the Caucasus with the aim of sharing knowledge and experience

35

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

to strengthen government institutions in charge of disaster risk reduction. In light of the outbreak of thepandemic, the training was conducted online for the first time, including lectures and workshop forformulating local DRR plan.

Section 4

Figure 4.5 Presentation of 8-Step in formulating local DRR strategy

4.2.3

Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction

Duration: 11 January to 15 February 2022
Number of Participants: 5Contents: DRR in Japan, 8 Steps in formulating local DRR plan

Figure 4.6 Participants and trainers of the Comprehensive DRR Course

36

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Participants in this training course were from Brazil, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, and Pakistan. The course wasconducted in English for central and local government officials in charge of disaster management in the world
with the aim of sharing knowledge and experience to strengthen government institutions in charge of disasterrisk reduction. In light of the outbreak of the pandemic, the training was conducted online including lectures
and workshop for formulating local DRR plan.

4.2.4

Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for Latin America

Duration: 12 July to 13 August 2021
Number of Participants: 28

Contents: DRR in Japan, 8 Steps in formulating local DRR plan

Section 4

Figure 4.7 Screenshot of Comprehensive DRR training for Latin America

Participants in this training course were from Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala,Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Peru. The course was conducted in Spanish for central andlocal government officials in charge of disaster risk reduction in the Latin America with the aim of sharing

knowledge and experience to strengthen government institutions in charge of disaster risk reduction. In lightof the COVID-19 pandemic, the training was conducted online including lectures and workshop forformulating local DRR plan.

4.3
JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Programme: Promotion of Mainstreaming Disaster
Risk Reduction in the World and ASEAN
Another JICA-commissioned training events that ADRC conducted in FY 2021 was the JICA Knowledge CoCreation Programme: Promotion of Mainstreaming DRR in the ASEAN.

37

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4.3.1

Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in the World

Duration: 15-25 November 2021
Number of Participants: 8Contents: DRR in Japan, 8 Steps in formulating local DRR plan

Section 4

Figure 4.8 Mainstreaming DRR training for the ASEAN in November 2021

Participants in this training course were from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, and Philippines. The course wasconducted in English for central and local government officials in charge of DRR and budget (treasury) withthe aim of sharing knowledge and experience for the mainstreaming DRR. In light of the outbreak of thepandemic, the training was conducted online including lectures and workshop for making action plan for
mainstreaming DRR.
4.3.2

Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in ASEAN

Duration: 7-16 March 2022
Number of Participants: 10
Contents: DRR in Japan, 8 Steps in formulating local DRR plan
Participants in this training course were from Brunei Darussalam,
Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The course was conducted in English for central and local
government officials in charge of DRR and budget (treasury) in
ASEAN with the aim of sharing knowledge and experience for themainstreaming DRR. In light of the outbreak of the pandemic, thetraining was conducted online including lectures and workshop formaking action plan for mainstreaming DRR.

38

Figure 4.9 Mainstreaming DRR training for the
ASEAN in March 2022

5. Cooperation and Partnerships

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

5.

Cooperation and Partnerships

In order to advance disaster resilience, ADRC forges cooperation and partnerships among member countries
and partner organizations, including conducting joint research and organizing learning events.

5.1

Research Cooperation

Research projects that started to get implemented in FY2021 include topics pertaining to the use of satellites
for early warning, capacity building in DRR, climate downscaling, and application of Mobipack software.
5.1.1

QZSS Feasibility Studies

In collaboration with the Asia Air Survey, ADRC conducted a survey among 10 experts from member
countries. The survey pertains to Satellite Report for Disaster and Crisis Management (DC Report) using the
Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) – a Japanese constellation of Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS). Since QZSS has the capacity to send warning information using the space satellites, it is expected
to offer greater application in remote andmountainous areas with poor coverage ofground-based

telecommunications

networks. It would also augment theSection 5

ground telecommunication systems thatare vulnerable to service disruptions
during extreme disaster events. Survey
outcomes offer insights on designing the
QZSS early warning service to effectively
supportevacuation

andresponse

activities (Figure 5.1). In view of thisproject, the Cabinet Office of Japan (inpartnership with ADRC) is initially inviting
the following countries to participate inthefeasibility

studiesdemonstrations:Cambodia,

andChineseIndonesia,

actualTaipei,Malaysia,

Figure 5.1 Flow of early warning service using QZSS in Japan

Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal,

Australia, and Fiji.

5.1.2

Knowledge Co-creation in CDRR

In cooperation with JICA, ADRC conducted the research project pertaining to “Knowledge Co-Creation
Programmes on Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)”. This project covers subject-specifictraining programmes targeted to the five regions: Asia, Latin America, Central Asia and Caucasus, Africa,
and island countries. The project is aimed at clarifying the policy for “Comprehensive DRR” training in linewith the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction (2015-2030). Outcomes of thisproject are expected to improve the contents of JICA’s comprehensive disaster risk reduction training course,

41

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

and make it more effective in promoting the DRR activities based on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction (Figure 5.2).

Section 5

Figure 5.2 Presentation of project outcomes on improving training contents

5.1.3

ERIA Research ProjectThrough the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), ADRC conducted a research
project titled, “Study on Disaster Resilience Policies and Measures for Sustainable Economic Growth in
ASEAN Region”. Under this project, three Japanese experts prepared papers to provide policy advice
pertaining to economic damage from disasters in the ASEAN region, disaster resilience of private sector ofJapan, and investment in disaster risk reduction for sustainable development.
5.1.4

Climate Downscaling Study

Some researchers at ADRC participate in the study on downscaling of climate change impact projection
under the banner of Advanced Study of Climate Change Projection (SENTAN) with Kyoto University as theleading research agency. The research comprises five components: 1) Hazard Integration Model, 2) Hazard
Mechanism, 3) Hazard Event Attribution, 4) International Collaboration, and 5) Adaptation Strategy. As of

December 2021, a total of 119 researchers have engaged in the project to contribute in achieving the project
goals (Figure 5.3).

42

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

5.1.5

Section 5

Figure 5.3 Goals of climate downscaling study

World Bank Tech-Emerge Resilience Project Termination

Upon recommendation of the Government of Himachal Pradesh in India, the project to strengthen

emergency response using Mobipack (an open source analysis software developed by the University ofTokyo) was terminated in the middle of August 2021 due to unforeseen policy challenges from the National
Government of India. In that project, it was recalled that 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 thetelecommunications companies store in their databases. Mobipack can access and process the CDR datafrom the telecommunications company, and can visually show on a dashboard of a computer screen
people’s movement in near real-time. 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 and infection outbreaks, (iii) informing evacuation operations, and(iv) informing the distribution of relief goods and supplies. It was the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster
Management Authority (HP-SDMA) that coordinated the supposed installation of Mobipack in local

telecommunications companies, covering the entire 12 districts.

5.2International Engagements and Partnerships

Annually, ADRC is engaged in a range of international/regional events and activities to strengthen
partnerships and cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
5.2.1

APEC-EPWGADRC has been serving as co-chair of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG), andhad organized and participated in the following activities in FY 2021:

43

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS·

17th EPWG Meeting, 20-21 May 2021
In this meeting, the EPWG discussed: 1)
initiatives in responding to COVID-19; 2)
EPWG Strategic Plan 2021-2024 and
EPWG TOR; 3) APEC Putrajaya Vision
2040 Implementation Plan; 4) Cross-Foracollaboration; and 5) capacity building
projects.
ADRC Executive Director Mr NAKAGAWA
Masaaki presented the “Major DisasterFigure 5.4 Screenshot of 17th EPWG Meeting

Events and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Policy Implementations During COVID-19 Pandemic” at the meeting.
·

14th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum (SDMOF-14), 26 May 2021
SDMOF-14

discussions

revolvedaround two major themes: 1) DRR
polices

includingpreparedness,

Section 5

response, and recovery measuresin light of the COVID-19 pandemic,
and2)

inclusive

participation

and

in

balanceddisastermanagement. Outcomes of the firstthematic discussion highlighted theimportanceof

improvingrisk

governancebyconsidering

thelessons from concurrent crises.

Figure 5.5 Screenshot of 14th SDMOF

Outcomes of second thematic discussions, which was moderated by Dr Gerry Potutan of ADRC,
highlighted three common actions in promoting inclusive and balanced participation in disastermanagement: 1) empowering communities to act in disaster management; 2) forging joint-strategies
among government agencies; and 3) strengthening partnerships and collaboration.

·Workshop on Enhancing Participation in Flood Disaster Preparedness Through Communitybased Hazard Mapping, 17 June 2021
Organized by the University Putra Malaysia, the Global Environment Centre, and the Malaysian Water
Partnership, ADRC presented the “Town Watching” method developed by ADRC Executive Secretary
Professor OGAWA Yujiro, and explained its applications to some 50 participants from APEC economies.

44

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS·

Workshop for APEC Disaster Risk Management Strategies to Support MSMEs Business
Sustainability, 24-26 August 2021
ADRC sent resource speaker in this workshop, which was organized by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
The event was aimed at increasing MSMEs coping capacity through capacity building Programme andprivate-public partnership and to recommend policy to support MSMEs recovery after a disaster. ADRC
presented the “Policies and Practices of Japan to Support MSMEs DRM”, which was favorably
welcomed by the participants.

·

Workshop on Better Risk Monitoring and Assessment for A Risk-informed Regional Economic

Integration, 23-24 September 2021
EPWG-China hosted this workshop, and ADRC sent two
representatives,

namelyMr

NAKAGAWA

Masaaki(Executive Director of ADRC) and Dr Gerry Potutan(Senior Researcher of ADRC) to serve as panelists. One
session dwelt on Better Disaster Risk Monitoring andAssessment moderated by Ms Fengmin Kan (Former
Regional Chief, Asia-Pacific Regional Office, UNDRR)
Section 5

and the other was about Inclusive DRR for Resilience
Building moderated by Mr Sanny Ramos Jegillos (Senior
Advisor/ Team Leader, Disaster Risk Reduction andRecovery for Building Resilience, Bangkok, Thailand).
The two-day workshop brought together policymakers,
experts, scientists, academia, and practitioners to shareexperiences on better disaster risk monitoring andassessment, risk-smart businesses, and communitybased DRR in the post COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes
Figure 5.6 Screenshot of workshop hosted
by EPWG-Chinaof the event offered insights on activities that contributetowards a risk-informed regional economic integration in
the post COVID-19 world.
5.2.2

ASEAN

Engagements of ADRC in the activities related to the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
and the AHA Centre in FY2021 include the following:·

6th AADMER Partnership Conference, 8 June 2021
The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency
Response(AADMER)isadocument

that

presents

themechanisms for effective disaster risk reduction and calls forstrengthening regional and international cooperation on disasterrisk reduction efforts in order to mitigate the damage caused bynatural hazards in the 10 ASEAN countries. In this partnership

Figure 5.7 ADRC Executive Director
NAKAGAWA Masaaki at the Conference

45

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

conference, ADRC Executive Director NAKAGAWA Masaaki gave a statement highlighting thecontributions of ADRC's DRR projects, such as the GLIDE system for sharing disaster information,
ADRC efforts to strengthen networks among ASEAN countries, and the ERIA (Economic ResearchInstitute for ASEAN and East Asia) research project.
·

AHA Centre Executive (ACE) Programme, 17 November 2021
This event was jointly organized by the AHA Centre and Kobe University to showcase the latest DRR
technology transfer to DRR organizations. ADRC presented the following in one of the sessions: 1)
Outline of the Sentinel Asia, 2) Trend of Emergency Observation Request, and 3) How to register

disaster information into the OPTEMIS system.

Section 5

Figure 5.8 Agenda of the Sentinel Asia Session in the ACE Programme·

Public-Private Seminar on Innovative Policies and Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction, 29
March 2022
The Cabinet Office of Japan, the ASEAN
Secretariat, and in collaboration with ADRC
organized this seminar to support theimplementationof

AADMERWork

Programme 2021-2025. ADRC Executive
Director NAKAGAWA Masaaki presented the
GLobal unique disaster IDEntifier (GLIDE)
and

also

highlighted

otherinnovative

engagements of ADRC, such as Sentinel

46

Figure 5.9 ADRC presentation at the Public-Private Seminar

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Asia, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Early Warning Service (QZSS-EWS), Visiting Researchers
Programme (VR), Comprehensive DRR Training along with JICA, and Town Watching for DRR during
this event. Outcomes of the seminar are expected to contribute to the implementation of the AADMERWork Programme 2021-2025 and the development of the ASEAN-Japan Work Plan on Disaster
Management 2021-2025.
·

ASEAN-Japan Work Plan: Workshop on Collaborative Actions, 23 March 2022
This workshop was jointly organized by the
Cabinet Office of Japan and ASEAN
Secretariat. ADRC supported this event bysendingresource

persons.

In

thisworkshop ACDM focal points discussed theidentified

concrete

activities

tobeincorporated into the ASEAN-Japan Work
Plan (e.g., capacity building, evidencebased DRR, and community-based DRR).
Section 5

Figure 5.10 ADRC presentation at the Workshop

5.2.3

APRSAF/Sentinel Asia

Under the framework of the Sentinel Asia – an initiative led by the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency
Forum (APRSAF) to support disaster management with WEB-GIS technology and earth observation satellite
data – ADRC functions as the focal point to receive emergency observation request as well as participate inrelated activities.
·

International Disaster Charter Online Training, 3 February 2022
ADRC

participatedInternational

DisasterintheCharter

Online Training held on February
3 in 2022, and received a lectureonthelateststatusoftheInternational Disaster Charter andhow to register data in COS-2
system.
Figure 5.11 Screenshot of a presentation in the IDC online training·

27th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, 30 Nov - 3 Dec 2021
This session was co-organized by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration

47

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Agency (JAXA). APRSAF has four Working
Groups: (1) Space Applications Working
Group (SAWG); (2) Space Technology
WorkingGroup

Environment(SEUWG);(STWG);

Utilization
and

(4)

(3)

Space

Working

Group

Space

Education

Working Group (SEWG). ADRC is a memberof the Space Applications Working Group(SAWG) and reported on trends in Sentinel
Asia emergency observation requests andits future action plans during the session.

Figure 5.12 Agenda of the SAWG Session in the 27th Session of
APRSAF

Section 5·

5th Symposium on Human Resource Development and Space Data Utilization for Disasters, 25
January 2022
ADRC participated in this symposium, which was jointly organized by Yamaguchi University and Udayana

University. ADRC made a presentation about Sentinel Asia and the Activation of Emergency Observations,explaining

howobservationsareemergency

requested

duringdisasters

and

how

to

memberoftheSentinel

About

70

Programme.

becomeaAsiaexperts,

representing

local

disastermanagement

organizations,

Tokyo

University,

National

theResearch

Institute for Earth Science and Disaster
Resilience,

and

the

organizing

institutions (Yamaguchi University andUdayana University) participated in this
symposium.

5.2.4

Figure 5.13 ADRC presentation in the symposium

ESCAP/WMO: Typhoon Committee

Under the auspices of the Cabinet Office Government of Japan, ADRC has been engaged in the activities of
the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. ADRC participated in most of its activities in FY 2021.

48

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS·

18th Session of WMO's Regional Association V (Southwest Pacific), 1-3 Sep 2021
As an observer to the constituent
bodies of the World MeteorologicalOrganization(WMO),

ADRC

participated in this session. The key
discussions at the session pertained
to the working structure, strategic
priorities, and flagship initiatives ofRegional Association V in the context
of

the

WMO's

Comprehensive

Regional Reform. ADRC has been
engaging in the activities of theregional

association

toexplorecollaborationonfurthernew

Figure 5.14 Screenshot of the 18th Session of WMO RA-V

initiatives as well as to promotepartnerships that could lead to closer regional cooperation.
Section 5·

16th Working Group on DRR (WGDRR), 5 November 2021
Thirty(30)

representatives

from

ESCAP, WMO, ADRC, Thailand,

Malaysia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, USA,
China (Shanghai, Hong Kong, andMacau), and Typhoon Committee
Secretariat (TCS) participated thevirtual meeting held on 5 November
2021. The key outcome of themeeting was the proposed 2022
Annual Operations Plan (AOP). It
should be noted that this outcome
was later presented and discussed

Figure 5.15 Screenshot of the 16th WGDRR Meeting

further at the 16th Integrated Workshops (16th IWS) of the Typhoon Committee, 2-3 December 2021.

Members of the WGDRR noted that the 2022 AOP is similar to the 2021 AOP, where only AOP6
incurred expenditure. In view of this, members agreed that all the 2021 projects will continue in 2022.
·

16th Integrated Workshop (IWS) of the Typhoon Committee, 2-3 December 2021
The IWS is an annual event for members and observers of the Typhoon Committee (TC) to review theactivities and progress of the four TC working groups: Working Group on Meteorology (WGM); Working
Group on Hydrology (WGH); Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR); and Training andResearch Coordination Group (TRCG). During the two-day event, members of each working group

49

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

discussed, in parallel, its respective
priorities in line with the Typhoon
Committee’s Draft Strategic Plan
2022-2026. ADRC is a member ofthe WGDRR, and participated in
discussing priorities and key result
areas (KRAs) of this group.

Figure 5.16 Screenshot of the 54th Session of the Typhoon Committee·

54th Session of the Typhoon Committee, 23-25 February 2022
Lao PDR hosted the 54th Session of the Typhoon Committee which was held online. The event opened
by electing Madam Outhone Phetluangshy (Director General, Department of Meteorology and Hydrology,
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) of Lao PDR and Mr Weng Kun Leong (Director

Section 5

Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau) of Macao, China as Chair and Vice Chair of the 54th Session
respectively. One of the outcomes of the meeting was the presentation of the Committee’s Strategic
Framework 2022-2026 that is aimed at achieving two targets: 1) substantially reduce total mortality
caused by tropical cyclone related disasters of the Members in the decade 2021-2030 compared to theperiod 2005-2015; and 2) Reduce direct economic loss caused by tropical cyclone related disasters in
relation to the total GDP of the Members in the decade 2021-2030 compared to the period 2005-2015.
The 55th Session of the Typhoon Committee will be organized in Macao, China in February 2023.
5.2.5

APP-DRRADRC engages in the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (APP-DRR), which is a multistakeholder forum for disaster risk reduction focused on the implementation of the Sendai Framework.
ADRC contributes in the APP-DRR, as it serves as the main consultation forum for the Asia-Pacific
Ministerial Conference for DRR (APMCDRR) and implementation of the new Asia Pacific Action Plan of the
Sendai Framework.

·

APP-DRR Forum, 8-9 December 2021
The discussions in this Forum emphasized seizing new regional opportunities in order to make moreprogress through the new Asia Pacific Action Plan (2021-2024), the Global Platform for Disaster Risk
Reduction, 23-38 May 2022 in Bali, Indonesia; the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk
Reduction (APMCDRR), 19-22 September 2022 in Brisbane, Australia; and the Mid-Term Review of the
Sendai Framework. At the Forum, ADRC Executive Director Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki, proposed two
points to advance an evidence-based approach for the mid-term review. One is to give more focus ondata development in developing countries to address the lingering challenge of lack of disaster risk

50

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

reduction data. The other is to havegreater actions and increase efforts
in reducing disaster risk in addition todisaster response activities.

Figure 5.17 Screenshot of the APP-DRR Forum 2021

5.2.6

Other International Engagements

Upon invitation of international and regional organizations, ADRC participated in conferences and seminars
in FY 2021 as opportunity to disseminate DRR information as well as strengthen the ADRC network.
·

Workshop on the Accessibility of Emergency Plans and Systems, 15 June 2021
opportunity for DRR institutions and organizations from around the world to give updates on the latest
DRR activities related to the accessibility of emergency and evacuation plans and systems ADRC
presented in Session 3, "Examples of Good Practices for the Accessibility of Emergency and Evacuation

Plans and Systems".

Figure 5.18 Flyer of the Workshop on Accessibility of Emergency Plans·

Workshop on State Resilience to Shocks and Disasters, 13-14 August 2021
This two-day event was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone and organized by the African Peer Review
Mechanism (APRM) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction(UNDRR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission (EC), African Risk Capacity

51

Section 5

This workshop was organized by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services in Turkey. It was an

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS(AFC), and the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS). The discussions
focused on five themes: (1) Disaster Risk
Knowledge; (2) Understanding Disaster Risk
Governance,(3)

Building

Resilience

in

Health, Agriculture, Peace, and Security in
Africa;(4)

Multi-Hazard

Early

Warning

Systems and Emergency Operations; and (5)Developing

Integrated

Disaster

Risk

Financing. Dr Gerry Potutan of ADRC gave apresentation entitled, “Building the Case forMulti-Hazard DRM System Experiences in
Asia during the COVID-19 Pandemic”.
·

Figure 5.19 Screenshot of the workshop hosted by APRM

5th Global Summit of GADRI: Engaging Sciences in Action, 1 September 2022
This summit was organized by the Global
Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes

Section 5(GADRI) managed by Kyoto University.
ADRC

participated

in

the

Panel

Discussion and presented the utilization of

space technology for DRR and goodpractices involving Sentinel Asia. ADRC
suggested the strengthening of networks
betweendisastermanagement

organizations and space agencies as well
as expanding the networks of research

Figure 5.20 Screenshot of the 5th GADRI Global Summit

institutions to support Sentinel Asia.
·

Inter-Regional Dialogue on Regional Cooperation - Application of Cutting-Edge Technology for
Disaster Risk Reduction in China, Japan, and Korea, 13 October 2021
This activity was organized by the Trilateral Cooperation

Secretariat (TCS) and the UNDRR Office for Northeast Asia
(UNDRR ONEA), where ADRC gave a presentation that
included the following case studies: 1) new mapping
technology known as “Red Relief Image Map (RRIM)”; 2)
newcommunication

technology

called“Relay-by-

Smartphone”; and 3) an environmentally-friendly disaster
resilience technology known as “Gabion”.
Figure 5.21 Screenshot of the Inter-Regional
Dialogue

52

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS·

Workshop on DRR, School Safety, and Safe Reopening of Schools, 21-23 Dec 2021
Upon invitation of the National Institute of Disaster
Management (NIDM), ADRC delivered a keynote
speech at the workshop. ADRC offered insights on
adapting the school disaster risk reduction (School
DRR) activities with the COVID-19 Pandemic during
the re-opening to the officials in India who participatedin the workshop. During the three-day event, thediscussions took a detailed look at the impacts andimplications of COVID-19 on school safety in India
and what countermeasures can be taken for safe
reopening of schools. As a consequence of the
lockdowns, schools in India have been indefinitely
closed. Outcomes of the workshop include crafting
joint strategies among state governments and otherstakeholders for education continuity planning after
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Section 5

Figure 5.22 Flyer of the Workshop on School Safety·

4th Spatial Planning Platform Forum, 9 February 2022
ADRC organized a session entitled "Resilient
Society through Disaster Risk Reduction" at
the 4th Spatial Planning Platform (SPP)
Forum held online on 9 February. The SPP
is an organization led by UN Habitat and thegovernment of Japan, with the participation
of

Asian

countries

andspecializedorganizations, which aims to contribute to thecreation of a sustainable society throughbetter urban and regional planning. The 4th
SPP Forum featured presentations from: 1)

Figure 5.23 Screenshot of the 4th SPP Forum

Prof NISHIKAWA of Nagoya University on planning efforts for disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Japan; 2)
Sendai City on the integration of DRR into local government planning; and 3) Philippine Government on
lessons learned from community relocation in the process of disaster recovery and reconstruction.

53

COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS·

Forum on Climate Change and DRR, 13 February 2022
Dr Gerry Potutan, Senior Researcher
of ADRC, gave a lecture in this Forum.
The lecture highlights the importanceof investing in the community byenhancing practical capacities that cancontributetobuilding

disasterresilience. The purok system in the
Municipality of San Francisco, Cebu
Province, is one example of suchinvestment.

Each

purok

in

municipality

had

successfully

this

implemented pre-emptive evacuation
through the support of its community

Figure 5.24 Screenshot of ADRC presentation in the Forum on Climate
Changeleader. Based on this experience, the following insights were drawn about community organizing throughthe purok system: 1) it enhances practical capacities for disaster response and recovery; 2) it
institutionalizes mutual-help in the community; and 3) it prepares the community how to evacuate from
Section 5

and respond to disasters.

54

6. International Recovery Platform

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

6.

International Recovery Platform

As a pioneering member of the International Recovery Platform (Annex 2), ADRC supports its activities,
including co-hosting the IRP Secretariat in Kobe, Japan. IRP activities in FY 2021 are listed below.

6.1

International Recovery Forum 2022

Annually, in January, IRP organizes the International Recovery Forum (Forum) to exchange experiences andfacilitate discussion on challenges to resilient recovery, and opportunities for building back better. The Forum
was held in a hybrid modality on 19 January 2022, on the theme, “Redesigning Systems for Resiliencethrough Recovery: Assessing Progress and the Unfinished Agenda at the Midpoint of the Sendai

Framework”. Attended by 400 participants from 65 countries, the Forum featured keynote presentations andpanel discussions.
As the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 approaches its mid-term implementation,
the United Nations General Assembly has mandated that a midterm review of its implementation should be
conducted, with specific reference made to assessing progress toward its core provision to “build backbetter”. The global pandemic, climate change, and setbacks to the Sustainable Development Goals
underscore the necessity of assessing progress and challenges in building back better to date, and tocollectively consider adjustments and actions necessary to implement Priority 4 moving forward.
The International Recovery Forum 2022 provided reflections on the implementation of Priority 4 and thechallenges that remain, while setting a forward-looking agenda for continued progress. It featured
retrospective and prospective discussions between recovery policymakers and experts on focused themes inequitably and with greater resilience from disasters. The Forum have two panel discussions that aim toachieve these objectives:·

The first objective is assessing the Six Years of Progress and Challenges in “Build Back Better” forImplementing the Sendai Framework. Panelists discussed progress, achievements, enablers andbarriers in building back better and how these have informed improvements in recovery policies,
governance, programmes, and outcomes.

·

The second objective is to redesigning systems for resilience through recovery: Setting the Agenda for
Advancing “Build Back Better” through 2030. Panelists discussed priorities and options to advance theimplementation of building back better in the context of multiple hazards and systemic risk. It identified
good practices that lead to transformative and resilience actions in recovery.

Speakers at the opening session included Mr Ronald JACKSON, Chair of the IRP Steering Committee(UNDP), Mr SAITO Motohiko, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, Mr UCHIDA Yoshinari, Deputy Director
General for Disaster Management, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, and Ms Mami Mizutori, Special
Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of
the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
The first keynote speaker was Mr TAKEYA Kimio, Distinguished Technical Advisor on Disaster Risk
Reduction, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The second keynote speaker was Ms Cynthia

57

Section 6

recovery for enhanced implementation of building back better so that communities can recover faster, more

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

SPISHAK, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy and Programme Analysis Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
Members of the first panel discussions were Ms Elizabeth RILEY, Executive Director, the Caribbean Disaster
Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA); Mr Anil POKHREL, Chief Executive, National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Authority, Government of Nepal; Ms Litea BIUKOTO, Team Leader, Risk
Reduction, The Pacific Community (SPC); and Mr Nathan NKOMO, Acting Chief Director, Department ofCivil Protection, Ministry of Local Government, Public Works andNational Housing, Government of

Zimbabwe. Ms Cristelle PRATT, Assistant Secretary-General, Environment and Climate Action, Organizationof African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) moderated this panel.
Members of the second panel discussions were Mr Ramesh SUBRAMANIAM, Director General, Southeast
Asia Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB); Mr Jerry FANO, Head, Project Impact Analysis and
Evaluation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Government of the Philippines; Ms Sithembiso
GINA, Senior Programme Officer, Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, Southern African Development Community(SADC); and Mr José OLIVEIRA, National Director, National Directorate for Risk Prevention andManagement, Government of Portugal. Ms Paola ALBRITO, Chief of Branch, Intergovernmental processes,
Interagency Co-operation and Partnerships, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
moderated this panel.
Finally, the Speakers at the closing session were Ms Paola ALBRITO, Chief of Branch, Intergovernmental
processes, Interagency Co-operation and Partnerships, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction(UNDRR) and Mr MURAKAMI Takeo, Director, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, on behalf of Co-Chairof the IRP Steering Committee.
Section 6

Figure 6.1 Speakers of the International Recovery Forum 2022

58

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

6.2
On

6th National Convention for the Promotion of Disaster Reduction
5-6

November

2021,

participated

in

the

6th

Convention

for

the

Promotion

IRP

NationalofDisaster Reduction (Bosai Kokutai2021) which was organized by the
National Convention for the Promotionof Disaster Reduction 2021 Steering
Committee led by the Cabinet Office.

This event has been held since
FY2016 and is now in its sixth year.
The purpose of this event is to raiseawarenessofdisasterprevention
Figure 6.2 Online display of IRP Guidance Notes on Recovery

among the people and to shareknowledge and experiences about

disasters in order to enhance disaster preparedness, and to serve as an opportunity to raise awareness of
disaster prevention at the individual and community levels. This year, the event was held hybrid (on site andonline) in order to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Through the online exhibition, IRP introduced its activities to the international community to promote "Build
Back Better" through the introduction of sectoral recovery guidance notes, leaflets outlining its activities, the

IRP Herald and knowledge products related to COVID-19, and side events at the Global Platform for Disaster
Section 6

Reduction meeting and the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction.

6.3

Sendai Disaster Reduction and Future Forum 2022

On 5 March 2022, IRP participated in the
Sendai Disaster Reduction and Future Forum2022 held in Sendai City. The forum was held
under the theme of “Linking Our Disaster
Prevention and Environment to the Future of
the Miyako of Mori” as an event where citizens
could learn about disaster prevention anddisseminate

their

daily

activities

throughsessions, booths, and hands-on events in order
to connect the experiences and lessons
learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake
to future disaster prevention. IRP set up its own
exhibition

booth

and

distributed

leaflets

Figure 6.3 IRP Display Booth at the Sendai Forum 2022

outlining its activities, and the IRP Herald.

59

INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

6.4

Sessions at the Global DRR

In FY 2021, IRP was engaged with three Regional Platforms held by UNDRR, namely: 1) the European
Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2) the Fifth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, and 3)
the VII Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean.
IRP Secretariat organized a featured event “Building Back Better and Greener for Resilient Recovery fromthe Pandemic” with IRP SC member UNDP at the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR) on
24 November 2021. This event featured distinguished speakers from UNDP, the Cyprus Institute, UNDP
Azerbaijan, and the Government of Ukraine. Speakers deliberated on the application of recovery needs
assessment tools for greening recovery, decision support models for recovery planning and greening
recovery, and the lessons that can be gleaned from recent experiences with planning and investing inresilience in the pandemic recovery. According to the organizer of the EFDRR, the event was among themost well-attended side events at the conference, with 269 live participants, and more than 100 on-demandviews.
In the 5th Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction: “Build Back Better Post Disaster Recovery an
Opportunity to Build Resilience in the Arab Region”, on 10 November 2021 – IRP SC Co-Chair Cabinet Officeof Japan and IRP Secretariat co-presented.
In the 7th Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean: IRP SC
members UNDP and GFDRR co-organized “Risk-Informed Recovery in a Multi-hazard Context: Lessons
Learned from Current Times” on 2 November 2021. This event was an IRP co-branded side event, with IRP
supported promotion, and implementation.
Section 6

6.5

Upgrading of IRP Website

The IRP Secretariat worked intensively
with

the

UNDRR

Communications,

Advocacy, Knowledge Management andIT team throughout 2021 to design andbuild a new IRP website. The IRP
Secretariat completed the design anddevelopment of the renewed site, andpre-launched the renewed site on 19
January 2022 during the International

Recovery Forum 2022. The previous
IRP website was maintained until 16

Figure 6.4 Screenshot of upgraded IRP website

February 2022 at which point it wasarchived. The IRP Secretariat migrated more than 2,000 recovery-related publications and events to the newsite, and has since uploaded more than 200 publications in 2021 to be disseminated through the new site
and the PreventionWeb. The existing website continued its growth in web traffic, with more than 51,000
unique visitors to the site in 2021, up from 37,000 in 2020, and 32,000 in 2019.

60

7. Natural Disaster Databook 2021

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

7.

Natural Disaster Databook 2021

ADRC publishes the Natural Disaster Databook annually to provide statistical and analytical perspectives ofnatural disaster data. ADRC retrieves data from the Emergency Event Database (EM-DAT) in order to better
understand the occurrence, deaths, people affected, and economic losses from disaster events (See Annex
3: Notes on the Sources of Data). The analytical overview, presented in graphs with explanations, is divided
into three key sections:·

In Section 7.1, natural disaster data of 2021 is compared with the annual average data of 1991-2020
both at the Global level and at the regional level (Asia)·

In Section 7.2, climate-related disaster data of 2021 is compared with the annual average data of 19912020 both at the Global level and at the regional level (Asia)·

In Section 7.3, COVID-19 situations at the global level and in the ADRC member countries arepresented to show the cumulative data of confirmed cases and deaths

Based on the data from EM-DAT, the number of disaster occurrences has significantly increased during thelast 30 years (1991-2020). This increasing trend is observed globally and in the Asian region. In 2021, thetotal of disaster occurrences was 436, which is higher than the annual average of 376 during the last 30
years. Flood and storm have consistently shown the highest frequency of occurrence and subsequently withthe highest amounts of economic losses. Although the frequency of disaster occurrences has been
increasing, the number of deaths from disasters is decreasing. Existing data shows that deaths fromdisasters in 2021 is 14,442. This is lesser compared to the annual average of 61,086 during the past 30
years (1991-2020). Two implications can be highlighted about this data. On one hand, it could indicate thatthe disaster risk management (DRM) systems have improved. On the other hand, it could imply that lower
deaths in 2021 is simply due to the absence of mass casualty events similar to the India Ocean Tsunami(2004) or the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011). In 2021, economic losses from disasters continued toshow an increasing trend, and this is hugely concentrated in high-income or developed countries, such as2021, the region recorded the highest number of disaster occurrences, particularly in Indonesia (28), Indian(19), China (17), and the Philippines (14).
Regarding climate-related disasters, the data shows an increasing trend during the last 30 years, and its
impacts are becoming more destructive. In 2021 alone, extreme cold waves (e.g., France in April) and heatwaves (e.g., Canada in July) were recorded in many parts of the world. Climate-related disasters, particularly

flood, storm, and drought, account for the highest number of people affected as well as economic losses in
2021 – a continuing trend since the last 30 years. With regard to climate-related disasters in Asia in 2021,
aside from heat wave, India was severely impacted by floods and cyclones affecting more than 18 million
people. Bangladesh and Nepal were hit by floods that impacted millions of people. Floods affected 14 million
people in China and over 1 million people in Indonesia. Furthermore, drought has been affecting millions ofpeople during the past 30 years, and it incurred economic losses affecting more than 28 million people in
Asia in 2021 alone.
Regarding COVID-19 situation, the data shows declining trends both in the number of cases and the numberof deaths globally. The peak was in January 2022 when 23,201,079 cases were recorded during the winter

63

Section 7

the United States or Japan. Asian remains to be the most disaster-prone region in the world such that in

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

at northern hemisphere. COVID-19 cases and deaths in ADRC member countries also showed a declining
trend. Factors contributing to the decline could be attributed to increasing rate of vaccination, weaker strainof the virus, and improvement in the medical system for handing COVID-19 cases.

7.1

Natural Disaster Data

Using the data from EM-DAT/CRED, UC Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (www.emdat.be) retrieved on 7 July
2022, this section presents the trends in natural disasters both at the global and at the regional (Asia) levels.
At each level, disaster impacts are analyzed in terms of occurrence, death tolls, people affected, andeconomic losses.

7.1.1

Global Disaster Data

Globally,

there

increasing

has

trend

of

been

an

disasteroccurrence since 1900 (Figure 7.1).
Compared with the frequency ofdisaster occurrence in the 1960s withthe present trend, the frequency ofdisasteroccurrence

increases

asmuch as tenfold. Some of the key
determinants for this increasing trend
are population growth and economic

development (See Annex 4: Key
Determinants).
Figure 7.1 Trend of disaster occurrence 1900-2020(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

Section 7

In 2021, the Asian region exhibited the highest number of disaster occurrences at 40% of the total global
occurrences. This figure indicates that Asia remains to be the most disaster-prone region in the worldconsidering that in the last 30 years (1991-2020), the region accounted for 39% of the total disasteroccurrences (Figure 7.2).

Figure 7.2 Disaster occurrence data by region 2021 vs 1991-2020(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

64

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021·

Occurrence

Around the world, EM-DAT recorded a total of 436 natural
disaster occurrences in 2021. This number is higher
compared with the annual average of 376 disasteroccurrence during the last 30 years (Figure 7.3). In
particular, flood and storm have consistently shown thehighest frequency of occurrence in 2021 and during thelast 30 years. Among the most devastating flood andstorm events in 2021 were: 1) floods in Maharashtra

State, western India, from June to September 2021; 2)heavy flooding in Henan Province, China from 16-20 July
2021; 3) massive flash floods, triggered by heavy rain, in
Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan in July
2021; and 4) Typhoon Rai (local name: Odette) insoutheastern part of the Philippines on 16 December
2021.

Figure 7.3 Global disaster occurrence 2021 vs 1991-2020(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)·

DeathsAs shown in Figure 7.4, the total number of people whodied from disasters in 2021 is 14,442. This number islesser compared to the annual average of 61,086 people
Section 7

who died from disasters during the past 30 years (19912020). Two implications can be highlighted about thisdata. On one hand, since the number of deaths fromdisasters is getting lesser (despite the fact that the numberof disaster events is increasing) could indicate that thedisaster risk management (DRM) systems may have

improved. On the other hand, it could mean that the
number of deaths in 2021 is lesser simply because there
were no mass casualty events similar to the HanshinAwaji Earthquake (1995), the Indian Ocean Tsunami(2004), and the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) that
occurred during the previous 30 years. However, it should
be noted that deaths by wildfire and volcanic eruption are

Figure 7.4 Global number of deaths by disaster type
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

not decreasing as other hazards, indicating that the challengesof reducing the number of deaths is still there.

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021·

People AffectedOverall, the number of people affected by disasters in
2021 is lesser compared to the annual average of the last
30 years (Figure 7.5). It is likely due to the fact that there
were more large-scale disasters that occurred during thelast 30 years than in 2021. The trend shows that annually,
more and more people are affected by flood, drought, andstorm. Usually, the locations of people who are highly
vulnerable to these climate-related hazards are hugely
concentrated in low and middle-income countries – that
often have limited capacities for disaster risk reduction(DRR). In particular, drought (which is a slow onset
disaster) has been affecting about 57 million people
annually since the last 30 years, and still continuallyaffecting low-income countries in 2021.
Figure 7.5 Global number of people affected by disaster type
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)·

Economic Losses

Economic losses from disasters in 2021 are higher
compared to the annual average of economic losses in
the last 30 years (Figure 7.6). EM-DAT data indicates that
Section 7

the

huge

economiclossesfrom

disasters

areconcentrated in high-income or developed countries (e.g.,
Japan and United States) due to massive destructions ininfrastructures and properties, which subsequently resultin business interruption losses.

Figure 7.6 Global economic losses(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

7.1.2

Asian Disaster Data

Recognizing that Asia is the most disaster-prone region in the world, ADRC specifically highlights disasterdata from this region. In 2021, the top 10 countries in Asia with the highest number of disaster occurrences,include: Indonesia (28), India (19), China (17), and the Philippines (14) among others (Figure 7.7).

Figure 7.7 Top ten countries in Asia with high disaster occurrence in 2021
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)·

Occurrence

Disaster occurrence in Asia in 2021 is recorded at 175.
This number is higher compared with the annual average
Section 7

of disaster occurrences during the last 30 years (Figure7.8). Disaster types that have increasing frequency ofoccurrences are flood, storm, and earthquake. In 2021
alone, seven earthquakes with magnitude 7 or above had
occurred in Asia, including the earthquake that hit Davao
Oriental in the Philippines on 12 August 2021 ofmagnitude 7.1.

Figure 7.8 Disaster occurrence in Asia
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021·

DeatheIn terms of the number of people killed by disasters, datain Asia showed that lesser people died from disaster in
2021 compared to the annual average of the last 30 years(Figure 7.9). This is consistent with the global trend
showing that while the number of disaster occurrences isincreasing, the number of people killed from thosedisasters is decreasing. This implies that countries in Asia
may

have

relatively

improved

theirdisasterriskmanagement systems. With regard to the disaster typethat caused more deaths, the data shows that flood,storm, and earthquake caused massive casualties.

Figure 7.9 People killed by disaster type in Asia
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)·

People AffectedCompared with the annual average number of people
affected by disasters in the last 30 years (1991-2020), thenumber of people affected by disasters in Asia in 2021 islesser (Figure 7.10). Disaster types that hugely affectpeople in Asia are flood, drought, and storm. In particular,
Section 7

drought has been consistently affecting high number ofpeople in Asia during the last 30 years as well as in 2021.

Figure 7.10 People affected by disaster in Asia
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021·

Economic Losses

Economic losses from disasters are lesser in 2021
compared with the annual average of economic losses in
the last 30 years (Figure 7.11). The disaster types that
incurred enormous economic damage in Asia are flood,earthquake, and storm. This data implies that flood has
been consistently causing massive economic impact
followed by storm and earthquake.

Figure 7.11 Economic losses from disasters in Asia
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

7.2

Climate Related Disasters

In this section, an overview of climate-related disasters (particularly those triggered by drought, extreme
temperature, storm, flood, and wildfire events) will be highlighted. As a background, many factors
contributing to climate change may be gleaned from the historical perspective since the industrial revolution(which led to economic growth, booming industries, and heightened development). Industrial revolution has
atmosphere and altered the hazard profiles that make it more frequent and severe. These environmental
costs also contributed to the sudden and slow-onset hazards. Using the EM-DAT data, trends and impacts ofclimate-related disasters are analysed both at the global level and at the regional level (Asia).

7.2.1

Global trend in climate-related disasters

Data shows that there has been an increasing trend in climate-related disasters worldwide (Figure 7.12). On
top of that, climate-related disasters are becoming more destructive. In 2021 alone, extreme cold waves andheat waves were recorded in many parts of the world. In April 2021, France was hit by extreme cold wave,
and in June-July 2021, many parts of North America were hit by heat waves. British Columbia, Canada
topped a stunning 49.6°C (121°F) on 29 June 2021. On the same day, Quillayute, Washington in the UnitedStates recorded an astonishing heat wave of 43.3°C (110°F).

69

Section 7

environmental costs (e.g., ‘The Anthropocene’) that resulted in the earth’s geological state, impacting the

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

Figure 7.12 Global Occurrence of Climate-related disaster(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

Globally, climate-related disasters (particularly: flood, storm, and drought) account for the highest number ofpeople affected as well as economic losses in 2021, a trend that continues since the last 30 years (Figure7.13).

Section 7

Figure 7.13 Impacts of climate-related disasters(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

7.2.2

Asian trend in climate-related disasters

In Asia, the trend of climate-related disasters mirrors the global trend with increasing occurrence of flood andstorm (Figure 7.14). So, similarly in 2021, most Asian countries experienced an increasing trend of climaterelated disasters. Aside from the heat wave, India was severely impacted by floods and cyclones affecting70

NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

more than 18 million people. In Bangladesh and Nepal, millions of people were impacted by floods. In July
2021, about 14 million people in Henan Province, China and about 1 million people in Indonesia were
impacted by floods.

Figure 7.14 Occurrence of climate-related disasters in Asia
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

Drought has also been affecting millions of people during the past 30 years and in 2021 (Figure 7.15).
Additionally, in 2021, drought incurred economic losses that unfolded slowly, but with devastatingconsequences affecting more than 28 million people.

Section 7

Figure 7.15 People affected and economic losses from disasters in Asia
(EM-DAT/CRED, 2022)

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

7.3

COVID-19 Data

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus continues to mutate and spread around the globe withno foreseeable end in sight. In this regard, this section presents an overview of the cumulative data ofconfirmed cases and deaths since 11 March 2020 when the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the
pandemic. Using the data retrieved from the World Health Organisation COVID-19 Dashboard, an overview
of the COVID-19 situations at the global level and in ADRC member countries will be presented.

7.3.1

Global Situation

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been multiple virus cycles that led to an upward trend of

confirmed cases. As the virus developed, it became more potent and less dangerous, thus showing morecases and lesser number of deaths. In addition, more individuals were vaccinated, thus reducing the worst
impacts of the virus. The peak was in January 2022 when 23,201,079 cases were recorded in the winter at
northern hemisphere.

Section 7

Figure 7.16 Global situation of COVID-19 as of July 2022
(WHO, 2022)

7.3.2

COVID-19 Situation in ADRC Member Countries

Among the ADRC member countries, India has recorded an extremely high number of accumulated infectedcases giving the impression that other member countries have lesser cases (Figure 7.17)

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

Figure 7.17 COVID-19 cases in ADRC member countries(WHO, 2022)

However, if India is taken out from the graph, a number of ADRC member countries have relatively highaccumulated number of COVID-19 cases, including they Russian Federation, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, and
the Philippines (Figure 7.18).

Section 7

Figure 7.18 COVID-19 cases in ADRC member countries without India in the graph(WHO, 2022)

Essentially, internal policies for navigating the coronavirus situation differs with each ADRC member country.
For example, strictness of COVID-19 countermeasures or harshness of penalties for breaking medical advice
contribute in the spike or control of cases.
As of 7 July 2022, there has been in declining trend of deaths from COVID-19 in ADRC member countries
compared to the time when the pandemic began. Factors contributing to the decline of the number of deaths
could include vaccination, weaker virus strain, and improvement in medical system in handing COVID-19

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NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK 2021

cases. Among the ADRC countries that exhibited higher cumulative number of deaths from COVID-19
includes Armenia, Indonesia, Russian Federation, and Thailand (Figure 7.19).

Figure 7.19 COVID-19 situation in ADRC member countries(WHO, 2022)

Section 774

Annexes

ANNEX 1 HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADRC

History 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 the 1990s as theInternational Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). It adopted a resolution aiming to sharply
reduce the damage caused by natural disasters around the world, 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, toconduct an interim review of the decade-long IDNDR initiative and to propose an action plan for the future. At
the meeting, the “Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World” was adopted, highlighting the importance ofinternational cooperation in regions that share common 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 IDNDR Secretariat organizeda 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 promotinginternational cooperation in disaster reduction, including a Japanese proposal to launch a feasibility study ona 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 tomight be created for the Asian region. The meeting was attended by key personnel in the disaster reduction
bureaus of 30 countries, and they agreed to study the creation of the tentatively named “Asian Disaster
Reduction Center (ADRC)” to serve 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 in Tokyo 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 a center in Japan to serve as the secretariat for the proposed system.

77

Annexesthresh out how a central disaster reduction system, as stated in the Kobe Disaster Reduction Declaration,

ANNEX 1 HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADRC

1998: Establishment of ADRC
Gaining momentum from these series of meetings, the Government of Japan discussed the organization,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.

Annexes78

ANNEX 2 OVERVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY PLATFORM

Overview of International Recovery Platform
IRP was established following the Second UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Hyogo,
Japan in 2005 to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) by addressing thegaps and constraints experienced in the context of post-disaster 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 aplatform 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, theHyogo Prefectural Government, ADRC, and UNDRR.
IRP works towards supporting greater advancements in the field of resilient recovery and build-back-betterby:·bringing together a broad range of senior policy makers and practitioners to exchange experiences andfacilitate discussion on resilient recovery challenges and build-back-better opportunities at the annual

International Recovery Forum·

advocating for closer cooperation with development partners, regional intergovernmental organizations,regional organizations, and regional platforms for disaster risk reduction in promoting 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 by consensus. Steering
Committee members contribute towards the approved activities of IRP, by means of commitment of funds orin-kind contributions. The Steering Committee members can request the Chair for technical experts ornecessary. 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-Environment, UNCRD, UNDP, UNESCO, UN-Habitat, UNDRR, UNOPS, and WHO (Figure 1 Logos of
IRP SC members)

Logos of IRP SC Members

79

Annexes

specialist to attend meetings on an ad-hoc basis to provide specialist inputs as and when deemed

ANNEX 3 NOTES ON SOURCES OF DATA FOR THE NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOK

Notes on Sources of Data for the Natural Disaster Databook
Natural Disaster Data
All disaster data are based on EM-DAT: The Emergency Events Database - Université catholique de Louvain(UCL) - CRED, www.emdat.be, Brussels, Belgium. Data set was obtained on 7 July 2022, 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

Databook 2021 follows the EM-DAT definitions of “people killed” as persons confirmed as dead and persons
missing and presumed dead; “people affected” as the sum of injured, homeless, and affected requiring
immediate assistance during the period of emergency and requiring 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 a 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,
Annexes

crops and materials.
Landslide includes avalanche, debris, and rockfall.
Storm includes local storm, tropical cyclone, and winter storm.
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 and technological. The natural
disaster category is divided into 5 sub-groups, which in turn cover 15 disaster types and more than 30 subtypes. The technological disaster category is divided into 3 sub-groups which in turn cover 15 disaster types,
https://www.emdat.be/classification

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ANNEX 3 NOTES ON SOURCES OF DATA FOR THE NATURAL DISASTER DATABOOKCOVID-19 Data
All COVID-19 data used in the Databook 2021 is based from the World Health Organization Coronavirus(COVID-19) Dashboard, https://covid19.who.int/ accessed on 7 July 2022.
Data from the WHO COVID-19 Dashboard are from the official reporting to WHO through regional offices andalso 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.

Annexes81

ANNEX 4 KEY DETERMINANTS FOR CONSIDERED IN ANALYZING THE DATABOOKKey Determinants for Considered in Analyzing the Databook
In analysing the natural disaster data, ADRC is mindful of these four key determinants.
Population. It is clear that population affects the presentation of disaster profile of a country, region, or
continent. EM-DAT’s criteria for a disaster is when an event kills 10 or more people or affects 1,000 or more.
If it is considered that a disaster occurs at the intersection of a natural hazard and a vulnerable population, a
key facet of both of these parameters is the number of individuals exposed. Therefore, countries with larger
populations would see a higher probability of disaster occurrence. Therefore, it would be logical for China

and India to have the greatest weight on the parameters (e.g., total affected and total deaths), which the data
supports.
Level of development. Countries that belong to the higher level of the development spectrum (usuallycorrelated with GDP) accumulate capital and assets of higher value. This exposes them to heightened
economic risk. Therefore, developed countries usually top the list when assessing total damages. The data
supports this in such a way that the top three most damaging (USD value) disaster events to date were theGreat Hanshin Awaji Earthquake of 1995, Hurricane Katrina of 2005, and the Great East Japan Earthquakeof 2011.
Socio-political condition. Another EM-DAT criterion for a disaster is when the government declares a stateof emergency and calls for international assistance. However, since there are different bases and thresholds
for national governments to declare state of emergency and call for international assistance, it is likely thatthe socio-political condition comes into play. Therefore, it possible that the inclusion of some events isdependent on value judgements in a given socio-political condition.
Statistical timestamp bias. In this Databook, disaster data of 2021 is compared with the annual average ofdisaster data from 1990-2020. While valuable conclusions may be made from the 2021 disaster data, it issusceptible to disproportionate representation of individual events. On the other hand, the average data ofAnnexes

1990-2020 is susceptible to under-representation of disaster events.

82