KINGDOM OF CAMBODIACONTENTS
1. Introduction *2. Country Information *2.1. Location *2.2. Climate, Temperature and Rainfall *2.3. Annual flooding *2.4. Population *3. The major hazards in Cambodia (Natural Disaster) *3.1. Floods *3.2. Drought *3.3. Forest fire *3.4. Landslide *3.5. Storms *4. NCDM STRUCTURE *4.1. The National Committee for Disaster Management *4.2. Proposed Amendments to the Sub-Decree *4.2.1. Structure of NCDM *4.2.2. Terms of Reference of the Permanent Secretary *4.2.3. Terms of Reference of the Secretariat *4.2.4. Structure of the Secretariat *4.2.5. Emergency Co-ordination Centre (ECC) *4.2.6. Emergency Preparedness Programme (EPP) *4.2.7. Finance and Administration Division (AFD) *4.3. Terms of Reference Of NCDM Member Organisations *4.3.1. Role *4.3.2. Responsibility *5. NCDM POLICY *5.1. General Policy Elements *5.2. NCDM Philosophy *5.3. NCDM Goal *5.4. NCDM Role *5.5. NCDM Responsibility *5.5.1. General Areas of Responsibility *5.5.2. Specific Areas of Responsibility *5.6. NCDM National Strategy *5.7. NCDM Sub-national Strategy *5.8. Benefits from a National Emergency Management Policy *5.9. Declaration of Policy *5.10. Special Policy Issues *5.10.1. Declaration of a State of Emergency or Disaster *5.10.2. Procedures and Criteria for Recommending a Declaration *5.10.3. Policies and Procedures in Requesting, Allocating, Releasing and Monitoring of theEmergency Relief Fund *5.10.4. Reporting Requirements for Release of Funds *5.10.5. Policies and Procedures on Foreign Assistance/or Emergencies *6. NCDM EXPERIENCES *6.1. Receiving International Assistance *6.1.3. Unclear Channels for Receiving International Assistance *6.1.3. The Importance of Team Work *6.1.3. The importance of good field assessment *6.2. Utilization of International Assistance *6.2.1. Upon Arrival of Assistance *6.2.2. Distribution of Relief Supplies *6.2.3. Unclean Roles and Responsibilities *7. Conclusion *1. Introduction

Cambodia is one of fourteen countries in Asia considered by the UN-Department of
Humanitarian Affairs to be the most prone to disasters. Cambodia has been frequently affectedby two kinds of disasters: natural and man-made. The natural disasters mainly include floods
and drought. The man-made disasters caused by wars and civil strife have been a major
problem for much of the 20 years resulting in large number of refugees, internally displaced
persons, orphans and poor families. Over six million mines lie buried in Cambodian soil
threatening the lives of thousands of people, especially in rural areas.

Since 1995 the Royal Government of Cambodia has founded a systematic coordinatedinstitutional structure whose mission is to implement the government’s future strategy aiming
at building the disaster management capacity throughout the progress step by step despite thelack of technical experience, material and finances. In 1996, the National Committee on
Disaster Management, headed by both Prime Ministers as copresidents instructed its secretariat to conduct a damage survey and formulate an appeal for
relief from national and international donors, and to meet the response to the immediate needsof victims.

Outline of the Government organisation responsible for Disaster Management
・Country : Cambodia
・Name of organisation : National Committee for Disaster Management
・Contact information : Secretariat of NCDM・ Name of co-ordinating department :Secretariat of NCDM, Council of Ministers,
Royal
Government of Cambodia
・Address : # 3 road 55, Chatomuk sub-district, Daun Penh district,Phnorn Penh・Phones: - (855)023 725 907: - (855) 018 810 099: - (855) 018 813 510

・Fax- (855)018810 099 : (855) 023 363 465
・E-mail :・Current Co-ordinating official : H.E Nhim Vanda, Permanent Secretary, NCDM
・Number of staff : 30

2. Country Information
2.1. Location

Cambodia is situated between the latitudes of 10 - 15 North and Longitudes of 108 - 120 Eastand covers an area of 181, 035.00 sq.km. It consists of 19 provinces, 4 municipalities, 172
districts. Bordered on the North and West by Thailand, North and East by Viet Nam. The Southand West have around for 38 % of the Country land area of which 80 % is devoted to riceproduction but also includes upland crops/plantations, shrub and grasslands, flooded forests andurban and barren lands. Mountains forest accounts for 62% of land area and includes evergreen,
deciduous, mixed and secondary forests and woodlands of scattered trees.

2.2. Climate, Temperature and Rainfalla) Climate Temperature Seasons
May ? November 27 ? 35 Rainy ( South - West monsoon)
November ? February 17 ? 27 Dry ( North - East monsoon)
February ? May 29 ? 38 Hot, almost no rainb) Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in mountainous areas in the East ranges from 2,000.00- 3,000.00
mm. The South - West coastal areas experiences around 4,000.00 mm of rain a year, whilst in
the plan area, the average annual rainfall is only 1.400.00 - 1,600.00 mm. However, annual
rainfalls fluctuate very much (monthly fluctuation is also high).

2.3. Annual flooding
25 % of the plain area on average is flooded annually by the Mekong River and its tributaries
and local downpours (rainfall-runoff is often blocked by the high water level in the MekongRiver and Toniesap Great Lake).

2.4. Population
The estimated population of Cambodia is about 10.7 million. Density of population is estimatedto be 51 persons per sq.km. The sex imbalance is estimated at 52.2 % female and 47.8 % male.
7.7 % of the population lives in urban areas, 6.9 % live in main towns and 85.4 % in rural areas.

3. The major hazards in Cambodia (Natural Disaster)
3.1. Floods
In Cambodia there are two main types of floods: flash flood and river flood they frequently occur
during the rainy season (in South - East Asian monsoon). The country is rarely hit by coastal
floods. The floods are mainly caused by deforestation, erosion of river banks causing the river tobecome shallower, lack of building and engineering codes, lack of irrigation systems and heavy
domestic rainfall.

3.2. Drought
The imbalance in the distribution of monsoon rainfall over recent year has resulted in drought
condition in some parts of Cambodia. During the rainy season from May - November, a dry spellof 10 - 20 days can give rise to extensive drought and damage to paddy field. Some areas inCambodia have been affected by prolonged drought from 1997 up to present Cambodian people
would face food shortage and poverty if this disaster continued to exist

3.3. Forest fireThis disaster is very rare in Cambodia. In 1997 there was a fire occurred in Kirirum mountain,
but is was a small scale disaster which lasted for a few days. Frequently, Cambodia is affectedby house fire, especially in the big cities.

3.4. Landslide
In 1997 the flow of Mekong river has caused landslide in Kandal, Kampong Chain Prey Veng
provinces and in Phnom Penh city. The current of water has carried along with it houses, fruit
trees. Cambodian people living the river bank are facing destruction by landslide and they are
not equipped with measures of prevention.

3.5. Storms
Some provinces of Cambodia are also hit by storms and Typhoon. By the end of 1997, Linda
Typhoon hit Pou lo wei island causing wreckage of 81 fishing boats and hundred of victims.

4. NCDM STRUCTURE
4.1. The National Committee for Disaster Management
The Royal Government of Cambodia established the National Committee for Disaster
Management, hereinafter referred to as NCDM or the Committee, by Sub-decree N°35 dated
27 June, 1995. NCDM is composed of.

Prime Ministers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (PMO) Co-Presidents
Ministry of Interior (MINT) Co-Vice Presidents
Council of Ministers Office (CMO) Co-Members
Ministry of National Defence (MND) Co-Members
Ministry of Environment (MOE) Member
Ministry of Economy. and Finance (MEF) Member
Ministry of Social Welfare, Labour and Veterans (MSWLV) Member
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Member
Ministry of Agriculture, Foress and Fisheries (MAFF) Member
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (MYAIC) Member
Ministry of Health (MOH) Member
Ministry of Planning (MOP) Member
Ministry of Information (MINF) Member

Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MEYS) Member
Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs (MCRA) Member
Ministry of Rural Development(MRD) Member
Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME) Member
Cambodian Development Council (COD) Member
Secretary of State, Women’s Affairs (SSWA) Member
Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) Member
Permanent Secretary NCDM (PS) Secretary

The Committee, in discharging its functions, shall utilise the facilities of the Ministry of YouthRehabilitation (MYR) in Phnom Penh, and the facilities of the Governor in Municipalities andProvinces.

4.2. Proposed Amendments to the Sub-Decree
The following paragraphs propose amendments to the Sub-decree.

4.2.1. Structure of NCDM
NCDM shall be restructured to consist of four elements:
1. An Executive Committee(EXC) which shall be composed of Ministers and shall meet under
the chair of the Co-Presidents twice each year and as necessary during a declared
emergency;
2. A Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) which shall be composed of technical experts
from relevant agencies such as the Secretary of State, Civil Aviation, the coordinating
Consortium of NGOS, the UN-DMT etc., which shall meet each month under the chair of
the Permanent Secretary, NCDM and which shall have its own Permanent Secretary; intimes of declare emergency or disaster, the Scientific and Technical Committee shallconvene each day to advise and assist the Permanent Secretary in his duties;
3. A Permanent Secretary (PS) who will co-ordinate and administer the work of NCDM
4. A Secretariat (SEC) which will support the work of the Permanent Secretary and which
will comprise of 5 permanent staff and 30 staff seconded by member agencies;

4.2.2. Terms of Reference of the Permanent Secretarya) Role of the Permanent Secretary
The Permanent Secretary:
1. Is Secretary of the NCDM Executive Committee;
2. Is Chairman of the NCDM Scientific and Technical Committee;
3. Is Director of the NCDM Secretariat

b) Responsibility of the Permanent Secretary
The Permanent Secretary, NCDM shall:
1. Co-ordinate the activities and functions of the various agencies of the Royal Government
as well as private institutions and civic organisations, so as to implement the policies
determined by the Committee;
2. Convene the Executive Committee twice each year and additionally as necessary, toestablish, clarify or review policy issues on hazard analysis, disaster prevention,
emergency management and post-emergency rehabilitation;
3. Convene and preside over meetings of the Scientific and Technical Committee each monthto effectively carry out the instructions of the Executive Committee and prescribe standard
operating procedures based on policy guidance from the Executive Committee;
4. Make recommendations to the Executive Committee, NCDM regarding declarations ofemergency and disaster
5. Issue regular Sitreps during an emergency, informing international agencies and the
public of the current status of the situation and decisions that have been taken to address
the problem;
6. Hold regular meetings to promote collaboration with national institutions, international
agencies, NGO and donors in prevention, preparedness, response, rehabilitation,
information dissemination and research;
7. Manage the Secretariat which shall provide services to the Executive Committee and theScientific and Technical Committee;
8. Publish and regularly update policy documents and national guidelines relating to all
aspects of emergency management;
9. Prepare and disseminate emergency manuals and other publications related to all aspectsof emergency management;
10. Provide instruction to the Provincial and Municipal CDM and other institutions on
emergency management;
11. Develop programmes for community participation in emergency management;
12. Advise the Executive Committee on all matters concerning emergency management andoperations;
13. Advise the Council of Ministers on all matters concerning emergency management;

4.2.3. Terms of Reference of the Secretariata) Role of the Secretariat
The Secretariat is:
1. the implementing body of NCDM;
2. responsible to the Executive Committee;
3. managed by the Permanent Secretary, NCDM.

b) Responsibility of the Secretariat
The Secretariat shall:

1. Formulate recommendations to the Executive Committee for the declaration of a State ofDisaster in areas that have been extensively damaged;
2. As part of recommendations on such a declaration, submit proposals to restore normalcy inthe affected areas;
3. Make recommendations to the Executive Committee, regarding declarations of emergency
by Governors;
4. Host the Scientific and Technical Committee composed of permanent representatives fromthe member agencies and other government agencies with the Permanent Secretary as
chair;
5. Refer proposals on policy and procedural issues, and the technical aspects of emergency
management activities to the Scientific and Technical Committee;
6. Advise the Executive Committee, on the status of emergency preparedness programmes,
emergency operations and rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the government and theprivate sector,
7. Develop guidelines on emergency preparedness and emergency operations involving
rescue, relief and rehabilitation;
8. Establish priorities in the allocation of funds, services, equipment and relief supplies;
9. Advise the local CDM in accordance with national policy and guidelines on emergency
management;
10. Provide training to government staff on all aspects of emergency management;
11. Formulate and submit to the Executive Committee, interim reports during declared
emergencies and disasters;
12. Formulate and submit to the Executive Committee, a final report for each declared
emergency and disaster, in which recommendations for changes in policy and practice aremade;

4.2.4. Structure of the Secretariat
The NCDM Secretariat was established according to Decision N°. 48 dated July 10, 1995.

It shall be reorganised according to the Structure below and shall have five permanent staff. It
shall be supplemented by seconded staff as required.

Division

Unit

Emergency Coordination Centre(Ecc)
Health, Sanitation and
Relief (HSR)
Rescue. Evacuation andTransport (RET)

Permanent
Seconded
Staff
Staff
Director
DeputyDirector
Chief Member
Chief Member
Chief Member

Security and Liaison(SLU)
Administration cad
Finance (AFD)

Director
DeputyDirector
Administration (ADMIN)

Chief
2
Members
Chief
2
Members
Chief
Chief
Chief Member

Finance (FIN)
Personnel (PER)
Reporting (REP)
Logistics(LOG)
Emergency
Preparedness
Programmes

Director
DeputyDirector
Policy andLegislation(PLU)
Plans and
Procedures(PPU)
Human and institutional
Resources(HIR)
Public information

Chief Member
Chief Member
Chief Member
Chief
4
Members
Chief Member

Research and Technical
Information (RTI)
Staff

Total

5

30

4.2.5. Emergency Co-ordination Centre (ECC)
The ECC evaluates emergency situations, determines courses of action to follow in times of
emergency, formulates and issues guidelines for evaluating emergency situations and submits
reports to the Permanent Secretary during and after emergency operations. The ECC shall:

1. On notification of a potential or actual emergency, open an incident room andestablish a command structure, according to established guidelines;
2. Inform the Permanent Secretary, Executive Committee and relevant agencies andadministrative bodies when an incident room is established;
3. Consolidate initial reports and submit them to the Permanent Secretary forsubmission to the Executive Committee for their information and action;
4. Each day at 1500 hours during a declared emergency or disaster, submit
consolidated reports to the Executive Committee for their information and action;
5. Each day at 1,700 hours during a declared emergency or disaster, submit decisions
issued by the Executive Committee to relevant agencies and administrative bodies
for their information and action;

6. Each day at 1730 hours during a declared emergency or disaster, submit reports
issued by the Executive Committee to mandated public information agencies. fordissemination;
7. Evaluate information and informs the member agencies of the Provincial andMunicipal Emergency Co-ordination Centres on relief operations;
8. Monitor progress of operations and determines the validity of requests for
additional resources or services;
9. Submit recommendations to the Executive Committee for allocation of technicaland managerial resources;
10. Consolidate information on urgent items needed in helping the victims ofemergencies as well as gather the necessary data on availability of resources such as:
Food - rice, corn, canned goods, vegetables, fish1 meat, soft drinks and other grocery
items;
Clothing - clothing materials and footwear;
Energy and fuel supplies;
Shelter materials;
Medical Supplies - medicines and equipment;
Construction materials ? timber, cement, roofing materials and hardware;Transport - government and military vehicles and specialised private vehicles;
Technical expertise in relation to technological hazards such as chemical accidents;
Other rehabilitation items such as seeds, implements, pesticides, fertilisers, livestockand fingerlings;
11. Co-ordinate security arrangements for emergency areas, emergency workers,
victims and VIPs visiting emergency areas;
12. Liaise with International Organisations, NGOs, Embassies and families ofinternational victims;
13. Determine courses of action to be taken based on recommendations of the
Executive Committee including the type of services to be utilised in the emergencyarea;
14. Prepare appropriate recommendations to proper authorities for possible
declaration of the existence a State of Disaster in affected areas. This
recommendation shall serve as a basis for the request for the release of funds fromthe Emergency Relief Fund;
15. As part of a final report, make recommendations on how to prevent a similar
emergency situation, if possible, and suggest precautionary measures to minimise theeffects of a similar emergency

Resources surveys will include the names and addresses of dealers, agencies or persons who
may donate, contribute or make available such resources that may be needed to assist victims.
This data should be provided for immediate reference to those who are called upon to renderassistance and relief to the victims.

4.2.6. Emergency Preparedness Programme (EPP)The Emergency Preparedness Programme shall:
1. Advise and submit proposals for amendments or modifications to legal and policy
documents;
2. Monitor and supervise implementation of existing plans and procedures;
3. Develop curricula and training materials;
4. Undertake training and briefing activities;
5. Prepare appropriate reports on unit activities;
6. Develop and disseminate information for the public;
7. Establish and maintain databases of the following information:
National, sectoral and institutional emergency plans;
National, sectoral and institutional emergency procedures:
Meetings of co-ordination bodies;
Audits of mandatory public safety and emergency response procedures in the public
and private sector;
Refresher training;
Early warning systems;
Specialised communication systems;
Information systems and databases;
Condition and quality of emergency response equipment;
Stockpiles and buffer stocks of essential supplies and key spare parts;
Simulation exercises;
Updated technical information related to particular hazards;
Population density;
Vulnerable groups - prisons, mental hospitals, orphanages, homes for thehandicapped, spontaneous settlements;
Areas previously affected by the same hazard;
Land elevations for flood risk;
Sanitation, industrial, chemical and nuclear hazards;
Potential emergency shelter sites;
Proposed food distribution points;
Water and sanitation information, both rural and urban;
Transport systems and networks;
Health centres;
Warehouses;

Utility networks and distribution points - electricity, gas, water;
communication networks;
Residences of essential staff;
Essential businesses and factories;
Fuel storage points and distribution sources;
Community preparedness focal points;
Emergency services - police, fire, ambulance, civil defence; military;
Ongoing routine maintenance of roads and utilities;
Essential relief items, with specifications and average costs;
Local manufacturers or suppliers of relief items, with information on quality;
capability; delivery times and reliability;
Provincial manufacturers or suppliers of relief items, with information on quality,
capability; delivery times and reliability;
List of agencies working in the country, with information on their competence andcapacity to be involved in emergency relief activities;
List of essential relief items not available in the country, or the region, which would
need to be obtained abroad, with available information on potential internationalsources;
Information on customs and taxation regulations covering the importation andtransit of relief and other items;
Information on essential relief resources that will allow a rapid response e.g. watersupply systems; sanitation systems; health networks; alternate shelter sites; sheltermaterials; ports, airports and transport networks; foods; fuel and energy supplies
warehouses; communications systems etc.;
Information on the designated focal points for emergency preparedness and responsein ministries, NGO and international agencies;
Information on resource persons and reference centres with specific expertise for
specific hazards, especially for technological emergencies;
1. Develop Early Warning Systems that cover:
Severe weather,Flood, fire and drought;
Other natural hazards;
Shortages of food;Outbreaks of disease and epidemics;
Movements of population;
Technological and industrial hazards;
Economic crises;
Social and political unrest;

War and insurgencies;

4.2.7. Finance and Administration Division (AFD)
The Finance and Administration Division shall:
1. Undertake all aspects of the routine administration of NCDM;
2. Undertake personnel and staff related activities;
3. Prepare routine and special reports;
4. Prepare, process and collate vouchers, requests for payments, quotations andsupporting documents For NCDM expenditures and expenses;
5. Record, update and maintains the NCDM books of accounts and ledgers;
6. Regularly summarise financial transactions and prepare the financial reports
therefrom in accordance with prescribed reporting formats, terms and conditions;
7. Prepare analysis of financial information for use of NCDM management and otherfinancial information users;
8. Liaise and make representations for and on behalf of NCDM on matters involving
the accounting and reporting of NCDM fluids and NCDM-managed finds.

4.3. Terms of Reference Of NCDM Member Organisations
4.3.1. RoleThe role of NCDM Member Organisations is to determine national policy for emergency
management in Cambodia.

4.3.2. Responsibility
The member organisations of the Committee shall have the following tasks:
1. The Prime Ministers, as Co-Presidents of NCDM shall:
Chair the Executive Committee to define national policy for emergency preparedness,
emergency operations and recovery and rehabilitation activities;
Declare a State of Disaster on the advice of the Permanent Secretary, NCDM;
Call on all other Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Agencies, and Corporations of
the government and the private sector for assistance in preparing for, reacting to andrecovering from the effects of emergencies;
1. The Ministry of Interior, through the Director-General, Administration, shall be
responsible for overseeing the organisation of local CDM and the establishment offunctional co-ordination centres in all local government areas;
2. The Ministry of industry, Mines and Energy shall be responsible for the organisation of
emergency management groups in all manufacturing, mining, commercial and industrial
complexes, utilising the existing safety guidelines;
3. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sp6rt (MEYS) shall be responsible for theorganisation of emergency management groups and response teams in all schools aninstitutions of learning;
4. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Labour and Veterans (MswLv), the Cambodian Red Cross(CRC) and the Secretary of State, Women’s affairs (sswA) shall be responsible for theextension of social services to victims;
5. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) shall be responsible for ...;
6. Council of Ministers Office (CMO) shall be responsible for ...;
7. Ministry of National Defence (MND) shall be responsible for ...;
8. Ministry of Environment shall be responsible for ...;
9. Ministry of Public Works and Transport shall be responsible for ...;
10. Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries shall be responsible for ...;
11. Ministry of Foreign Affairs & international Co-operation shall be responsible for ...;
12. Ministry of Health shall be responsible for ...;
13. Ministry of Planning shall be responsible for ...;
14. Ministry of Information shall be responsible for ...;
15. Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs shall be responsible for ...;
16. Ministry of Rural Development shall be responsible for...;17. Cambodian Development Council shall be responsible for ...;All members of NCDM shall make available their personnel, facilities and expertise to carry out
effectively the functions of the Committee.

5. NCDM POLICY
5.1. General Policy Elements

5.2. NCDM Philosophy
The philosophy underpinning the policy of NCDM is one in which an understanding of hazards,
their behaviour and the risks they pose to communities is considered fundamental to achieving
successful emergency management. This approach emphasises five areas as being essential
components of any emergency management programme:
1. hazard assessment;
2. vulnerability analysis;
3. disaster reduction;
4. emergency preparedness;
5. emergency response;This philosophy seeks to take a broad approach to emergency management in that it avoids
particular emphasis on disasters alone. It sees all disasters as being essentially man-made. It istheir cause i.e. hazards, that are classified as either natural or man-made. It is based on the useof four key terms, which are defined as follow:

Hazard……any phenomenon, material or structure that has the potential to cause
disruption or damage to people, their property or their environment. Hazards are classified
as natural or man-made;Emergency……a management process that is applied to deal with the actual effects ofhazards;

Disaster……an event in which the impact of a hazard results in unacceptable levels ofdamage or numbers of casualties;

Vulnerable Groups……those who because of constraints of an economic, social, ethnic,
physical or geographic nature, are less able to cope with the impact of hazards than othermembers of their community or society;

The following additional terms are important:

Emergency Preparedness Programme

Is: an integrated programme of long-term, multi-sectoral development activities which
create the kind of supportive political, legal, managerial, financial, and social environmentthat will result in the co-ordinated and efficient use of available resources in:[1] minimising the impact of hazards on communities, and[2] managing the transition from emergency relief to recovery, reconstruction andrehabilitation, in accordance with existing goals and plans for sustainable national
development.
The goal of emergency preparedness programmes is to achieve ever higher levels ofsectoral, institutional or national readiness.

Readiness for Emergency Responsea state of readiness for emergencies exists when an environment has been established inwhich communities, through their public, private and voluntary services and institutions,are ready and able to cope effectively at any time with both the impact and consequencesof most hazards, with little or no external assistance
Declaration of a State of Emergency

an official state where extraordinary administrative procedures for coping with a hazard
are activated and reserved powers for designated officials are invoked by a government,
organisation or institution
Declaration of a State of Disaster

an official state where extraordinary administrative procedures activated for an
emergency response are declared insufficient to cope with the impact of a hazard andtherefore external agents are required to assist or to take over managerial responsibility
5.3. NCDM Goal
The goal of NCDM is to raise the level of national readiness to respond to emergencies in
Cambodia. This will be achieved though undertaking its responsibilities using a hazard-based
approach and will be implemented through emergency preparedness programmes.

5.4. NCDM Role
The: role of NCDM in assisting its member agencies to manage emergencies through achieving
its goal of raising levels of institutional readiness to respond1 is:To strengthen their capability, through its National, Provincial and Municipal Offices, to:
1. respond to emergency situations appropriately and effectively.
2. reduce the burden of hazards on society, by supporting the development of nationaland sub-national sectoral emergency preparedness and disaster prevention
programmes;

5.5. NCDM Responsibility
5.5.1. General Areas of Responsibility
The general responsibility of NCDM in fulfilling its role is:
1. in Emergency Preparedness, to strengthen the capacity of its member agencies andpromote their self reliance at national and sub-national levels.
2. in Emergency Relief, co-ordination of all agents active in emergency management
and liaison with international agencies for support and collaboration;
The outcome of undertaking these responsibilities will be a strengthening of the levels of
readiness to respond of all agents active in emergency management in Cambodia.

5.5.2. Specific Areas of Responsibility
In order to achieve this goal of raising levels of institutional readiness in Cambodia, NCDM has
identified six key areas of specific responsibility. The outcome of undertaking these
responsibilities is the strengthening of the technical and managerial capability of communities,
through their government bodies, organisations and institutions, to deal with hazards and theirconsequences.
The specific areas of responsibility for NCDM are:1. the co-ordination of emergency management at national and sub national levels;
2. to promote the development of national legislation and national policy for emergency
management;
3. to promote the development of plans and procedures for emergency management;
4. to strengthen institutional and human resources for emergency management;
5. to promote the development of programmes for public education, public awarenessand community participation in emergency management;

6. to promote the collection, analysis and dissemination of information related toemergencies and disasters;

5.6. NCDM National Strategy
The strategy of NCDM will follow in order to meet its responsibilities is as follows:
1. An institutional philosophy based on understanding and using the terms hazard
analysis, vulnerability analysis, emergency management and disaster reduction in
preference to other similar or alternative terms;
2. Emphasis on linking emergency management to the national development strategy;
3. Promotion of, support for and implementation of the DNDR Yokohama Strategy andPlan of Action for a Safer World;
4. Emphasis on the co-ordination function of NCDM;
5. Adoption of a partnership approach with other actors in the field, including
government Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities andAgencies, technical and academic institutions (local and international), intergovernmental bodies, donors, local and international NGOs and UN agencies;
6. Intensification of collaborative relations between CRC and NCDM;
7. Development of a network of collaborating academic centres;
8. Focus on key issues as identified by the members of NCDM;
9. Adoption of a role for NCDM in general safety promotion;
10. Adoption of a role for NCDM in advocacy for the protection of victims, emergency
response personnel and infrastructure in emergency situations;11. Promotion and encouragement of a spirit of self-reliance and mutual benefit ingovernment agencies and local communities;

5.7. NCDM Sub-national Strategy
The following elements have been identified as defining the NCDM strategy for working at subnational level:
1. Work primarily through the Provincial and Municipal CDM;
2. Ensure that the provision of emergency and humanitarian relief is timely, relevant
and well co-ordinated;
3. Co-operate with local community organisations;
4. Encourage national programmes for emergency management to support local
initiatives;
5. Ensure that emergency response can be used to promote longer term development;
6. Provide support for rehabilitating damaged infrastructure;
7. Use all available resources in the local area before asking for assistance from otherareas or higher authority;
8. Broaden activities to include sectors other than government in disaster reduction
activities;

9. Assess and analyse vulnerability of communities, their environment and theirinfrastructure to specific hazards;
10. Strengthen and streamline procurement, supply and personnel procedures;
11. Promote local purchasing and employment of local expertise;

5.8. Benefits from a National Emergency Management Policy
NCDM will assist Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities and Agencies toprepare for and respond to emergencies. The following are some of the products that can be
expected having a strong and active NCDM:
1. National policies, national plans and standard procedures for emergency
management;
2. Managerial units in each of the Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations,
Authorities and Agencies mandated for a role in emergency preparedness andemergency response activities, including mechanisms for participating in intersectoral co-ordination processes
3. Funds for emergency preparedness and emergency response from international
support as well as from national sources;
4. Mechanisms for receiving and accounting for international assistance during an
emergency;
5. Plans and procedures for emergency preparedness and emergency response for eachof the Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities and Agencies e.g.
in health services: disaster medicine, mass casualties and hospitals, temporary
emergency services, epidemiology and disease surveillance, nutrition, environmental
health, hazard-specific plans, resource management etc.;
6. Co-ordinated Ambulance, Fire, Police, First Aid and Search and Rescue services;
7. An emergency management component of the curricula of all sectoral and public
service training institutions;
8. Manuals, guidelines, reporting formats, technical series and training materials;
9. Cycles of refresher training for emergency management, including simulation
exercises and drills;
10. Communication and information systems for emergencies, including databases,
stockpiling and buffer stocks;
11. A national development planning process which includes data relevant toemergencies, including early warning systems;
12. Public information, public awareness and community participation programmes forthe public information and community participation aspects of emergencies;
13. Reduction in the number of deaths and injuries and levels of property damage causedby the effects of hazards and consequently, preservation of national wealth.

5.9. Declaration of Policy
Therefore, it is the policy of the State that:
1. Self reliance shall be developed by promoting and encouraging the spirit of self help
and mutual assistance among local officials and their constituents;

2. The primary responsibility for emergency management rests on the mandated
government agencies in the affected areas in collaboration with local people
themselves and in co-ordination relevant local authorities;
3. This responsibility will be exercised through a Provincial or Municipal declaration of
a State of Emergency
4. The Royal Government may assume control of a crisis by declaring a State ofDisaster;
5. All government Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities andAgencies and administrative sub-divisions of the country shall set aside a reserve ofbudget to establish an Emergency Relief Fund;
6. It shall be the responsibility of all administrative subdivision of the country to havedocumented plans of their emergency functions and activities;
7. It shall be the responsibility of all government Ministries, Departments, Bureaux,Corporations, Authorities and Agencies to have documented plans of their emergency
functions and activities;
8. Each administrative subdivision of the country shall utilise all available resources in
the area before asking for assistance from neighbouring entities or higher
authorities;
9. All government Ministries, Departments, Bureau Corporations, Authorities andAgencies shall utilise all available resources before asking for assistance from otherentities or higher authorities;
10. In the absence of a duly constituted Provincial government, national government
offices at the Provincial level shall be led and operationally controlled by an official so
designated by the Executive Committee, NCDM;
11. Planning and operation shall also be done on the District. Commune and Village levelin an inter-agency, multi-sectoral basis to optimise the utilisation of resources;
12. Responsibility for leadership rests primarily with the Provincial and Municipal
Governors;
13. All District leaders shall designate in advance evacuation areas for use inemergencies, and shall define plans for providing essential services to those sites
when in use;
14. When an emergency affects an area covering several towns and cities, the local CDM,
their personnel and their facilities shall be placed under the operational control of theProvincial or Municipal Governor for the duration of the emergency;
15. The national government exists to support the local governments. In time of
emergencies and according to their level of assignment, all national government
offices in the field shall support the operations of the local government;
16. To ensure that all responsible agencies, their staff and the public are familiar with
policy, plans and procedures, periodic exercises and drills shall be conducted at alllevels, principally at the District level;

5.10. Special Policy Issues
5.10.1. Declaration of a State of Emergency or Disaster
A Governor of a Province or a Municipality may declare a State of Emergency when conditions
are such that the province or municipality has insufficient human or material resources tocontrol a particular hazard. In declaring a state of emergency the governor concerned shall seek

ratification from NCDM within 24 hours. A declaration of a state of emergency devolves special
powers on specific government officials and is de facto a request for NCDM to provide national
resources to the affected province or municipality. In proclaiming a State of Emergency, theGovernor retains leadership of the management of the crisis.
The President of・NCDM may declare a State of Disaster when the threat of a hazard is suchthat the Royal Government of Cambodia has insufficient resources to deal with the relief effort.
Declaration of a State of Disaster empowers NCDM to take over management of the problem
from local authorities and authorises the Permanent Secretary, NCDM to seek international
assistance, both financial and material.

5.10.2. Procedures and Criteria for Recommending a Declarationa) Procedures
1. Whenever an emergency occurs, the CDM of the affected district(s), assisted by the
MCDM or PCDM, shall immediately undertake a damage and needs assessment of
the Area;
2. After assessment of the damages and identification of immediate needs, the MCDM
or PCDM concerned shall in the fastest means possible, submit a report thereon andrecommend to the NCDM the declaration of a State of Emergency in the affectedareas to either with the appropriate remedial measures;
3. NCDM, after immediate and thorough verification, assessment and evaluation of thereports on damages, shall recommend to the NCDM President ratification of thedeclaration of a State of Emergency in the affected areas:b) Criteria for Declaring a State of Emergency
A Governor may recommend that a Municipality or Province be placed under a State ofEmergency. This may be done whenever two or more of the following conditions brought about
by a hazard of great magnitude [such as destructive storms, earthquakes, major accidents,
floods lasting for at least a week, epidemics and drought affecting total crop production], arepresent:
1. At least thirty percent (30%) of the population of the Municipality or Province isaffected in that their dwelling units have been destroyed, and they are in need ofemergency assistance;
2. There is disruption of the primary lifelines of shelter, energy, potable water and foodsupply which cannot be restored within one (1) week; or
3. There is disruption of secondary lifelines such as transport, communications andother related systems which cannot be restored within one (1) month; or
4. A significant number of the means of livelihood such as fishing boats, vehicles andthe like are destroyed; or
5. Major roads and bridges are destroyed or will be impassable for at least a week, thus
disrupting the flow of transport and commerce; or
6. There is widespread destruction of fishponds, crops, poultry and livestock, and otheragricultural products;c) Criteria for Declaring a State of Disaster

The NCDM may recommend that a Municipality or Province(s) be placed under a State ofDisaster whenever the conditions for declaration of a State of Emergency are present, and thelevel of damage, or the level of managerial expertise required to deal with that hazard is beyond
the capability of the local authorities.

d) Measures to be Undertaken
The Declaration of a State of Emergency or Disaster shall make it mandatory that the following
measures be immediately undertaken by the concerned agencies. The objective is to mitigate theeffects of the hazard and stabilise the situation in the affected areas:
1. Control of overpricing of prime commodities and prevention of the hoarding of thesame by the Ministry of industry, Mines and Energy;
2. Programming or reprogramming of funds for the repair of public infrastructure andbuildings;
3. Granting of special loans or restructuring of existing loans by the government
financing or lending institutions to bona-fide victims;
4. Deferment or placing a moratorium on the payment of taxes and amortisation ofdebts due the government, upon certification of proper authorities;
5. Release of Emergency Relief Funds to agencies involved in relief operations and inrehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructure;

5.10.3. Policies and Procedures in Requesting, Allocating, Releasing and Monitoring of theEmergency Relief Funda) Policies
1. A declaration of a State of Emergency or Disaster of the affected areas shall be thebasis for the release of Emergency Relief Funds by the Pr me Minister;
2. A declaration of a State of Disaster shall be considered as an authorisation for NCDM
take over direct management of the crisis from local authorities and seeksinternational support in doing so;
3. Priority shall be given to emergency relief operations, medical assistance. andimmediate repairs of damaged infrastructure in the release of Emergency Relief
Funds;
4. Emergency Relief Funds shall be released directly to the following implementing
Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities and Agencies for thestated specific purposes:
MSWLV - for emergency relief and rehabilitation assistance to victims;
MOH- for medical assistance to victims;
MPWT - for immediate repair or restoration of damaged vital infrastructure which
includes school buildings, transportation facilities and infrastructure;
MEYS - for replacement of materials and restoration and repair of school buildings(including libraries, laboratories, toilet blocks) to be undertaken in co-ordination withMPWT;
MAFF - for assistance to the agricultural sector;
MPT - for repair/restoration of basic communication facilities and infrastructure;MND - through the Armed Forces of Cambodia - for backup support to mandated
authorities in re1ie~ rescue and evacuation activities, repair of vital communications
links, general transport activities and the repair and rehabilitation of public utilities;
Other Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities and Agencies
requiring immediate repair and restoration of vital infrastructure and facilities,
according to guidelines on priority allocations as defined in the rules and regulations
for administering the Emergency Relief Fund;
1. Emergency Relief Funds may not be released directly to local government units;
2. Requests for Emergency Relief Funds shall not be considered forrestoration/reconstruction of damaged buildings located in areas of high risk ofseismic activity, mudflows, storm surges, tsunamis and flooding except as may later
be recommended by MPWT;
3. Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities and Agencies involvedin emergency operations shall first use their available resources to support theiractivities;
4. Requests for Emergency Relief Funds by implementing agencies shall be submitted
to the Secretariat, NCDM for evaluation by the Scientific and Technical Committee
which will forward its recommendations to the Executive Committee, NCDM within
24 hours of receiptb) Procedures- Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Operations
For any emergency, the DBM shall make available funds from regular sources for use in urgent
emergency relief operations, medical assistance and immediate repairs of damaged
infrastructure to be undertaken by the MSWLV, MOH, MPWT, and MND.
In addition, the Executive Committee, NCDM may instruct the DBM to make available
specified amounts from the Emergency Relief Fund, according to the following procedures.

- Emergency Relief Fund for Recovery and Rehabilitation
1. The local Committees through the implementing agencies shall undertake survey s ofdamages within their areas of responsibility and submit within the earliest possible
time derailed damage are needs assessment, indicating priorities. through theestablished channels for submission to the NCDM;
2. A request for release of Emergency Relief Funds must include an annex with reportsof damages to infrastructure, including the additional supporting documents such as
photographs, etc. This shall be submitted by the Provincial Engineer through the
MPWT Office, which shall review, prioritise and consolidate reports of damages in
the province and submit it to the Minister, MPWT who in turn will submit therequest to NCDM;
3. In case of damaged school buildings and local government infrastructure, therequirements for repair and restoration shall be co-ordinated by MPWT with MEYS
and DGA;
4. The request for Emergency Relief Funds by departments and agencies concerned in
restoration and rehabilitation activities shall be supported by a work programmewith cost estimates;
5. The NCDM Scientific and Technical Committee shall evaluate and prioritise therequests submitted by the implementing government agencies;

6. The NCDM, through its Permanent Secretary, shall submit the request through the
Ministry of Economy and Finance MEF) to the Executive Committee, NCDM for
approval;
7. Upon approval of the Executive Committee, NCDM, the MEF shall release the funds
to the implementing agencies concerned, informing the Permanent Secretary, NCDM
of such releases;
8. The implementing agencies upon the release of the funds, shall undertake theimmediate implementation of their respective work programmes;
9. The implementing agencies upon the completion of their respective work programmes
shall submit a financial and narrative report to NCDM within thirty (30) days ofcompletion;- Additional Release of Emergency Relief Funds
1. In case there are requests for release of additional Emergency Relief Funds from local
Committees, the requirements together with the report on damages and otherdocuments to substantiate the claim shall be submitted to NCDM or review,prioritisation and consolidation;
2. The implementing Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities andAgencies shall return any unused funds from the Emergency Relief Fund released forthat particular emergency;- Monitoring the Utilisation of Emergency Relief Funds
NCDM is the statutory body responsible the ratifying any declaration of a State of Emergency inaffected areas and authorising the release of Emergency Relief Funds. As such, it shall monitor
the utilisation of such funds for relief and rehabilitation activities and shall prepare reports for
submission to the Executive Committee, NCDM.
1. Agencies concerned shall submit monthly statements of utilisation of Emergency
Relief Funds;
2. These reports, together with supplementary supporting documents, shall be the basisof the NCDM in determining the need to recommend further releases of Emergency
Relief Funds;

5.10.4. Reporting Requirements for Release of Funds
In view of the above, the following guidelines are hereby adopted;
a. Data Collection
All concerned agencies shall undertake damage and needs assessments, according to publishedguidelines, within their scope of responsibility These shall be submitted to NCDM in theapproved format for requests for relief and rehabilitation assistance, within a maximum two (2)weeks and two (2) months, respectively, from the onset of the emergency.

b) Relief Operations
The local CDM, supported by the member agencies at the national level, shall undertake
emergency relief operations in affected areas. NCDM shall monitor the relief operations andactivities of concerned agencies. The Committee then shall facilitate agency requests for(additional) resource requirements not funded from their existing budget by submitting a
consolidated damage and needs assessment report to NCDM.

c) Rehabilitation
NCDM Secretariat shall be responsible for consolidating proposals for rehabilitation projects
and forwarding them to the Scientific and Technical Committee for evaluation. The STC shallrecommend priorities to the Executive Committee for approval of funding. For this purpose, allagencies concerned shall adhere to the following:
1. All agencies concerned shall submit their proposed rehabilitation projects to NCDM.
In ranking their proposed projects the agencies shall be guided by the following
criteria:
The impact on (qualitative and quantitative) or benefit to the locality;
The immediate availability of technical and funding support from internal sources ofconcerned agencies;
The emphasis given to rehabilitation and reconstruction of facilities directly
supportive to productive activities;
Social infrastructure and other social services components immediately needed by the
locality;
1. Based on the above reports, the NCDM Secretariat shall prepare a consolidated
rehabilitation programme and the corresponding financial plan for submission to andapproval of the Executive Committee;
2. Upon approval of the Executive Committee, MEF, through the Department of Budget
Management (DBM), shall facilitate the release of requested budgetary requirements
to agencies concerned;
3. The NCDM Secretariat shall monitor the implementation of such rehabilitation
programme and submit a report to the Office of the Prime Minister through theCouncil of Ministers;d) Foreign Assistance
NCDM in requesting for foreign assistance shall be guided by the following policies of the Royal
Government of Cambodia (RGC):
1. Maintaining self-reliance and national authority is essential;
2. Foreign emergency and rehabilitation assistance shall be solicited only whenrequirements arising from human and physical damages are beyond the capability of
the Royal Government of Cambodia;
3. When offered any foreign assistance may be accepted based on the consolidated
requirements;
4. NCDM shall scrutinise and prioritise all requests;
5. Requests for external assistance for relief and rehabilitation shall be endorsed toconcerned foreign governments and the UN system agencies and other international
bodies by the e Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cc-operation(MFAIC)
and the Cambodian Development Council(CDC) as the case may be upondetermination that the resources of RGC are inadequate to meet the requirements:

6. MFAJC and CDC shall inform the concerned departments/agencies and the NCDM of
the assistance provided by foreign donors;
7. In case of cash donations, the recipient agency shall deposit their donations to the
National Treasury and shall immediately notify the DEM and the NCDM. The MEF
shall immediately release the funds based on prioritised requirements while the
NCDM shall monitor the utilisation of said assistance by the departments/agencies
concerned;e) Source of Funds
To ensure the immediate availability of funds, the following measures shall be undertaken:
1. The agencies concerned shall first use their available resources through budget
realignment;
2. Additional funding requirements for relief and rehabilitation Programmes andProjects shall be charged to the Emergency Relief Fund subject to the approval of the
President, NCDM.

5.10.5. Policies and Procedures on Foreign Assistance/or Emergenciesa) Policy
The NCDM shall be guided by the following policies:
1. Foreign assistance shall be accepted when offers are made by foreign countries oragencies;
2. Assistance shall be solicited when requirements arising from human and physicaldamages are beyond the capability of the Royal Government of Cambodia;
3. Requests for foreign assistance shall be submitted by the departments/agencies
concerned only through NCDM;
4. While foreign assistance may be solicited or accepted, all departments and agencies
mandated for emergency management should strive to develop their capability for
self reliance;b) Procedures:
1. Foreign assistance whether requested or unsolicited shall be accepted according to
the areas of responsibility of concerned agencies as follows:

Food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs MSWLV
Medicines & medical equipment MOH
Agricultural assistance MAFF
Construction materials & services MPWT
Educational materials & school facilities MEYS
Scientific and technological materials and services DHTE

2. NCDM shall make the necessary arrangements for tax exemption, landing permits,quarantine and other requirements to facilitate entry of the assistance;
3. The request for foreign assistance during emergencies shall be undertaken as follows:
The implementing Ministries, Departments, Bureaux, Corporations, Authorities andAgencies upon determination of their needs, shall submit the formal request for
multilateral and bilateral assistance to possible donors through the MFAIC and CDC,
respectively. Copies of the detailed requirements shall be furnished the MCDM;
The MFAIC and CDC shall inform the Ministries, Departments, Bureaux,Corporations, Authorities and Agencies concerned through NCDM on the availabilityof external assistance from donor countries or agencies;
Upon receipt of the foreign assistance, the Ministries, Departments, Bureaux,Corporations, Authorities and Agencies concerned shall inform the NCDM;
In receiving cash donations, the recipient agencies shall observe establishedgovernment procedures and requirements;
1. Report on the utilisation or distribution of foreign donation shall be submitted to
NCDM by the recipient agencies within one month after the acceptance of theassistance;2.

6. NCDM EXPERIENCES
6.1. Receiving International Assistance
6.1.3. Unclear Channels for Receiving International AssistanceCambodia has not yet clearly channels for receiving assistance. According to Government
policy it is under responsibility of the NCDM and the Cambodian Red Cross. However
during the 1996 floods, in order to deliver assistance on time some donors distributed
themselves directly to flood victims because they saw those victims were seriously
suffering. Some other donors gave gifts to flood victims through NCDM or some timethrough CRC, but NCDM however recorder all relief activities. NCDM and CRC
collaborated well in responding to 1996 floods arid evaluations carried cut L, both parties
highlighted good overall results.

6.1.3. The Importance of Team Work
The 1996 brought all relevant agencies together. The newly established NCDM, relevant
government ministries, CRC, IFRC, a number of NGO’s, UN-DMT, in Cambodia,
Coordinated well as a team. In responding to 1996 floods, together the co-ordination group
identified three important issues to be addressed:
I. The need for standard assessment procedures
II. The need to seek emergency assistanceIII. The need for an emergency working group

Addressing these 3 issues is very important in delivering effective supplies and otherforms of assistance to flood victims. With assistance from UN-DMT and NGO’s, the NCDM
launched a consolidated appeal which was well received and generated positive and rapid
response from NGO, UN agencies and International donors countries. NCDM actively
participated in all activities for emergency response, launching appeal, planning, coordinating, mobilising domestic resource for emergency relief supplies, conducting

assessment of damages, seeking International emergency assistance and providing
immediate and effective response to people in areas affected by floods. NCDM has
experience in receiving International assistance as presented below:
Organising and official reception ceremony for donors.
Reporting to donors on storage maintenance, distribution and stock situation andbalance.
Inviting donors to accompany NCDM for distribution of supplies to disaster victims.

6.1.3. The importance of good field assessment
At the beginning of the emergency operation, NcDM, CRC and other organisations visitedthe affected areas in order to collect accurate information on damage and the needs of thevictims in order to provide them with assistance. During this process we spent a lot ofmoney visiting the affected areas during field assessments, preferring not to wait at head
office for the reports from the field to come in. We than felt confident about the quality of
the assessment information as we had first hand experience. Before delivering any foodassistance, we discussed carefully with other member of Emergency Working Group C
EWG) before making any decisions.

6.2. Utilization of International Assistance
6.2.1. Upon Arrival of Assistance
We met with the donors ourselves or appointed our preventatives to accompany the donors
in order to check the type and quantity of the donated items. Due to the lack of an NCDM
warehouse we used CRC’s warehouse to store all kinds of donations.

6.2.2. Distribution of Relief Supplies
This was carried out only after discussions were held between NCDM and EWG. If it was
beyond the EWG’s capacity we asked for assistance from the co-president of NCDM. The
distribution process was not perfect because had no communication system and depended
on CRC good information network. We also depended on CRC to carry cut assessment,
transportation and distributions.

6.2.3. Unclean Roles and Responsibilities
In 1994 arid 1995 CRC had the main role of responding during floods. in late 1995, NCDM
was established as the main body responsible for major disaster. During the 1996 floods,
some provinces forwarded their requests for assistance to CRC whilst others maderequests directly to NCDIA. It became clear that the roles and responsibilities of the twoorganisations had not yet been clearly defined. Donors were also confused, some providing
assistance through CRC, other donors proceeding through NCDM. However, NCDM was
responsible for writing and overall summery report of all assistance received.

7. Conclusion
Even though the NCDM was a new organisation, it could respond to the 1996 floods andother disasters, but it is still constrained by lack of capacity to deal with major disasters,
specifically limited human resources, no disaster management facilities, lack of fund andresource for various activities.

Given that various alternatives and solutions for responding to disasters are at the initialstudy phase, there is a need to promote co-operation with UN agencies and between
countries in the Asian Region, in order to find several sources of funding and provision oftechnology, aiming to solve problems related to the disaster management. Especially, there
is a necessity to promote co-operation with countries who have disaster response coordination experience (e.g. in floods, droughts...etc..)