Outline of New Practices/Guidelines Introduced by DRM Agencies
of ADRC Member Countries Post-Covid-19 Shutdowns(Desk Survey based on Online Resources as of 11 June 2020)

1. Introduction
Amidst shutdowns due to covid-19 pandemic, Typhoon Vongfong (local name ‘Ambo’)
made several landfalls on 14-15 May 2020 in the Philippines, affecting 578,571 persons in 9
provinces.1 Additionally, Cyclone Amphan that made a landfall in West Bengal on 20 May
2020 earlier estimated the pre-evacuation of about 2.2 million people in Bangladesh and 2
million people in India.2 Amphan also impacted other countries, including Sri Lanka,
Thailand, and Myanmar that are likewise in shutdown situations due to the pandemic.3
Responding to these disasters during pandemic entails additional measures such as, SOCIALDISTANCING, HAND-WASHING, and FACE COVERING.
Since outbreaks are not yet fully controlled in many Asian countries, and vaccine is not
yet available, these infection-prevention-control measures will be part of the ‘new normal’,and need to be integrated in disaster risk reduction and management’s program of action.

2. Complex Response
Covid-19 risk management added some complexity to disaster management. The recent
disasters in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and India showed that among others, evacuation
procedures and management became more complicated.
2.1 Evacuation Procedures
Where lockdowns and movement restrictions enforced, the speed to evacuating people isslower. In the province of Albay in the Philippines, where 191,116 persons were evacuated,
responders themselves have to wear facemasks and to some extent wear PPEs. Adhering tosocial distancing, movements of people were slower and more vehicles we needed. Similar
measures were introduced in West Bengal and Odisha in India.4 In Bangladesh, preparedness
measures were more challenging, especially in Cox Bazar (the location of refugee camps ofalmost 1 million Rohingyas from Myanmar), as social distancing is nearly impossible.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the refugee camps other than damaged to about
300 shelters.5
2.2 Managing Evacuation Centers
In the Philippines, public schools are designated as evacuation centers. As some schools
are already used as covid-19 isolation centers, alternative evacuation centers were designated(e.g., in Albay, churches were used as evacuation centers).6 In managing evacuation at
schools, each classroom can only allow two families to ensure social distancing and with

1
NDRRMC Update No. 15 on Typhoon Ambo,
http://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/4048/Update_Sitrep_no_15_re_Preparedness_Measures_and_Effects_
of_TY_AMBO_Issued_on_27May2020_12NN.pdf
2
Hindustantimes, Evacuation from Amphan, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/as-cycloneamphan-nears-4-2mn-evacuated-in-coastal-regions-of-india-b-desh/story-bpZ14tH5LNaaDNckvZknDK.html
3
Impacts of cyclone Amphan, https://reliefweb.int/disaster/tc-2020-000136-mmr
4Evacuation in Odisha and Bengal, https://thewire.in/environment/cyclone-amphan-landfall-wednesday
5
Impact of Amphan in Cox Bazar, https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/05/1064712
6
Churches as alternative evacuation centers, https://www.unescap.org/blog/world-lockdown-tropicalcyclones.

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provisions of either facemasks or disinfectants.7 Similar situation is reported in Odisha, India,
where ‘marriage halls’ and other government buildings were used as alternative evacuation
centers to ensure social distance.8
2.3 Initial Approaches of DRM Agencies
Based on recent online materials, the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) agency either,

Adopts the government’s general guidelines on managing covid-19 (e.g., In thePhilippines, the NDRRMC adopted the Covid-19 Risk Management Guidelines of theInteragency Task Force in enforcing evacuation procedures)
Introduces specific amendments to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) andManuals of disaster management (e.g., In India, the NDMA is in the process ofamending the SOP)

3. General Considerations
In introducing new practices and guidelines that integrate covid-19 countermeasures, it isobserved that DRM agencies generally consider most of the following:







Disaster Response System: In most cases, DRM agency is engaged in pandemic
response. It is likely that its disaster response system is already overwhelmed when
typhoons, floods, or earthquakes hit the country.
Early Warning Communication: As some designated disaster evacuation centerswere already used as isolation facilities for covid-19, the early warning
communication must be clear who should evacuate and where to evacuate in case ofdisaster.
Management of Evacuation Centers and Sheltering: In view of covid-19, guidelines
of screening disaster victims of symptoms, isolation, and testing must be consideredat the evacuation centers.
Disaster Stockpiles: Relief goods may now include facemasks, disinfectants, soaps,
and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Deployment of Emergency Responders: First responders to be deployed will now
require PPEs as well as knowledge and skills in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

4. New Practices/Guidelines
As DRM agencies, in ADRC member countries, face the challenge of managing the risksof both covid-19 and natural disasters, new practices, guidelines, and plans are being
introduced (Table 1). In Japan, the Cabinet Office for Disaster Management and the Fire andDisaster Management Agency jointly issued “Five-Point Guidance for Disaster Evacuation in
the Middle Covid-19 Pandemic” (Figure 1).9 This simple guidance is translated into more 15
languages in consideration of foreigners living in Japan. In Indonesia, the National Disaster
Management Authority (BNPB), in collaboration with BMKG and other stakeholders, issued
a “Guide on Tsunami Evacuation during Covid-19” (Figure 2).10
7

Evacuees face double threat, https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1275322/evacuees-face-double-threat-virus-

ambo
8

NDRF to deal with cyclone Amphan, https://theprint.in/india/governance/ndrf-positions-61-teams-to-dealwith-cyclone-amphan-as-pm-modi-takes-stock/424439/
9
Cabinet Office Japan, ‘Evacuation Points under Covid-19 Crisis’,
http://www.bousai.go.jp/kokusai/evacuation_points/index_en.html
10Guide on Tsunami Evacuation during Covid-19,
https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/guide_for_tsunami_evacuation_covid-1_final-1_eng.pdf

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Figure 1 Japan Disaster Evacuation Guide
Amidst Covid-19

Figure 2 Indonesia Tsunami Evacuation Guide
Amidst Covid-19

The listing below is still at initial stage of collection based on available online resources.
The listing will evolve overtime, as ADRC visiting researchers (past and present) as well as
ADRC counterparts provide more information. This listing is aimed at exchanging
knowledge and lessons in improving DRM systems among ADRC member countries,
especially in the contexts of multiple hazards and risks.
Table 1 Initial Listing of New Practices/Guidelines Introduced by
DRM Agencies of ADRC Member Countries11
1. Armenia
The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) added in their response measures theimplementation of daily disinfection activities in Yerevan city and throughout the Provinces of
the Republic. The rescuers carried out 1,168 disinfection activities in various public places: 780
in the Provinces and 388 in Yerevan city. The most crowded places are being disinfected several
times per day. Residential buildings are also being disinfected, if necessary. Additionally, therescuers maintained all the safety rules. http://mes.am/en/news/item/2020/06/01/154001062020/
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Armenia.
2. Azerbaijan
The Minister of Emergency Situations (MES) added in disaster awareness-raising program thedelivery of aid and relief due to the impacts of covid-19. Awareness-raising messages added theimportance of keeping the social distance, using of medical masks, and following other

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This Table will be regularly updated based on inputs from ADRC member countries’ counterparts andVisiting Researchers (VRs).

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sanitarian and hygienic requirements. See report here,
http://www.fhn.gov.az/index.php?eng/news/xeber/2020/5/27/36336
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Azerbaijan.
3. Bangladesh
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MDMR) and the Department of Disaster
Management (DDM) are coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare inapplying the various Covid19 guidelines, as appropriate, in disaster management.
https://www.dghs.gov.bd/index.php/bd/publication/guideline
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Bangladesh.
4. Bhutan
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) including in warning system information on
Covid-19, particularly the “National Situational Update”. See here, https://www.ddm.gov.bt/
DDM also coordinate the national efforts in the fight against the virus. Here,
https://www.gov.bt/covid19/ and here http://www.moh.gov.bt/category/public-notice/
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Bhutan.
5. Cambodia
With the rainy season in June, the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)
issued early warning to the most vulnerable groups, including preventive measures against the
spread of Covid-19. http://www.ncdm.gov.kh/Home/MoreDetail/27
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Cambodia.
6. China
The Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) of the People’s Republic of China
strengthened the prevention and control of work safety risks, thus supporting provinces,
municipalities and autonomous regions across the country to focus on fighting the Covid-19. To
prevent even small possibilities of disasters in their early stages, it intensified the supervision on
work safety, disaster prevention, reduction and relief, ensuring that no major disasters or
accidents will occur in the midst of a nationwide fight against the pandemic. Moreover, theMinistry is now keeping on standby for possible emergency rescue operations, and formulating
and improving emergency rescue guidelines and operational procedures against the backdrop of
pandemic to ensure that the rescue operation can be undertaken in an orderly and effective
manner. See details here https://bit.ly/3c8ffjn
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in China.
7. India
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued the NDMA Guidelines on
response measures on Covid-19 https://www.ndma.gov.in/images/covid/COVID-19-Booklet2020.pdf. NDMA also issued related Orders and Guidelines,
https://ndma.gov.in/en/media-public-awareness/ndma-orders-advisories.html
Additionally, NDMA also documented best practices, http://covid19-sdmc.org/guidelinesbestpractices
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in India.
8. Indonesia
The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), in collaboration with BMKG and otherstakeholders, issued a “Guide on Tsunami Evacuation during Covid-19”. See guide here,
https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/guide_for_tsunami_evacuation_covid-1_final-1_eng.pdf
BNPB played a crucial role in managing both disaster and covid-19, as the President ofIndonesia declared Covid-19 as disaster.
https://bnpb.go.id/berita/presiden-tetapkan-covid19-sebagai-bencana-nasional
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Indonesia.

49. Iran
In Iran, the head of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) https://ndmo.ir/, Mr.
Ismail Najjar, contacted Covid-19 as reported in the news. https://bit.ly/2Uw1GVb
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Iran.
10. Japan
The Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan issued “Supplementary Guidelines on
Integration Response Measures to Covid-19 at Disaster Evacuation Centers”. See details of the
Guidelines here https://bit.ly/3c8ffjn. The Cabinet Office also provided the Five Guiding Points
on Disaster Evacuation Amidst Covid-19.
http://www.bousai.go.jp/kokusai/evacuation_points/pdf/point_en.pdf
11. Kazakhstan
The Committee for Emergency Situations (EMER) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the
Republic of Kazakhstan http://emer.gov.kz/en/ has yet not shared an updated report on newpractices yet in its website.
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Kazakhstan.
12. Kyrgyzstan
The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of the Kyrgyz Republic http://en.mes.kg/ has yet
not shared an updated report on new practices yet in its website.
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Kyrgyzstan.
13. LaosOn 24 April 2020, heavy rain had been affecting Luang Prabang Province, Laos, triggering
floods and causing casualties https://bit.ly/2XLZzyw. The Ministry of Labor and Social
Welfare http://www.molsw.gov.la/?&lang=en noted that it was a case of dual threat of natural
disaster and covid-19.
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Laos.
14. Malaysia
The National Disaster Management (NADMA) is working closely with National Security
Council (NSC) in coordinating the response to Covid-19, including facilitating cooperation withother regional and international partners such as ASEAN to coordinate strategies and share
information. See report here https://bit.ly/3c8ffjn
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Malaysia.
15. Maldives
The National Disaster Management Authority (http://ndmc.gov.mv/) has easy access to National
Guidelines on managing Covid-19 that can be integrated in disaster risk reduction andmanagement work. Here, https://covid19.health.gov.mv/downloads/
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Maldives.
16. Mongolia
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) uses the Displacement Tracking
Matrix (DTM) methodology to track the mobility of people in all administrative subdivision
outside Ulaanbaatar. This method is used for both Covid-19 tracking as well as improving
preparedness for natural disasters, especially dzud. See DTM report here https://bit.ly/2MzqJly
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Mongolia.
17. Myanmar

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The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement (MSWRR) integrated in their disaster
operations stockpiles of masks, disinfectants, and PPEs for distribution.
https://www.ddm.gov.mm/?p=71227
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Myanmar.
18. Nepal
The NDRRMA integrated the covid-19 monitoring in their dashboard, which also show disasterrisks. https://covid19.ndrrma.gov.np/. NDRRMA also coordinates lose with other ministries in
the fight against Covid-19. https://covid19.mohp.gov.np/#/
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Nepal.
19. Pakistan
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan followed national guidelines
on managing Covid-19, and included in their tasks the stockpiling and distribution of personal
protective equipment (PPEs). https://www.nih.org.pk/novel-coranavirus-2019-ncov/
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Pakistan.
20. Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, the humanitarian actors are actively integrating the lessons from cyclone
Harold, early April 2020, in the Pacific as well as lessons from Tropical Storm Vongfong in thePhilippines (14 May 2020) and Cyclone Amphan in India and Bangladesh (20 May 2020).
https://bit.ly/3hcFk4y
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Papua New Guinea.
21. Philippines
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in the event of
tropical storm ‘Ambo’ (Vongfong) issued a memo to regional and local DRRMC’s to also
enforce the Interagency Task Force (IATF) Guidelines on Managing Covid-19 during disaster
response (e.g., physical distancing and fill only 50% of usual number of each evacuation
shelter). See Guidelines here, https://bit.ly/30n5w6K The Office of Civil Defense (OCD),
serving as Secretariat to the NDRRMC, included in their tasks the following: monitoring of
Covid-19, stockpiling and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPEs).
http://www.ocd.gov.ph/supplies.html
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in the Philippines.
22. Russian Federation
The Ministry of Emergency and Response (EMERCOM) of Russia is integrating Covid-19
response measures in disaster response. On June 9, 2020, the EMERCOM conducted knowledge
sharing with Chinese government to improve the countermeasures. EMERCOM activities,
include: deploying mobile hospitals, disinfecting public places with the forces of rescue units,
and using aviation to transport forces and equipment in the fight against a pandemic. See report
here, https://en.mchs.ru/for-mass-media/novosti/4179146
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Russia.
23. Singapore
The SCDF works with the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Covid-19. The MTF was set up
on 22 January 2020, prior to the discovery of our first confirmed case of infection. Lessons on
responding to Covid-19 will be useful in amending the SCDF’s Safety Guidelines.
https://www.scdf.gov.sg/
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Singapore.
24. South Korea
The Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS) issued Response Guidelines for Covid-19 andDisasters. See series of Guidelines here: https://bit.ly/2XGSP3K

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ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in the Republic of South
Korea.
25. Sri Lanka
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka included in its functions thedissemination of information and management of Covid-19 in the context of disaster
https://bit.ly/37hGdUV. DMC also has access to national best practices in the fight against
coronavirus http://covid19-sdmc.org/types-of-report/149/44.
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Sri Lanka.
26. Tajikistan
The Committee on Emergency Situations (CoES) of Tajikistan included in their functions‘mobile disinfection activities’ throughout the country to further prevent the spread of Covid-19.
https://www.khf.tj/ru/node/1435
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Tajikistan.
27. Thailand
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM)
http://www.disaster.go.th/en/index.php coordinates with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)
for issues on dual threat of disaster and covid-19 https://bit.ly/3e1OuiF
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Thailand.
28. Turkey
On 24 January 2020 at 20:55 local time, an earthquake of 6.8 on the Richter scale hit theprovinces of Elazığ and Malatya in Eastern Turkey, causing widespread destruction. The
Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) immediately responded,
and reported more than 1,500 aftershocks ranging from between a magnitude 5.4 to 3.3. The
earthquake killed 41 people, leaving more than 1,600 injured. In view of Covid-19, AFAD
disaster response measures integrate guidelines on Covid-19 prevention. See report here,
https://bit.ly/2MHud5K
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Turkey.
29. Uzbekistan
The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) in the Republic of Uzbekistan includes
precautionary measures on Covid-19 in reporting disaster risks https://www.fvv.uz/
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Uzbekistan.
30. Vietnam
The Vietnam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA) is actively cooperating withinternational partners (e.g., UNDP and JICA) in updating disaster management guidelines,
including impact on small business, in the context of Covid-19. https://bit.ly/2ARi4bU
Likewise, the Disaster Management Policy and Technology Center (DMPTC) actively preparedand responded to tropical storm Vongfong. Preparations include plan to prevent the spread of
the new coronavirus by filling only 50% capacity of designated evacuation shelters and toensure social distancing of at least 1 meter apart. See report here, https://bit.ly/2XO5ByA
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Vietnam.
31. Yemen
The Ministry of Water and Environment in Yemen in addition to managing disaster and conflict
impacts is now also supporting efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19(https://bit.ly/3f3apG2). With renewed fighting in the North, over 500,000 people are displacedat the heightened Covid-19 risk. https://bit.ly/3hfgykz
ADRC will gather more information through the local counterpart in Yemen.

7As observed, the new practices that DRM agencies introduced are in the areas of: Early warning system
 Evacuation procedures
 Evacuation shelter management Small business recovery
 Standard Operation Procedures
 Others
This report is developing, and more information will be added as ADRC continues to gather
more information member countries.
References
SAARC SDMC
http://covid19-sdmc.org/guidelinesbest-practices
APEC-EPWG
https://www.apec.org/Groups/SOM-Steering-Committee-on-Economic-and-TechnicalCooperation/Working-Groups/Emergency-Preparedness
ASEAN
https://asean.org/storage/2020/04/FINAL-Declaration-of-the-Special-ASEAN-Summit-onCOVID-19.pdf
Open Government Partnerships
https://www.opengovpartnership.org/collecting-open-government-approaches-to-covid-19/
WHO Guidelines
https://www.who.int/health-cluster/news-and-events/news/COVID19/en/

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