Confronting Disaster: Recent Lessons from the Asia-Pacific

Abstract

Despite the fact that disasters have become more frequent and more costly in terms of economic losses throughout the world, most governments have yet to make a clear priority of addressing and managing risk reduction before disasters strike. According to the Annual Disaster Statistical Review 2012, in the last 10 years, the fi ve countries most hit by natural disasters were China, the United States, the Philippines, India and Indonesia. In 2012 alone, Asia accounted for nearly 65 % of global disaster victims, with hydrological events, such as fl oods, storm surge and landslides, accounting for 75 % of the disasters in Asia during that year (Guha-Sapir et al. 2012). Taking these factors into account, this chapter discusses current and proposed efforts to reduce natural disaster risk in countries across the Asia-Pacifi c. It also overviews how subsequent chapters address the issue from a public policy and governance perspective, with a focus on three broad themes: (1) emergency response and humanitarian relief, (2) recovery and resilience, and (3) improving preparedness.

Medical Rehabilitation in Natural Disasters in the Asia-Pacific Region: The Way Forward

“…In 2004, the 'Hyogo Framework for Action' (Kobe), was adopted after the Indian Ocean tsunami, aimed at reducing disaster-related losses, both of human, and social, economic and environmental assets. The UN General Assembly (September 2005), implemented this framework through the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction in Asia to enhance regional co-operation.Although, the 'Hyogo Framework' provides a strong foundation for governments to take on a greater role at all levels, it is based on voluntary commitment and is limited in its capacity to move certain actions forward [4]. Currently, leaders and decision-makers across the region are preparing to finalize a new global framework for disaster risk reduction to replace the Hyogo Framework [4].…”

“…These include earthquakes, cyclones, landslides/ floods, drought and bush-fires [4]. According to United Nation (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) report, of the 3,979 disasters that occurred globally between 2005 and 2014, over 1,625 occurred in this region, resulting in half a million fatalities (almost 60% of the total global deaths related to disasters) [5].…”

“…Further, the region has many of the world's megacities with over 8 million people (such as Mumbai, Beijing, Manila), with exposure of a large population to hazard risks [7]. Natural disasters potentially can have serious economic implications and can derail both national and individual household economies, which are already over strained and weak in most low-economic countries [4]. [7], Vos et al 2010 [3] www.scidoc.org/IJNHS.php Further, weak governance can impede any disaster risk reduction and effective management.…”

“…Despite progress in surveillance and early warning systems and evacuations, the Asia-Pacific region is still largely unprepared for its response to mega-disasters [4]. This requires improved regional information exchange, strengthened regional cooperation for effective post-disaster management and joint coordination to address cross-border disasters [4,6,8].…”

“…This requires improved regional information exchange, strengthened regional cooperation for effective post-disaster management and joint coordination to address cross-border disasters [4,6,8]. The Asia-Pacific region's poor population remain vulnerable and exposed to disasters, and have borne the brunt of these cataclysms.…”