- —---- The photo on the front cover “Girls salvaging their rotion cards” is by Azizur Rahirn Pev of Bangladesh, winner of the 1998 IDNDR International Photo Contest Acknowledgement The 199] and 1 998 World Disaster Reduction Campaigns and this report received the support of the Department For International Development of the United Kingdom. The IDNDR Secretariat thanks all those who contributed to the contents of this report. Note The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Contents 5 15 29 33 43 53 57 Philippines:grade schoolers campaigning on the Street during the observance of the 1998 natural disaster conciousness week. AFRICA ASIA AUSTRALIA & THE PACIFIC STATES AMERICAS & THE CARIBBEAN EUROPE INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF WORLD DISASTER REDUCTION DAY INTERNET CONFERENCES Message of the United Nations Secretary-General on the occasion of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, October 8, 1997. This year’s observance of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction shines a spotlight on the role of water in natural disasters. Earthquakes, cyclones and volcanic eruptions may be among the most dramatic natural hazards, but water-related disasters - from floods and drought to desertification - affect more people and cause more damage. Indeed, with the “El Nino” phenomenon currently causing both flooding in Peru and drought in Indonesia, the focus on water is especially timely. Floods are occurring more frequently than other disasters, a trend attributable to many causes, including deforestation and rapid development, especially in urban areas. However, drought and desertification are also on the rise. Drought is also a leading killer, causing the deaths of a reported 74,000 people in 1 996. Desertification affects one fourth of all the earth’s land and more than one billion of the world’s people, and costs US$42 billion each year in lost productivity. Here, too, deforestation is a major contributing factor, along with other poor land use practices such as over-grazing, over- cultivation and mismanagement of irrigation. The United Nations is fully engaged in efforts to help countries cope with natural disasters and incorporate disaster reduction and preparedness into their overall development plans. In 1 989, as a spur to international action and cooperation, the General Assembly proclaimed the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (1990 - 2000). Throughout the 1 990’s, the United Nations conferences on the environment, human settlements and other issues stressed the links between disaster reduction and sustainabLe development. Since the World Conference for Natural Disaster Reduction, held in 1 994 in Yokohama, Japan, many countries have adopted new laws and national strategies for disaster reduction, preparedness and mitigation. The United Nations, for its part, has carried out disaster management programmes in doiens of countries, focusing on institution-building, early warning, networking between institutions and individuals, and the production and dissemination of training materials. When disaster strikes, the Organization arranges for relief shipments, launches international appeals fix assistance and serves as a clearinghouse for information about needs and consequences. We face a paradox with water-related disasters: too much water, and too little. Virtually every country faces the prospect of both flood and water shortage. Moreover, such disasters know no borders; floods and droughts often affect several countries at once. The case for international cooperation is clear. So is the humanitarian imperative: reducing the loss of life, property damage, and economic and social disruptions caused by natural disasters and environmental emergencies. So let us pledge, on the occasion of International Day for Disaster Reduction 1 997, to intensify our work of promoting an ethos of disaster prevention in order to build a safer world for the 21 st century. Secretary-General calls for sustained commitment to safer world in message on 1998 Natural Disaster Reduction Day. NEW YORK - Following is the text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s message on the occasion of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, observed this year on 1 4 October: Almost daily. we are reminded of the threat of natural disasters. Since the beginning of the year, we have endured catastrophic floods in Asia, deadly hurricanes in the Americas and the serious consequences of El Nini on several continents. But, while we can not stop the forces of nature, we can and must prevent them from turning into major social and economic disasters. Natural hazards capture the imagination, and we tend to think of them in terms of the dra matic images we see on television, but the true extend of their impact lies elsewhere. They pro foundly affect our efforts to achieve sustainable development. By their powerful impact on the supply of primary commodities, they disrupt market stability, leading to tremendous declines in national revenue in many develop ing countries, 5 per cent of gross national prod uct may be lost to natural disasters each year In the United States of America, damage caused by natural hazards is estimated, on average, to reach $ 1 billion per week. We can no longer afford, financially or social ly, to rely only on the expectations of relief when disaster strikes. Preparedness mea sures for more efficient rescue operations will remain necessary, but we must first turn much greater attention to the introduction of preventive strategies aimed at saving lives and protecting assets before they are lost. The programme for the International Decade for Naturai Disaster Reduction, adopted by the General Assembly in 1 989 and refined at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Yokohama in 1 994, provides us with the necessary guidelines for action. Science and technology play a central role in reducing the economic and social conse quences of natural hazards. This year’s obser vance of the International Day highlights the importance of information in communicating these technical abilities and in sharing practi cal experiences to make communities safer As more and more countries incorporate dis aster prevention policies into national devel opment plans, they are focusing on the value of improved risk assessments and timely and effective early warning, as well as trying to enlist the help of educators, non-governmen tal organizations, civil society institutions and private sector enterprises, such as insurance companies. Agencies of tne United Nations system, such as the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Educa tional, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank, have been particularly active in contributing their tech nical expertise to this cause Prevention begins with information. On this International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, I wish to encourage the widest possible partnership. communication and exchange of information among all groups of society and all nations to ensure a sustained commitment to a safer world, a world more resilient to the impact of natural hazards and disasters Lea~:~: -~-ot natural disasters Building a culture of prevention. 19~7 World Disaat.r Reduction Campaign ~) IDNDR UnIt.dNatMn~ A A FR IC Réduire les risques Cutasirapites naturelles ei politique nationaie de prevention Catastrophes nalureiles Le devoir de prevention Jcozne~ tutsnisllcpuh ds PIÔY,,,IiSI dqcsftshsph.j ~iIetUu La déf allIance do l’iflformatjon L,~?~:1~t~r_t ~La~ab.n~ Sn st.~fl ~ 7~g~:: Les médias, sin role preponderant I~iSSnS.J~ ~ ,.t....J,.t~, .S., ¼~ p.. bSn..*.p.. p.._SJ..5n5 ~ ~ n pSSni~ .~sp.4~S n.qn p. ~Ø — ._&__ —S — —~ naSnpS~. Ii SnnMt,gSpd, 5 $PnSnd.U*L.ad.*tS p.flSs.k S. w.I.~.4,p ~ ~ end. S n S~,dIw. S.d4, Sn SnM~ —. L’nierte at I’orqunlsntlon des interventions to bilan de 1994 0 U .*_.. — •.~ -._—....—-_ ~4. 4-I. ,.—4-——~ 0 &~jIow ~ji~ Jas~4IJshLm ~ .r~7T ~ ~ ~ i~. ~ ~— ~ ~ ~~-;;z-~= — -~2~ J~ ALGERIA The National Committee for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction organised for the International Day for Natural Disaster Prevention, on 14 October 1 998. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a work day to which more than 100 persons participated. The participants came from the National Committee, several Ministerial Departments, specialised agencies, NGOs and the Media. The theme was: • role of the media and natural disaster prevention • prevention starts with information. Members of the media attending the meetings were very interested by the topic and they later produced numerous newspaper articles and radio/television programmes on the subjects discussed. The National Committee brought together professionals in natural disaster reduction, specialists from media and communication and representatives of civilian bodies through the non-governmental organisations. The Day’s events featured a series of presentations addressing the major risks (earthquakes, floods, technological disasters) to which Algeria is exposed; a description of the present insurance coverage of major risks and prospects of improvement in this area; the pedagogical role of the Civil Protection and of risk prevention in schools, and the role of the media in promoting knowledge and information on the prevention of the worst effects of natural disasters. On the subject of seismic risk, the Director of Centre National de Recherche appliquee en Genie Parasismique [CGSJ underlined the need for further studies on the vulnerability of socio economic infrastructure. He also called for an exhaustive cartography of areas exposed to seismic activity. • The representative of the National Agency for Water Resources (ANRH) also called for an improved cartography and the setting up of a system of prevention and alert. He stated that each year a great deal of damage was caused by exceptional meteorological conditions. • The Director General of Civil Protection talked about the importance of l~miliarising school children in methods of first aid and safety measures in time of crisis. taqrcnedl 14 Cclob,ii lgg~ — 7 CATASTROPHES NATURELLES ET RLSQUES MAJEIJRS La prevention est Jr~fajre de tous tI~ ill, dec mndnaa dana Ia l~prrln.niterr Ike calaatrrrplret nalnenlint talent In Ibkrrre relent, ccli, anacin 1taist a aillttrrctnin tIc Ta )cnrener ‘nierneniterale tIn preccntccn den ncqeen natural, A Let aunt I urnttt nalturralr, dinltnvtnit,a the I. Pednclrn, un,la lEl-llusrrrat near! Pc~n,nqunrn In patretcina dance tn, ne’ rpénaalktnc anne cc relayer tear anointed Inca, ,ciredtaacc at entree ptnntt cia nil, II ‘ci Len qtenrprrnwdti machurl arm an char. atnde btne ci, caniranal Or. art rrninnetri an en nnqrncr rTrajenrc. inn, nanette lnd,nrrntr. glnnamenle In henrn,nrc. InnndatiLnn, iitLnnidhehtl qtie teabanhtpttnaee rutitnaefll the Tcqan lilac, ecpaneflrthe. Inc tntrnpitcnn jijirrinreet the crier, ailS Eta niTni nail n ~nnen In pence prdprdice cab, Or ceia,na~ dennerpnreec oar dad duonnetnena ci macam dlrall,uee. quaint nitea ire d,cpcna.neni ~s inl&relornnn! ‘Lair tenanpdnc cent allarhl,,t, Cotrnnreei dnnncn,nantrdneele Tan lace ide, ncrnrerners di cal,eirnpb,’Tota pine ORSEC. uaant pnrroneani han it en penn en ddplnper tar In tannin anne Mu rncpnna . llctile ci erqune rera,rua ride Tenant lbrdlt genre. nanmennra; CCII Parr! cnnen.rgar en an rorntprn lineal rdeJ en, El-arcane lenrece-l-nlh I, lair., nurnrj,nJlruI amen dee ntrqriar, tenerepne& ‘Lc aider, cepn tar ‘steal. nine inn lnnmrdail,nt_ lee nrenrrnllne he Inn gtlnaaenneiu cia ltronrtne Patina, qua In ned be p.pe an raennercnepetlln eudacefea cantrert cnn telrcrr& tinninuian imunanrinin IT tan plea qua g,arts lenepe ci, tIter It earcnetta ialarmn On pete. in adcemappeatncn enrerchnptn da Irene urban en den ecnnn’tdn terdeninnila. P Pantarre de tent tennitilhe lain! pnilneger In prrn. Pta-t.n, ~ en iS aennianan net, rrennrdln blnqradt dare ann lebyrrathan qua nan tea loitnneinentta-nbann~rrtnra’ TI c-I-ne pan aa dte anidenle pltenteete centatnnn the ttrflalemre en Lancineeq cue them penn rk put huan pranecar a Qut paid atltnernr iujra,rnttrnr qua Inn ~i,nctIeatttemn en men c’mrniqtln r&jn,idtitt ant entrean Cnner,rnl yarn rdapir rear aariatinatirnma detel a an pattI cdlnne .aelrrai-li inline, qar etc lrtrpr ntnnral cmi I ltnpttmr den ytnlcna.t,nteunln rider ,nrllier, do cued, lypbredn’ CLmmmrerri nrmnl pninnrrecrrr.akr let rrrniyenia cit mactiara deer them aider. ace nina rlnrntam ctretranrmani rni.anrbrdeuei ‘tIn aretb,.rc rpdniiauu qut rrriara ‘tIe nltaternnr urn cml rupprrrrndr ledfmebl,remne. Ia qtcairarr en fl~a pane nlnn r’ ~ It tInder La prlneerlnnrr ire pnrtt ‘In, dnnnl pundrrerlrnnttthteneen deli pnnancrtan dntl, sTeel Itldanne the ‘one me imneaotnrorrr mIter tnedlan liar ii ayanra pan petarde Paine retire Intel dal~a. nennrdnimi .Cninrar a ann enqara qen aria dante Jeiinrnen an pta anacin,., ieee Inanqa lIp a ann ~eranennpbaU -w = newspaper columns, and radio and television programmes should be created to examine and explain all aspects of natural disaster prevention. To end this very interesting day the following recommendations were adopted: • To encourage knowledge within the written media by introducing a specialised course at- the institute of Information and Communication Sciences on how to run an awareness and prevention campaign, • To associate the media in promoting measures to prevent disasters, • To create a reserved space in the insurance newsletter, • To integrate protection against disasters in regional development and town building, • To run a media campaign for the Decade and ensure that the work already started will be carried on beyond the year 2000. • To put together permanent structures to follow the work accomplished during the Decade. These structures should address the issues coming with the next Millenium when disasters may be even more severe and complex. • A professor of the University of Bab Ezzouar explained the sophisticated technology established to protect the transmediterranean gazoducts (GPL) from fire and accident but noted that a severe earthquake could nevertheless damage the installations. • Finally, the Director of the revue Symbiose” and professors of the Institute of the Science of information and Communications (ISIC) stressed the important role of journalists in the dissemination of information on the prevention of natural disasters. They agreed that new methods of communication should be sought to encourage members of the media to work closely with experts so as to better inform the public. In the debate which followed the discussions it was suggested by journalists present that special BOTSWANA This country has established a National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in the capital city of Gaborone. Placed under the direction of Ms VD Mogwe, this office became functional on 1 August 1 998. One of the primary interests of the Gaborone office will be to establish a network process with the IDNDR Secretariat, in Geneva. and other Disaster Management Organisations world wide. SURKINA FASO A National Organisational Committee was put in place to organise activities for World Disaster Reduction Day in 1 997. The Committee induded representatives from the government, UNDP, the Red Cross, and the District of Boulmiougou. A press kit, documentaries. articles, and publicity spots were produced for the Day On the Day a sketch entitled “Stop Disasters” was presented by the theatre group Atelier ThéMrale Burkinabé to highlight the role and responsibilities that individuals and communities have in the prevention and management of natural disasters. On 1 3 and 1 4 October 1 998, a workshop on the prevention of natural disasters was held in the conference room of the Liptako Gourma Integrated Development Authority. Under the theme aMedia and Natural Catastrophes Prevention — Prevention starts with Information, the workshop aimed at: • informing media persons on the various emergency situations, particularly those concerning Burkina Faso; • identifying strategic targets, supports and messages to be used within the framework of disaster management by the media, • reminding people of the objectives of the IDNDR; • encouraging a culture of prevention. To attain these objectives, a national organisation committee was named under the supervision of the National Emergency Response and RehabiLitation (CONASUR). The official opening ceremony was presided by the Minister of Social Action and Family. The directors and chieft of the central services of the ministry as well as representatives from the UNDPI CINU, NCR and CONASUR were also present. The ceremony included two speeches: Mr. Inoussa Barry. Permanent Secretary of the CONASUR underlined the growing importance of catastrophes, their complexity, their frequency and their impact on the environment. Mrs. Bana Ouandaogo, Minister for Social Action and Family, linked the consequences of catastrophes on the cereal shortfall. The Minister then uslt e~s ~*gnapazcrs V~r Noon en Prunonaa mALE 0111 FarncnreranCitnfda anietee J .lthmnn 2ONASUR 2 ZERBO Z 5,111 Chef 4, enirnic, CONASUR 3 T)ENDREBE000 leabmll, Rdd, Clint EUREKA ~0R3T 4 COULIBALY Ldandnc Radiq Babe OP 392 5 VEBAMBA Sylvam Radio Marti 31 70 70 6 ZONOOEvarismn AEPJLN BRUIT 7 SANONlLRagobcrt lonaneldratino 305651 8 O(CKO Abdoulay. Radio Ramel, 324303/04 9 KABORE Marlin Radio Binetina 3243,03/04 10 POROOSalddiu JoucaaiB 31 3377 II MAPOILET ceesunair Radin PULSAR 3075 dO 12 POUYALazane lournalione 3103 53/63 13 OURDRA000 Each Pathat lnuanaliamn 324702 Id DOcAsudoumi HEM 359191 15 DIALLO Santa CcIlsd, (SC CONASUP. IS WANGRAWA I B Jounnnlsaim Salackoloto 17 OKA Umectia Magnia Leolic C AC 32 41 41/45 8 SAW,q,0000 ltinaea Tacbmcinn 324331 19 YAMONOBE Mona Jeunielicmn a In Pays a 20 BARRYAlinia Amnalccce 313546 21 NOURL AWANE Michni Olobal irdlagn B 36 2413 22 BARRY lemnunu’s SP/CONASUR 31 2629 23 TAPSOBA Pennm Lncbaa.ear,ms,paalgar 332705 24 KOFFI Chnntctplre Ag.acn Petite Penn,, 31 56:5 25 DASAS4T4TU6 ALS 324639 26 OnunneoinS CALMARA AIB 32d639 27 COULDIATY Antoine Y Eevtro-eolidanma 364946 20‘29 BAYALA0tamnou TAPSOBABeenadene TNBPAM 260306106077 31) OUEORA000 CharS Sidmaayc 31 2209 31 OL’EDRAOOI2 N Laurent Adanimsiraceup 312629 32132 LANKOANDE Anipince NADBEOA RI Byte AILO (LLplacca -Conner.) Redse Rain 36 1747971409 3d SA51BARE Z, Pathcc Crots esago (Zclaacu) 332070 35 KABOREN lean-B (NA 363237 36 OUEORAOCIO Raatnann MEOIDQ1’F 3021)22 37 OUEORA000 Fonenanal PrnasecMASF 30 bE 75 33 OLEDRA000 Adana 24CC 306030 30 OUEDRA000 Mcunua SPICONASUR 31 2629 40 0174 Aranann SP/CONASLR 3126 Il underlined the importance of the workshop and CHAD expected results. • understanding concepts related to emergencies, • types of emergencies and response; • roleof the media; • identification of supports and messages; • creation and activation of a communication network. The Minister then proceeded with the official Launch of the booklet (written in the three official languages: moore, dioula and fulfude) of which 5,000 copies were printed. Acknowledging that prevention means that populations know about the risk zones, and understanding the difficulties that media encounter in accessing information, the workshop recommended in its conclusions: • that greater attention be given to the identification of risk zones and public awareness, through the media and other means of communication • that the political and administrative authorities facilitate media access to information. In Ouagadougou, the International Day was celebrated on 1 4 October1 1 998, together with journalists, communicators and the Information Centre of the United Nations (UNIC). The National Organisation Committee had given permission for tee-shirts to be made bearing the IDNDR logo, and these made an attractive addition to the Day The Day’s first target was to associate the country’s media to tne promotion activities in natural disaster reduction. The Day’s activities ended by a voileybali game between the Tax & Revenue Directorate Team and the Media Team Final score 3 2 for the Taxes.. .because of bad communication in the Media Team! In 1 998, this country celebrated World Disaster Reduction Day in NtDjamena with the distribution of press kits to the media. There were special radio programmes, videos and IDNDR posters on display to attract the interest of the population. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (EX-ZAI RE) The National Programme for Prevention, Struggle and Humanitarian Assistance to the Victims of Natural Disaster - PRONAPLUCAN — organised a one-month campaign from 15 September -15 October 1997. This campaign was to heighten public awareness on methods of preventing natural disasters from turning into national catastrophes. A film was shown and a debate held in the Meteorology section of the Institut Superieur de Techniques Appliquees, in Ndolo. PRONAPLUCAN, together with a women’s development support group and a United Nations women’s club, visited a community which had been relocated due to flooding in 1 990 The UN women’s club made a donation of farming tools. The highlight of this month long campaign was the announcement by the Ministry of interior that a commission was to be created, within the Ministry, to provide a legal framework for disaster management. EGYPT GHANA In 1997, a symposium was organised under the auspices of the Minister for Higher Eaucation, the State Minister for Scientific Research and the Governor of the New Valley Province. Sponsors of this event were, among others, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) and the University of Assuit. The subjects under discussion included the loss of arable soil, shifting sand dunes and desertification The symposium was held at the ASRT’s centre in Kharga, New Valley. In addition to scientific exchanges, it emphasised the necessity of increasing public awareness and involving the media. The Academy and the Red Sea Governorate are funding a project to find the ways and means to protect the Governorate of flash floods and make use of their waters. ETHIOPIA Information on water and disaster prevention was provided to the general public through an article adapted from the World Meteorological Organization, published in the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission’s (DPPC) News in September 1 997. For further information contact: Mr. Yibrah Hagos Policy. Plan and Programme Department Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, P0. Box 5686, AddisAbaba Tel: (251-1)51 3011 Fax. (251-1)514788 The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), in Accra, has since its establishment in 1997, been creating awareness of disaster prevention and mitigation among citizens of the country. NADMO commemorated the World Disaster Reduction Day, in October 1997, with one week of activities including a durbar of chiefs and people, symposia, workshops nation-wide, and the inauguration of the National Technical Sub committees on Natural Disasters. Popular activities to pubiicise the day included radio and TV discussions in all main national languages, an itinerant photo exhibition, public meetings and video shows and lectures for secondary schools and emergency services. 1 997 was the first year that Ghana celebrated the International Disaster Reduction Day on a national basis and with the participation of various governmental assemblies, the National Disaster Management Organisation, and the Hazard and Emergency Society of Ghana (HESOG). The 1 997 Programme paved the way for the National Disaster Management Organisation to be introduced to the people of Chana and the international community The 1 998 programme of activities to mark the Day was held from 6 - 1 4 October. These activities included a press conference by the Co ordinator. NADMO, a television discussion on disaster management on 8 October-and a seminar on disaster management for the media on 8-9 October. Also, a simulation excercice took place with the collaboration of the fire service. IDNDR messages on disaster reduction were read in the Mosques on 9 October and in Churches on 11 October TUE NATION*LS$~STE MANAGENifiNT ORGANWION nA1JONaL sta-anna.atr, nec TFcttstraLJ I J 1 ,n1I!~i. It ~-fl anAntnAt arAJIF —, 411’ t44lTt kILlI 4~ttun r Jr r~.. n a, at.C -.c-. ‘nn~.aZ. nsa ~C.JrT ,-iO1)~Tfl .mntli — ,- — r__._. ,~. ~ — - — ,inn~ — t~i DISASTERS ARE Rffi~L: HELP TO PREVENT AND MiTIGATE THEM!!! n,.~.,,tcn Oem & ula,. (,.net On the 1 3th, a statement on disaster management was delivered by the Vice President of Ghana, N.E. Prof. J. E.A. Mills and the UN Secretary General’s message was read by the UN Resident Representative. Mr Abdoulie Janneh. In the context of the Campaign, the Minister of Interior and Health, the National Co-ordinator of NADMO, Members of the National Epidemics Sub-Committee visited the cholera infested area in the Dangme East District, in Greater Accra Region. The association of nurses took part in the celebrations. For further information contact: Dr. van Landewijk, President Hazard and Emergency Society of Ghana P0. Box C. 1538 Cantonments Accra, Ghana Tel:233/27540263 Fax: 77 20 93 KENYA Material provided by IDNDR proved very popular in Nairobi. An article in the Weekly Review dated 23 October 1998 called for greater preventive measures against natural disasters to be taken by all levels of society. A higher awareness of hazards was also seen to be necessary. The journal stated tnat the media coulci contribute by publishing pertinent information on the subject. MADAGASCAR Various activities were carried out, on the island, on the occasion of the 1 998 World Disaster Reduction Day. UNDP reported that the two days of activity to mark the Day were very well received by the public, the media, the Government and the NGOs. The meetings held allowed the principal actors, in case of disaster, to get to know each other better. Posters were displayed and the media attended each event with interest. A workshop on the theme “Prevention begins with information” took place in Antananarivo on 14 October. ISSUED ~V THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY RELIEF AGENCY: WORLD DiSASTER DAY, WEDNESDAY, 8 OCTOBER, 1997 NIGERIA REPUBUC OF CONGO (BRAZZAVULLE) Until 1996, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) was the focal point of lDNDR activities. ln 1997, a rejuvenated National Emergency Relief Agency (NERA) took the initiative and reclaimed its function of Disaster and Crisis Management in Nigeria and has since then been the focal point of IDNDR activities in Nigeria. In 1 997, NERA celebrated the Internation al Day by undertaking such activities as a campaign lecture on the theme “Reducing the Social and Economic lmpact of Floods and Drought in Nigeria,” with the participation of business, government and environmental community representatives. NERA plans to follow up with periodic seminars and lectures. 1997 1M~RLD DISASTER DAY CA1~IGN “PUBUC INFORMATION CHECK LIST’ A letter received from the office of the Resident Co-ordinator for the Operational Activities of the UN System in Brazzaville, said that in 1998 communication students, from the Department of Sciences and Communication Studies of Marien Ngouabi,~were encouraged to write articles on natural hazards, disasters and natural disaster prevention measures in their country. Two interesting feedbacks were received. One story came from Mr.Gur Milandou Mouanga. a student preparing his master in journalism, and dealt with, “Floods in the Congo: What are the prevention measures?” The second article, from Guy Serge de Mouandza, dealt with the following theme: “What are the measures to prevent natural disasters in Congo?” His article underlines the fundamental difficulty of providing adequate information since the sources are hidden or non existent, and concludes that the Department of Sciences and Communication Techniques of the Marien Ngouabi University in Brazzaville should be entrusted with the setting up of a communication and awareness programme aimed at the population at risk. RWANDA In 1998, the UNDP Country Programme Officer, responsible for the Disaster Management Training Programme (DMTP), in Kigali, organised an awareness campaign on natural disaster prevention. ABUJA - NIGERIA 1997 SOUTH AFRICA The Disaster Management Training Programme (DMTP), in Pretoria, organised a full programme of activities to celebrate 1998 IDNDR Day These included. • Reproduction of the IDNDR poster and distribution to the nine provinces throughout the country. • Production of a safety kit for fire prevention distributed to communities vulnerable to fires. This was accompanied by a demonstration of its use. • Production of pamphlets on Fires, Drought, Fiooas, Storms and Lightning. • Translation of pamphlets to the different local languages. • Involvement of emergency services and Disaster Management personnel in various activities around the provinces • Distribution of material to schools • Press Conferences with the Minister for Constitutional development and Water Affairs • Community gatherings addressed by Deputy President, Thabo Mbeki. • Radio Broadcast. • TV Broadcast and a talk show. 1st prize in the second category of the 1998 photo contc~i went to Monowar Hossain Akhand showing an evacuation exercise in Bangladesh. A I A S The International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction in 1998 was celebrated when the country had just survived the worst floods in living memory. Twice during 1997 more than 600,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas 3 6-48 hours in advance of an approaching cyclone. This achievement well illustrated the greater public awareness and understanding of the situation due to the success of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme linked to the political decision making process. The Day was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sheik Hasina, at a function at Osmani Memorial Auditorium. The State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief was also present as a special guest. A seminar was held at Chittagong Circuit House on The Role of Mass Media in Reducing Natural Disasters. The Senior Assistant Commissioner of Chittagong presented the keynote paper, followed by an open discussion and video presentation. Earlier in the day, a colourful Rally paraded through the city streets with IDNDR flags and banners held high. Special sun-visors bearing IDNDR slogans were distributed. The rally participants included students, teachers, journalists, volunteers and government officials. BANGLADESH In 1 997, UNDP and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MDMR), organised activities to observe the World Disaster Reduction Day, with rallies and seminars taking place not only in Dhaka, but also at all 65 district headquarters. The attendance was high and, as a result, several requests for technical support for preparedness activities for possible effects of the El Nino phenomenon were received. N. R~duL ion Da) bscr\ cd ~ ~ ~ ~:t~ 1) L~.. intl Natural Disaster reduction day observed At port qf ( tUCUJI StqffR~ —~ .~*., ~ -q—ijl _;k~.— -(f~ ~ Writing in The Independent, 14 October 1998, Khabiruddin Ahmed, Director (planning) DMB stated: “The 1998 flood was most devastating, inundating and affecting 68% of the country, although the number of deaths was much less than on the 88 flood. This is due to preparedness and public awareness. The Government thus deserves credit for handling the flood situation boldly and effectively.” The UNDP Representative in Dhaka, in an article published in The Independent, said: “Bangladesh as a nation has shown the world that it has the capacity to cope with natural disasters, and though there is still room for improvement, today we can commend the people, the NGOs, the district personnel and other local Government officials, all the people who came together to share information, shelter, food medicine, medical supplies and to help each other through the flood.” The 1 998 IDNDR International Photo Contest aroused great interest among the photographers of Bangladesh and the standard of entries was very high. The winner of the contest, Azizur Rahim Pev, has his work published on the front cover of this report. Record Floods Strike Repeatedly in China P~”F1 relesa ~,s ,utdt ii 9ttss’ C hits is snga hiss, Isis IS’ ,ssi sits tssssssmts ,~sssi S siss.si and k. dsstg Itt 1e5t tears in dealsi ‘‘ its. less’s \is’ tttsss)issii’haribeetiils’Sls.sssssiiisss ssssi’,s5llts,s,lusss s i55s5s.tte s hss L ‘I as s’sltnslsat aiss si si ns.sssir lIsn,ddisssis.sssitths’ 95i st i 5 951 Ash 11191sts 1992 sIssy tIte 5l’stsitt.s 5, si .5. sq si si d .ss’~.si I .. ‘s.tigtsi.’s.sstttde. .sisssstii.s 555,555 IsiS si SsSISS I ‘‘ 5 lts,5h’ssii.:hiea,hess i 5 I . is. is, 555’),’ is Ill 55’ ti,,,, ii ‘555. sass. . slits 55)5 ssls.li,tss sites’, S .5,555555,) ii sisi ii, isis) ~‘. s.’ si ,.is .5,5, 5,5’ t.1as’it..s,,,’ssis1i,,tis’ssI’. CHINA The prestigious UN Sasakawa Disaster Prevention Award was presented in 1998 to two Chinese, Mr. Duo Ji Cai Rang, Minister of Civil Affairs and Prof. Wang Ang-Sheng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This prize, a recompense for outstanding achievements in the field of disaster reduction and work done over a number of years, carries a prize of US S 50,000, and was presented to the winners in Geneva on Natural Disaster Reduction Day. In China, the Day was marked by workshops, televised speeches by executive leaders or experts and newspaper articles. C/f/NA DECADE FOR NATURAL DISASTER REDUCTION Prediction and Prewarning for Storm Surge: Ssnti(kkAdn~~tin si Asss’S iS). i’)’)7. t is s~s ,s..S C sn. is 515. S ‘I rpi ii si )hh hi at its ca Is,. Attn. aditic. In ti hs.i’s,tssins’d s. aid ti isiCh. .,iss I sin.1 Jt.tlt)Sl5S Inn. thnis en hi5’ Pisisi eattsl he isnh,ss .ic It ‘sn’s ia 21:1K), \s,d’ ss2t ti \nllieiiflhs’nI is sissi s~ ts.sn tndhn,sis s~sss, lilsinsisni,) st the s’s,ssi..i in. sit sin ess’tssss 5 s,tasis.’esi si~s~sds I itnt,tns.htcsi 5s’,,is,s’~i,stsss5s~. i,’s siss tills ‘si,.l s .,iss,sc 5, sutthc lsnssi Stuns: insus sins the his’S sss)cnai eigfe’s’siausidltt’ hphtnt S’S ii h pt’edisttin ‘I the us’ issssns is Ie~ nun,i by sisssssnttti ‘s’i” s is tiada In c.siis ssisii It sli,sl the iisis,sss si tidal sis.sleit nsssisi s’ni,’ss,i ft,lhsa tstss aid Sic sis.ith in 19’17 than In the I In the ‘sits ‘it si,’ ,,ss,d ,s,.,:5 htstsntsnsl slant, cu~sei scssissiusis’sl hi there wisuid be il,’is,si’,,lssL sss st i’isls sssttsl’,sss .iiish, C isis ss nil h5’ isnciter ‘ihy predi~’tssttt ssss Ittasis’ is tise ptsbis,• is’ si s. isss,ss’s, h\ hen i~ si: s’s 9711 Sin ,ssss,s sisal lied as ass area at sntpsirisss.cn I sit I%jtIttitisi tsrecassitsg ,sssi ttarnsssis, the niarni su,s,sstsntesttai titret.i5sssisss slatseiis and ,nsils’is.sttiecrtsesi etthusnsed their dssstsss Ps,s,sss ntis) ‘‘,ssn pInts In hiss espasss.s 5,, s,sss SIC ‘S,’5~si ci. tstr ty1ih.issn tess’s sn ‘rhcustuetl ytt,rnsssss,c She tupis.ssn and nun.’d Issenast ii )trssi—ttntsns,i 5h)sssss,s S 5 5 si si .5 Sn5 in hen’s 555 /s’sst sisssteeltish 55 it, Is SSItSSi iii’S, 5 55, 5 ii S Si Talan City in Shandong province hosted a professional workshop on water issues, organised by the Provincial Disaster Relief Co-ordinating Group and the Provincial Disaster Prevention Association. 30 experts in hydrology, meteorology, oceanography and environmental protection participated. Gansu Provincial Disaster Prevention Association and Earthquake Resistant and Reduction Consulting Group convened a multi- sector meeting that included water experts. In Hong Kong, the combination of extremely hilly terrain, deeply weathered rock profiles, high seasonal rainfall and the intense concentration of population and development on hillsides, has in the past resulted in some severe landslide problems in the country’s dense urban environment. “Now! know why landslides occur!” This photograph by Geotechnica! Engineering Office of Hong Kong won 1st prize in the third category The Ceo-technical Engineering Office (CEO) of the Civil Engineering Department of the Covernment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (H KSAR) was established in 1 977, initially as a geo-technical control body to regulate the whole process of investigation, design, construction, monitoring and maintenance of slopes in Hong Kong. The CEO has gradually developed into its present form to protect the public from the landslide hazard through the following 4 principal slope safety duties: • Policing slope safety; • setting safety standards; • undertaking geo-technical projects; • providing education and assistance to the public. Contribution to the 1 998 United Nations World Disaster Reduction Campaign As the major landslide hazard mitigation agency, the CEO supports IDNDR goals and objectives to reduce, through concerted international action, the loss of life, property damage, and social and economic disruption caused by natural disasters. In 1998, the CEO participated in the following activities of the UN World Disaster Reduction campaign: 1998 IDNDR Internet Conference The CEO co-authored, with a leading media consultant, papers on “Media and Disaster Prevention” and “How to get the message out”. 1998 IDNDR International Photo Contest Photos were received on the 3 following themes: Photos of Natural Disasters; Photos of Prevention Measures and Photos illustrating the 1 998 campaign theme of “Prevention Begins with Information”. CEO won 1 st prize in the third category INDIA In 1 997, a network of Indian NGOs concerned with natural disaster reduction issues held a wide variety of events. Some were partly supported by government, universities and other partner organisations. The Joint Assistance Centre reported that the Structural Engineering Research Centre in Madras worked with the Institute for Youth & Disaster Preparedness on a series of workshops in the ten coastal districts in the state of Orissa. The Anna Institute of Management in Tamil Nadu (government-sponsored) has a disaster P115111 1~51I1f1IlXlY 15 5m8~1 management training centre that ran a large cyclone workshop in a coastal area attended by some 100 participants. Other workshops and activities received good press coverage. Schools participated in demonstrations of rescue and fire extinguishing techniques. The Hitopadesh journal on civil defence ran a special issue on the theme of disaster prevention. An important event in 1997 was the translation into local languages of cyclone-proof building standards in some of the areas most prone to such disasters, In 1 998, many events took place nation-wide to celebrate 14 October. A Roundtable on Media and Disaster was organised in Gurgaon, in Haryana State, on 27 September. Seventy-one officers from all over Haryana State, and several speakers participated in this workshop. In his inaugural address, the Deputy Commissioner, Curgaon, stated that mere laws and voluminous manuals were not enough to deal with disasters like floods, fires and earthquakes. This one-day workshop focused mainly on the following two aspects: • Public Health related aspects of disasters and the role of Media • Community-based disaster preparedness and the Media The conclusions drawn during the final open discussion were that the media has a vital role to play in making disaster awareness and preparedness a way of life at community level, and that this should be done regularly and in a responsible way and not just when a disaster occurs. It was recommended that co-ordination between Cavern ments departments, NCOs and media need to be strengthened. The 8th National Convention On Disaster Reduction, organised by the Joint Assistance Centre (an all India Agency for assistance in disaster situations), was held from 14-1 6 October in Madan Mohan Malviya Engineering College, in Corakhpur, in Uttar Pradesh State. Role of media in disaster management highlighted I ‘Govt shoukt t~Iit~ ,iII sections of the society into confidence’ th~. I I ~S~kiI 5 i~• ~1.,. h~ ~ ~ uI,~ ~~ ,d~,,i ~ ‘~ 5.~ ~ “Ihs,,,~~ Ii,~ d IS, ~ S~,A D,,,4.J,,,~,~d h~ A, “~4’~5 ,I,,•I~.S•II, k A,i5 5. k~ ‘1,5., ‘I I),,, .5th~ h_~~1’ 1151 11. ~ I,,,,Adds s,i(, ‘ I’k,A,.I Oh,s ‘I ~hI~pI55~.J II ,,I~d, 5,~,d,~ .,,s,,,,th,1.j td.,5..~,,..d II,,AdI ‘~“~““Y”A. ~ k_shIsi ~II, dIl 15, 1,1 1 I ,,,,1 ~ ~d~thsp IS,, • As I,, As ~ ps,S~. ‘ • ‘Iksh51i,, Ad d,,I 1,11 d~.ss5,,51 s.- II 5,51 ~,pIs,’ I 5351 ~s&,Th,1 1511 5 SIll 111518~~’~~ •1~ e’’~ v”~’ Nl’SITII THE TRIBUNE 118TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION CI eslh Fsday OCIsS,, 16~ 1998 prevention -THFMBsERVER ‘Laws not enough to -prevent natural disasters’ The objective of this convention was to review participants’ own contribution, preparedness and the manner in which they can contribute to reducing the impact of hazards both natural and man made. Participation was opened to all NGOs, academic institutions, government departments, voluntary agencies, research students and delegates from other countries, especially those in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Subjects in the agenda included: • The role of the media in reporting disasters, • Education, training and research in disaster reduction, • The proposal to establish a National Association of Disaster Management linked by E-mail, • Preparing communities for chemical, biological, industrial and nuclear disasters. The Global Forum of NGOs for Disaster Reduction, Gurgaon, reports that it is undertaking a study for the feasibility of community based disaster preparedness in the context of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. G.F.N.D.R. also called for wider recognition of amateur radio as an important means of global communication and education in disaster reduction. IDNDR’S theme for 1 998 was discussed at a Roundtable talk in Mahila UdyamityVikas, Kalyan Evam, Siksha Sansthan, Raebareli. The recommendation was made that there should be special training for journalists reporting on natural disasters. The Institute for Disaster Reduction and Management, Nagpur, organised a 3-day programme, from 1 2-14 October. This was made possible by the help of Rotary International Clubs, the Institution of Engineers of Nagpur and the Nagpur Union of working journalists. The subject was “Natural Disaster Prevention and the Media.” Representatives of over 14 NGOs were present. •\V~rkshop on ~Wor1d disaster reducti~m campaign’ ‘Media, NGOs, govt. should act i co-ordination to avoid disaster’ p..,.d~.* ~ ~ I b.., c...--. I...~. . :~ - -. az~=~~1~Ew;Elr1I;2 ~ ~ç~q~i ‘~V~~Tl, 16 889~9, 1998 W: 12 ~ t~. 1~81Ti8, 15 1_~~ (f-~) ~ -~ ~i ~ti9~ ~ t~ ~ ~ ft’s 5111 3T’ 1118 3~-~~-F ‘l~ 51. ~t4FT~ ~U11 ~i~1 t IRAN Students busy in story writing competition INDONESIA In co-operation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Disaster Management Coordination Agency (BAKORNAS PB) celebrated the 1 998 World Reduction Disaster Day by organising a wide range of events on the theme, “Natural Disaster Prevention and the Media”. Beginning in October 1 998, these events were aimed at raising awareness of disaster prevention among both the media and the general public. They included special radio and television programmes, exhibitions of paintings, photographs and posters and the distribution of leaflets. The country ran many events to publicise World Disaster Reduction Day. The predominant concern in Iran is earthquakes, and several publications on disaster prevention for adults and children have been printed and some of these are available in several languages. In 1 997, activities took place in Tehran and 27 provinces to mark the International Day. The National Committee for Natural Disaster Reduction (NCNDR) launched a painting competition among children and young adults. 100 paintings, outofatotalof 12,000thatwere submitted, won prizes. All the paintings were exhibited in an area covering 3,000 square metres. Some 27,500 students at primary, secondary and high school level participated in a training course. Round-tables on the socio-economic impact of water were held. A large-scale relief and rescue manoeuvre was carried out by the Red Crescent Society of Iran, which demonstrated 3 phases of a disaster: before, after and at the time of occurrence. JORDAN In 1 998, lectures were given by experts on desertification and floods, and a press kit was prepared which included a colour poster. Partnerships with other organisations are flagged by reproducing the partners’ logos on the posters. Major General Deeb-Al-Mani,Director General Civil Defense Directorate Disasters Department P.O. Box 1050 Amman 1110, Jordan Fax: 4962-6667717 JAPAN In 1997, Japan organised many events throughout the country. The International Centre for Disaster-Mitigation Engineering (INCEDE) at the University of Tokyo and the United Nations University in Tokyo sponsored a special lecture to discuss water-related issues. Five prominent researchers and 1 60 participants attended this event. approved by the Government of Mongolia The first edition of the National Action Plan of Natural Disaster Mitigation was produced and delivered at training seminars and workshops. The Day was celebrated by a public informalion campaign undertaken through TV and radio broadcasts, a training seminar, public awareness campaign and a press conference. The Internet Website was promoted as a means of gaining more information on the subject of prevention of natural disasters. The Government of Mongolia is preparing an amendment to the related laws and regulations and elaborating a draft legislation act on establishment of disaster and accident insurance system. Dr. Ts Adyasuren Minister for Nature and the Environment Head of Mongolian National Committee of IDNDR Government Buflcling No. 3 Saga Toiruu -44 Ulaanbaatar- 11, Mongolia Tel: (976-1) 312269 Fax: [976-1) 321 401 MONGOLIA NEPAL The Mongolian National Committee for IDNDR was created in 1997. The Committee focuses on the promotion of cooperation with other countries and international organisations in the field of natural disaster reduction, particularly the development of early warning systems, mitigation of risks and damage, and the creation of appropriate legislation. With assistance from UNEP, UNSO, UNDP and ESCAP, a National Plan of Action to Combat Desertification (NPACD) was developed ana subsequently In 1 997, the Nepal-International Consumers Union organised a one-day programme of discussions through the radio and issued badges, banners and pamphlets. A special supplement was published in the local paper. Also in 1 998, from 1 9 to 22 October, a training on disaster prevention for journalists was organized in Katmandou. I’RESS COVERAGE Sees Press Clsppiu1sfre IPsrM D,sasier R,drncIse, Dey 1993 ~1M! SSTSN JJ,OKt Er-to-eu I ~.W F Hillem,Irr is’rt’fl 1 World Disaster ~~PTh!~ ~5L i~i~bbO•5o-e~’~ ~ ii~flfl~I,usrnS,’uErn.J 1uibykOk,Ob.O.,flteO~bi .5~rrniui4,pu~,s.s zztn ‘°“ttfl.-trt rz~t’ Eit~ ‘~‘~ttCi, ~ earn .nus,. b.iei, .5by :tt~tt: t’n”~ I..,. .055 by .i..~ ~b, flse ,‘Is. IyiiPWiu~ ,ki~eis.,u.,Ns..ern.,u0 .,..S,kurnirnb.1iern,- - e .u,usu,.,,0.u,idy.rnOfl y5fl ~ ~ Th,~e.uus .tNQOrn,,u..bO,, ~ t~~tt1nt =tt= - b..i..lby.brs flu ,fl,esdorneO,et 1,5———, ~—,C— ,Oero.O,~t S web.rns, ,-s.o-k e .s,,___ —a’——’, .05 b~by, — —---‘C buns Sy .5 —e—’S sbuS 1 s5 iksi WORLD DISASTER REDUCTION DAY ON OCTOBER 14TH 110 au,.’ Note I,’ ~O our rnueuis9SlN5s~lfl. qe0k~ Cr5.0 SW lOSS C—u,, thit,bi,k,,lIOfl~’l,,0fl,iir,,, ‘1,—n .o.rCO,,u,e,bl4SCelisiCiS?5 ‘ret’ eS lee ~bb~ efl’ used I’ tIc 1,., ~Iue C,’ sre,e-’ iSWeAsu,,e! C, ,CObi.ik’ efl,ruthei,e,i’d,WuWkI”~’r ytu,sfle I1~l Cr *55.1 uSeS Is “suM uar9’ “— s~eid (t,,ouiukrnthue IOyNIk i-CO step INN uS it I1b~O 000WWe ,eeo,usirn,,iwwcS’W,SCud!u 5 rbuN,N’uewbl Mrr,,duiWeu —Ii b*esr ThOrruouiIMNth’0155’ ‘~r’~”. 04,55hi,&..,S il” .ilk raud, sit ,50 Cc etHer Cc. 5,0,” ,,eS.eu,C Snot ti .ue,,r5Itu,oieoru#earel 0, usIple Ao Uubt,5uitIcN,ilrc~Ib5~~l’r~’S ors5,e,Cr,uIrnCeOCCtbi’kUuS ,,,Ipyi, ,,Ip,rn5i,,Ju,eCulouS tho-t lCroulet C, ,itrir,. flliC sCethlucutO’rneIlkOCltC ~S 151*55155 For more information contact: Mr A.P. Gautama Member-Secretary Nepal-International Consumers Unions P.O Box No. 5841 Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: (977-1) 422 936 Fax: (977-1)418 890 PAKISTAN The Pakistan Red Crescent Society reported that its provincial branches ran workshops, throughout 1 997, in community-based disaster preparedness, beginning with World Disaster Reduction Day. Case studies of previous disasters, a summary of the Disaster Preparedness National Plan, references to local activities and disaster definitions were compiled into a book for the workshop in Karachi. 1998: Following is the Report on a Collaborative Programme between the Aga Khan Housing Board for Pakistan and participating educational institutions received from the Aga Khan Housing Board for Pakistan. Pakistan, like many other countries, faces the risk of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. The Aga Khan Housing Board for Pakistan (AKHBP) has been aware of the need to disseminate information on disaster mitigation and management to help reduce the loss of lives and property in case a disaster strikes. AKHBP considers it particularly important to collaborate with educational institutions in this regard. Over the past few years, it has invited numerous schools to observe World Disaster Reduction Day and distributed information in the form of leaflets and lecture notes to facilitate school-wide activities. The response from schools has been most enthusiastic. Keeping in mind the ever- present threat of earthquakes, in 1 998 AKI-LBP distributed over.2000 pocket and 3000 wall calendars carrying earthquake preparedness information World Disaster Reduction Day was observed on 14 October. 1998 and once again AKHBP invited a number of schools to mark the day by disseminating information on natural disasters and the vital steps each of us can take to mitigate their effects. AKHBP distributed informational packets with fact-sheets on natural disasters, pamphlets on how parents and teachers can help children cope with natural disasters, guidelines for school wide emergency drills, puzzles and word teasers on natural disasters for the students. PRESS COVERAGE Somo (‘root (5/ij~pio8i from W’o,-/d Dijaslor Rodo,ttio,, l)ty 1998 ~ALUCHISTAN EXPRESS. QUETTA 27.~O.9~ UN nominated 1990-2000 decade for IDN1JR ~ aoooo,5s,I,,,,Jo,,~’k .. ~ so, mr,~’L so so so 05 ~ ~ Considering, that 1998 IDNDR campaign theme is “Prevention Begins with Information, the Media and Natural Disaster Prevention”, AKHBP also invited members of the press in various parts of Pakistan to publish articles with special emphasis on disaster mitigation and management information. A number of copies of the press-kit prepared by the IDNDR Secretariat were also forwarded to the press to facilitate this effort. It is heartening to note that AKHBP’s efforts at reaching the media and school children have again borne fruit this year. The disaster mitigation message received prominent coverage in numerous newspapers in Pakistan on World Disaster Reduction Day. School children and their teachers once again observed the day in a befitting manner by announcing and discussing it in assemblies, and holding classroom discussions, emergency drills, poster competitions and skits on disaster preparedness. The importance of the day was also conveyed to parents as teachers shared with them the pamphlet on helping children cope with disasters as well as check-lists to help families prepare for natural disasters. AKHBP plans to continue its collaborative efforts for disaster reduction and mitigation in the future. It is currently developing additional educational material for dissemination in schools in the Northern Areas and Chitral, Karachi and rural Sindh. It is hoped that not only will the enthusiastic response from schools be sustained, but that other organ isations will also join in the efforts to spread the disaster mitigation message. Examples of Activities Undertaken in Schools AKHBP received feedback from a number of schools regarding the manner in which they utilised the information packages provided by AKHBP and the activities they undertook on World Disaster Reduction Day. Announcement and discussion of World Disaster Reduction Day in school assemblies The Aga Khan Schools and various branches of the Beacon House school system announced and discussed the World Disaster Reduction Day. School-wide Emergency Drills AKHBP’s information packet provided comprehensive information on how schools could better prepare for emergency situations with the help of regular emergency drills. Foundation Public School reported their successful experience of holding such a drill and enclosed a copy of the evacuation map and guidelines prepared by them to facilitate orderly emergency drills in the future. Various branches of Beacon House school and the City School also wrote back regarding their plans to hold emergency drills in the future based on information provided by AKHBP. Earthquake Drill (Duck, Cover and Hold), and Earthquake Simulation in class Earthquake drills were held in a number of schools. Boards and skits on disaster mitigation Students in the Aga Khan Schools prepared special skits and boards for assemblies held on World Disaster Reduction Day. These focused on disaster preparedness measures. Information displayed on bulletin boards and kept for reference in libraries A number of schools plan to display information provided by AKHBP on school bulletin boards. Detailed information on the role of school administration and staff in disaster mitigation was sent to all schools by AKHBP. This will also be kept in a number of school libraries for future reference. Information shared with parents AKHBP’s pamphlet on “Helping Children Cope with Disasters” was also appreciated by the schools. The Aga Khan Schools, The City School and Beacon House reported that this information has also been sent to the parents. PHILIPPINES At the national level, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) together with the Task Force on El Nino Phenomenon initially proposed a symposium on the 1 997 World Disaster Reduction Campaign and the water- related effects of the El Nino Phenomenon. However, this endeavour gave way to a much bigger regional summit which was held in Manila: the Asia Pacific El Nino Water Summit! Clean-Up the World Conference. This event was held from 6 to 9 November 1997 and was organised by the Clean-Up the World Australian Secretariat in cooperation with Clean-UP the World Philippine National Committee and the Task Force on El Nino Phenomenon and supported by UNDP. Through the Office of Civil Defence, the NDCC placed a photo showcase of activities undertaken by the various Disaster Coordinating Councils in support to IDNDR’s campaign theme. Flyers and brochures were distributed to the participants and visitors during the summit. To observe the World Disaster Reduction Day, the 1 6 Regional Disaster Coordinating CounciLs (RDCC5) organiseci school activities, meciia fora, panel interviews via radio, distribution of pamphlets, and tree planting activities. In 1 998, the NGO Citizens Disaster Response Network made children the target of their public awareness campaign. A poster designing contest was organised and 51 entries were received from all over the country. The six winning posters were featured in a calendar. The prize giving ceremony for the poster contest became the subject of a television news story. The Asia Pacific Disaster Management Centre (APDMCJ, an NGO, planned three workshops each with 30 participants. IDNDR kits were requested for distribution at the workshops. Children enjoyed the public awareness campaign carried out through an established NGO network, Citizens Disaster Response Network. 51 poster contest entries were received from children all over the country and the six winning posters were featured in a calendar. THAILAND In 1 997, activities included an exhibition at the Economic and Social Commission IbrAsia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Secretariat. A pamphlet was distributed of the survey on natural disasters flood events in Asia conducted by ESCAP each year. In 1 998, ESCAP Bangkok organised an exhibition of posters and publications at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok to commemorate the IDNDR Day on 1 4 October. AUSTRALIA & THE PACIFIC STATES -- ____J Koshiba wins Disaster speech contest Disaster Day declared ~ ~ AUSTRALIA In 1 997, the Australian IDNDR Co-ordination Committee sponsored a one-day risk- management seminar and issued a press release for the Day. Drought is Australia’s costliest natural hazard in economic terms, but floods can also be severe. In 1 990 floods covered more than a million square kilometres of eastern Australia and caused about Aus $41 5 million damage. Mr. Alan Hodges, Director General of Emergency Management, Australia said: “Insurance pay outs reflect only a small percentage of the total damage bill for floods because insurance is not available for domestic properties”. Internet sites, where more extensive information could be obtained, proved popular. NEW ZEALAND Activities included a news release issued by the weather service to all media. Mr. Bob McDavitt “Weather Ambassador” E-mail: Mcd~cybernet.co.nz REPUBLIC OF PALAU The Republic’s celebration of World Disaster Reduction Day, on 1 4 October 1 998, was a significant success in terms of explaining to the population the need to be aware of potential disasters capable of striking at any given moment. According to Hazime Telei, Coordinator, National Emergency Management Office, “The Republic was successful in imparting this year’s disaster message, which involved the enlistment of the media as working partners in promoting natural disaster prevention measures”. The Vice-President of the Republic, Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr, created a National Disaster Reduction Day Committee, which had the responsibilities of planning activities that would bring attention to the primary topic. Adds Hazime Telei, “1 998’s theme greatly influenced the composition of the committee, which included primarily representatives from the media such as newspapers, cable television, AM and FM radio stations and, of course, the National Emergency Management Office”. The committee, recognising the limitation on funding for this event, limited the focus of its planning to citizen awareness. Within this context, activities were narrowed down to the following carefully planned and executed components: viewing of disaster films, radio talk shows, distribution of typhoon safety tips brochures and speech contest. The speech contest targeting public and private elementary school student was the primary event organised on 14 October. Out of 1 9 elementary schools in the country, 1 4 schools were represented in the speech contest. Winning contestants and their schools were awarded with prizes and certificates from the Vice-President of the Republic. TONGA In 1 998, the Tonga Red Cross Society organised a full programme of events to promote disaster awareness and prevention. Red Cross youth worked on road crossings for school children throughout the day, and were highly visible in their Red Cross bibs. A B-roll was shown featuring Mr. Philippe Boulle, Director of the IDNDR Secretariat, as well as footage on disaster prevention shelters in Bangladesh. Press kits were distributed and a video programme on disaster awareness produced by the Tonga Broadcasting Commission was broadcast. N~~Id, fl ~ ~ \/PJ...OR Lea aviso importante at reverso $6.00 Special lottery ticket issued within the context of World Disaster Reduction Day in Mexico in 1997. AMERICAS & THE CARIBBEAN Multi-Hamad Coe~tiiiq.ncy Planning ~ Training Comae ~asay maaw~tD~’aapaSma A, pad ~4 ~be COP’, p .Squads Mnpaa,.p Ca- • IaPatCma,aOAnbea ,ammwma,Sm malvSEa, aaewpwpa ~wM~e COtn am ma isa - ‘aap a.SmMW5a.S¼ISSa.P St a.ewt Thaasa,nma,.waSa, ewb5.lb. bp~a. .a.StPayew ,~ !? a— ,tbwewmaa.abmawmatatpmammS ,a ‘yamS basted,. as ama ass ja.’a.ba d_pC5’at a.W~b~L t*lWMaWII staid ‘yeas,? at ~ ‘apes ‘Sm k uCOp,Pmpabp at —- mapas a ?SaSia stat mom be beaa*daa ~anaP Sm ssasaafl Thy aa,aadlyan, at astmppyoi Naomi mprsSnm.oAaafl p,de,p ,aalm,wddap S oaa*woC p’aoap _pSm*a, COdS ‘a ha ,i.paaabebp at aid, t.a. lPy asS ha apmaai it P’a byaspa. ewias awiia ma tv,sSasesisaaP.snesadoc P ,apulidao — be esad by laa Idasop at SCasaiS Spa — C0’a lPSbt ma S tOm S,oeSoC~a as Ts5,p ~mS haas a oannp_py pb.aae’a p’paopPttp, 05 adopt a a.Omapa -5—— fle ‘apdid,aa adS adaida Sa dad asSoanot dSflq_pdSsaamabvas.Spaath 1~ to. a, mi_pa as macis hindatpa Pd ma adaaathaoatap,aaad bnatasa aSmnnS!,t macma mt_pan. Thadoa.d,yos,aaw,roc,sanb, is A,~O Loan-PdSa at itasca boat’ -‘a’ C’Paba ma ma tS-5aS OPaPaS am apI ma ais.,. Pa., asapta .astsaaT.a’sap The o..p,a app ead A ham hm p.aa a r,sm.h,anatamoai.a,cp paw.,aae*.ascam P a.a,Saa’yasaa,a,psapacn aaasopa’Sa.tha,fl.avyepamaapmp — n fl*attapawewa mastaciasa naimm.Pmapcial,aatimmana.4tmit.mtt,sn, thmmnsmaa.pa m-~ — mflcapm..as’uPa adasapamama. a- aeath a thnmaaa.ma,tP’aPSflam.mayatai 0 fl a ha ama at ma bas ar’ya.ama am Pm.. malaaad.taoapecy mamaa’admum. laps ad,aap COP hnta,a a~Sp S5maa P.r_pa 51w .aaiaiaa maasaas apt a amama ps’aaammaa..aewmama.acp am MI5141 P.,sipea’aPWw~ T,sm.e Ca_pa. bas maba daisaim ‘yew a bid man_pap ma,, ‘I bosa_p ‘cams m°saamatiamt TTSamSflmpaOOP ‘aPpa newt 0_pta, Pa.aannt tdmmasg am_pam a. ma papal S Pbhaaab ma aaaaaa masaa S “isa a-ac~P pl,asw. sip iiaa,is, ,a,saPPsESra ass em eatlamasm us aaaq esam an Sia i.s.o C tat s.tsaaammaasoaa .5. sayS_p map a. as pe~ a ‘Sm aaaasl abets mamsais. baasmanmame mm flapS ate ma ama. a.abaap, taps ma., aPp aast .Srt Thays.a aays~5 maaa,am,epsi amd5 apmaa~ams. C Pt a a,piasappam, a..anisa.a.si S. mak,S*. .ataiñaupt ~pew a TMSpnamm,amab.aPns apaynpe haaihasam Papa, pa amP istnapsmaaewbpada_pappaaasg ayessSm,. Saambaappa,aPema.,aLs.i haai’uapaPaW asoas, a..saa~ A SdSb maoaatm dadO be d~S a Soabupad baas ~ S amsa.aca sIaa.amwma.mSSamaaPPamPht 11tpa~raaaa,ia~Ppaaam~ 05 attessa- am ma, mawo, Sacs epa S ma. bpaama,.ma 5Cm...thaaidlpalaiab*gpar,ps Email:mpsalas@isis.pnud.bo ARGENTINA In 1 998, a workshop-seminar on The Role of Social Communications in the Media: Their role in the Disaster Situations, was held in August. It was sponsored by the Alumni Centre of the school of National Defence. World Disaster Reduction Day joined up with inter-American Water to form a Water Week from 3 - 10 October. 40 organisations sponsored dozens of events and activities, including the distribution of leaflets to 20,000 households, touching some 200,000 people. The campaign covered a period of four months. Two workshops were organised and a seminar held on Risk Reduction. From these events the following suggestions were made to improve planning of the Day in future years: • Cinclude the Day in school agendas • reproduce posters locally • maintain awebsite • encourage earlier availability of resource material for longer exposure • disseminate calendar of activities BOLIVIA The UNDP Resident Coordinator hosted a breakfast and a workshop on natural disaster prevention for 50 senior policy and decision- makers. Key contacts were established between relevant ministnes and NGOs during the breakläst to improve coordination in the event of a catastrophy. A Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) video was shown on the 1993 floods in Bolivia’s Beni region, caused by El Niflo. UNDP Country Office Tel: (591-2) 362-646 Fax: (591-2) 391-296 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS In 1 997 the Montserrat volcano forced many people to leave their island and some of tnem sought shelter in the British Virgin Islands. The BVI community raised funds to assist them. From 6 - 10 October, radio programmes publicised the Day. A radio quiz on station ZBVI, and a panel discussion on ZBVI’s Speak Out were broadcast. A supplement was printed in both BVI newspapers. A Multi-Hazard Contingency Planning Training course was organised by the BVI Office of Disaster Preparedness in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. The 3-day course was held between 7-10 October 1 998 and was attended by the 1 5 teachers from around the Territory. Recommendations of participants were: • That the establishment of contingency planning in schools cannot only be the responsibility of teachers. ‘fl*.,4.Sa~P. ~fl.,,aa.a..,iEpa..a.t.aaS.. 9,......tW,A,.t t eC,n. NEACNEWS U N.esiPa,/au~aaaaabpnidiOm~4t ?PattTLPW act DAT lAM -ca a.s. JIM Message Fran. P1’. ChaInnan of tIPS NEAC MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY ThE GOVERNOR Acm aas,sanP Ibeaa baaamlaa5tb 5maa aadAda bead .*aaa.acpd Aa i.e cay —et , ~apsaaIma ad. Pap ‘Sm. paaaaaaa,caias tote a.a, ala may a’,,, I tam? pnied lam POP a .~Ps lea. daiae a Patt,PdPap.e sahlbtaalaçaysaamaas,m Pm-madam Pagis 551 apeuSea’ tIm. 4 t’ya,la~ alas,. a ha, patact mci?? ttaaa a daa Wpatabeaia amatilta bid a ,d*i bt~ PP yappayspus tap Iha a, ,ba’a a’tlmmp_paaaiea atP aaadisam ympsathaae pahgnnm,es tam aa’tad tam cam ram 5~ a,thalas,$ tame padsa a. ama am Ipccphnaabealalptaa.aMfl,s. Ii tnaamy -a,smmamniamas’Sstaadt,aaa S .aapa .a1waapes. a, aS Sat am aSs aaa.laJla ba ynman as sated, aaa,d sametam, aa.sace a~tsbeuaa baa_pat isa, Saaa maaam-.’— ‘ass asaisasdadsastas a,a.aaaamapaaratartautalaabstaamdam amact.s ad ada_n itdea aldlmmaaisafl,ahep$ Ntme~ias’. m~ Iba ~m appLes map aa,aa, a. ?aedPauaap A ,taat,hslabemb.S sac’S paS,na.a, ass a,aatuc.ga ‘~a~ •cas as aaaeeaa. tad ‘en OS .bat .aabepaeaamma aaoecsapfta qdmaa, mast alaaoipcltaettsadam — s,hag’esae taeadm,paan ala Ibameap ‘SP maa’cc a’yaapa. Ti,, e~laflSNAm’y atiswnaat ol baa?daa,t tappasstpma cem ‘baa hnPbysa I’D? .te.tbt W.aat& mdlmbma,aaptAnaaspsal.atatd aPaeSaa,uaa’ mdd’Saa’m. PhyaseaaC,tmrtaas.~1ytPat maaaatta.aa amrs ‘maaadpaaai ‘taP. a,,aaatm iPj,& tnt Babaaaa phamas mnia Pa~fla ba OPPistPaa P,a m~’~ aPtdaa baptdp Oumoma, lee. Gm_paSt aemeapasapwmSdamrsosaa.. meammaa..sw,aa-,.s.aspaspawame ab.npacadaaabaalapssapc tbmPfl .ainCym-bij$Slt,#aS.dthaSiPa,a ad Pa *m*t4d. pap, uts ap.smiuas Pa asiscam Gaaiaaed..n psaiaa’Sd.ha-aPPsaIaapISiss.. ‘itmammy ewaaah a, Ira Pa’ baa, lb. nOP ib.ssn o.ayaat. SM a, as rh.eaaaaatamaasaaa ama sea.,, aa acar peps.ep s_p’s as p. to paa i,,aamPa5amrimy~ptpssnopsaPa Phad,aatt beAns &stSdt.aa,ahataaaa tiaa,aaa otta paat’aathaalaaaa.a a?, ‘0*5.I’as.s, ~a al’S .551w. Papa’S tasam.s dPOP ba “Sad — llayua Adam5 ia_ad a fp.Sa—t rbasa~awppoppm pan pia la — pea snaa,Pa ‘P abe eapa ‘Pt ‘SaPs haaadmyfl iam atucsal’Saa PP ac .a_paeaca a~ tam.’ ‘sa asa*5 mama. abeaaap I .coecaa tma a,s1sa aaa,asmat ttaasqtmaStibemaaaPPt a.a. P aamapt ta_pt byihmcasP iteneasa tmaa.npa,mbn,ataca.aadmmmtt awasaPa ‘a-st lrapanaaii.pmaaanacata’naabtadt ma,ampa.aa,b..taateadpatbataa atO. bat ma hawaaa TV capeile bat, as,ddla, aad ‘Pa~n,piaaPa~a5 anita o a’paamwdaaa’ssamam pa_paO,aaa a a. 05 Pap,, idas,aase, tat ma. meda p..pae?baSVl beaapbaea anthstats’S CimPal d,p beta, am paa,.bpltaap almaaa,daaaaa. maamtaaa, Caapteca,caaa a. S tOama acdm~ a ta_sap Pnpsa,aaapm.caaaaspaaa alaS had said.,?, ha F J h.m~a Pm- sisasa Ta.naancsame. • deidalgeaiam —a - -~ - __tOS_kPlf~a~~’ba - 0~-s&,L. .s fl.yd.am.m.d JdpanamSmdmm iPr,am-....ad9cØ.,J’ .0’ Pta.-,.. forecast: havoc lPebLCnde 98,.um,png noptitrt’o t.nu?Iii’.t n,lLuhlI ?ilh.ahteC P’? .aptt.l. ~utt tipof If??’ otabotg • More Multi-Hazard Contingency and other Training Courses must be planned. • A nation-wide programme must be developed fur the implementation of contingency planning. IDNDRDAY 1998- 14OCTOBER 1998 Message from the Chairman of the NEAC “Prevention Begins with lnfbrmation’ CANADA In 1998, a special ¼twld Disaster Reduction Day event was convened by the IDNDR National Committee for Canada and discussions were held with groups that included participation by teachers, psychologists, and natural disaster experts They met in a school located in an area of western Canada that had suffered from floods. The Director of the IDNDR Secretariat, Mr. Philippe Boullé, participated in the awards ceremony, when special certificates were presented to students. On 1 4 October, the Canadian Nationai Committee-International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (CNC-IDNDR) marked the 1998 tM~rld Disaster Reduction campaign with a breakfast meeting of Members of Parliament, media and key individuals in the emergency preparedness community. - Over 50 people attended the breakfast, which was held at the National Press Club in Ottawa on the 1998 Campaign theme. The aim was two-IbId: to focus on efforts to create a national programme and supporting strategy to reduce the devastating effects of natural disasters in Canada and to encourage the media as working partners in promoting natural disaster prevention measures. Speakers at the event were: • Jean’Pierre Wallot, President Royal Society of Canada (Welcoming remarks) • Alain Davenport, chair, CNC-IDNDR, and representing the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CNC Initiatives beyond the Decade) • André Tremblay, Acting executive Director, Emergency Preparedness Canada (the need for a Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme for Canada) • John Stone, Director General, Policy, Programme and International Affairs. Atmospheric Environment Service, Environment Canada (Global Change and Natural Disaster Mitigation) • Richard Haworth, Director General, Sedimentary and Marine Geo-science Branch, Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada (The impact of climate change) Storms: National conference on disasters set for December Ce_I_,,aadisapasaAP dOra,, ~‘1,,.’., ha nu.A,r’ ‘aId Ms Pu Piaaaaatl?p, paslaritatad .La.ae Part Pd,,?.’ baa.’ p .?,abaats,iaa Tte,,s.a.tSit,*5hadsaama?b t.aassaaapstpaadyahcsc,aapa, ‘ahaatadp ha,,adth,,aaea bmed lbaat,aaIafawsPia,aahsaI?d.aliab ~sm’piad,,ap,aaa,tbam, a’tdrIaa p,aan.aaa.taaama.b,barraaa. bpaamsp p,paa,ppa%b’OJ,dea pop’ hnaatlhs lt~i.’pha• Spum pan. Ada mop,caaaPeatt tmadpdat ,dP?t,paa,a_Il u,I,PdariP.hdhs’ ambPtcaam~ ,abm,aa,Im Pama,poa.aadt.aaadaat Ada, Pa ta pea,, ‘ma’.. Baa mc,a Mt Ssaiap ccci aael?,aa-’a?alhl ,baa?pra ‘baa tapa ‘pat tb_picbadmet’ ttcilaa’.lapp,btaaanakaaatbat bit haaamacsdtb.n.aP’atanaa asa.p,tpbcaaupaaaLbabpaaaoco- aaaaam.,anaacapyatPaaimola, aaaaa,aataaa,Paa.n ‘P,aail, baa by paaa,amaaaa a, at In.?, a? ta,a,baae boa ,aaand that ilcpc .aptaaac ,adlada taa laid?, lataadm,a_Ibeaa Ipdm.aap- SIPS aka,a,daaasAaipam~ama ca,aaa.Ia.aalha,mad.’ I aasama,laSapacda S aanaaya- ma aabaaaca .pd.a?py ,, aa,alad Faaaad.apbo Pa maPnaaiPalta ISP’e p ca_It as. aybta.a’ ~ap PesublidPaaP a.tiILahpd Aatap.d, Sa apaap ~m ap?I’ia a yaar 5,. lb. da,aatpas,pd’S aslatpsaasmaaaa Pa Ce’aatnpica 1dm psd,dttlsaadall- yea. tkaaa pats a diosa hatmaad.a ‘paa,aaideaa.t, mite rat Ila Scala, ‘a tcalalaaa dmay tlaa,Cdbapa pa,, tlp.pP-aaad .atInsarbaaaa.”flcaa?aa,aaaa’ aaa,~a,aüaaalbaiaaa atlcla ‘ad a,frrhaope’ oaa,atdl hamad aia,,hssaama’Slmamasoad paaaaay aaaatad by a_a, aasha~ ~gideal,aanmadbtbaIi.’ Calaefl lii, aima dams,. pflptbabaej.’ an asd.stqa.bn. I,a,aaaadaaa.aaaabahlt’ laedit~,amn.a,anmaSbaaIbti a ta-aaa.S.aa ma?. Canpaaaa ll,aaaaabaa.,aanicttlacaeas ,,,a,ap,at,aa,.’55a45Pat’me. ta.n.mdPada ~ ‘ka ImPala’s a aapaa’ad aa’~a’ap’a .Ta.aam’ Whd,ljaf,Pl ,l~II- hdaa.nPikanab,a.ar.dhababdim Pap ,.,? ahab ha nap?’. lath., tIn Cesd,ma idaPaad ama, pa..tr.as~Pta.am-ra.p(d an—ct, a,? l’,m,-..ad,aa.a “a,,?.,, .a,mt.sda, mpaadea ad’aflaama mania, ‘a’?,, apadaalaa tadaaadap.’ta.aaaaak?s ha atay’aa,aJ Ia ,a,,aa.a.aa am taad~. 55OS0aawJ,- atp.maaaaatdInaaaaaha. ‘sac te,ab’ bad.,.,., ~anat? a Rouudtable: the Media and Fpablk Traps RISK&5OCJet RLSQUES&SOOe~ Pa~plann Mark a,apalab Pparpbos P,ai,,aat Cdt 1% ‘,pwa.appp, Ut, Po.gapamp,g SwIm P,mdslaaa Na,, CaPatlosta CXAC tad,., ?ahaaabal P,calrla Cia Ptapaaaauag tateg,., bo1t, Cd.?,. Qadtpa Cba,,rapbaroanap Paaahar, Schop? of Jcuat5aa CSpuoa (Jauaa,py hjaa Pad.k’uP Pdptpt, ttaoa,ipa Wrop’SiaIatd hapa Iid,,idc EP’i..-’l F?at~ ~,at,, CPa TV ?C’TV( Otiamb Pb,? Jaahiaa Laoaioa ~Stcgar Cdt-TV O,tnae taioa,OnSsLOTaa.,na P-oc5et COOT-fl IliaC? Tam V(p,aabpad Sat’aaP ‘a ttaVdP’lOpatu?t,aa Pda,ara,’ThaWaalharAdawotk bOa tapla,ApIl \aatp?Pttap,o, F,,LctLaa’aiotb,Radtoba P’a b,piar Eoaaia,, -c 5P,,n, -Si Ste-c C,,gat, baa,i, Trade., ,lpp’pa \amSapt?It C3C,fl tdpar,ai? t?kbal b .aop,a ‘Pt, Slat, pt ClctC-aaato %foa,aaa? a_la ?beibt tlatte Sr,plIpabOtC,a Co’od,pn :ttatt-ptt?aA Paaa?pta?tpP ‘Pta?” p’talant a:’ik SW”iicCpaaa,ppbdkpt, (pp • per,,I’PS,.i.Phs~pma: a -—ma.-’.— tot —aattoatl Pops c a,. a’,,’ t..’a~’— I P20th .ma’tia-a—’aqn.a’ e • Paul Kovacs, Executive Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, Insurance Bureau of Canada (Acting before the disaster) • Kathryn White, President, Black and White Communications Inc. (Building Partnerships. Youth, Media, and Industry) Following the breakfast meeting, CNC-IDNDR member Kathryn White and her Risk & Society Project hosted a roundtable on The Media and Public Trust This Roundtabie brought together a select group of specialists in news management, journalism, NGOs, and industry to discuss the role of the media in natural disaster. The group examined lessons learned, case studies and best practices from recent research. Participants underlined the increasing severity of natural disasters and the changes in th-e weather: higher heat in summer, colder days in winter and more violent winter storms and their impact on the sea level, the permafrost, ground water and of course on agriculture and infrastructure. COLUMBIA A 1 5-second public awareness announce ment concerning water was broadcast at var ious times of the clay over national television from October to December 1997. A video entitled Letas Prevent Floods” was sent to 32 regional disaster prevention and education committees for broadcast in all municipali ties. 1O~OOO educational flyers, “Calltarin el Arroyo Feliz y Mi Amiga el Agua”, were print ed and distributed to the regional commit tees for local distribution to institutions, com munity and educational authorities. “La prevencion es una Responsabilidad de Todos” of the municipality of Medellin organ ised a seminar on 11 October 1998 on the Prevention of Natural Disasters with 4 main themes: • The seismic risks in cities and seismic micro- zoning projects, • Communications resources for the prevention of disasters, • Social networks in prevention of disasters, • Intervention in the case of emergencies. United Nations DNDR I t990—2000 ___________ ~. c—.~ ,—.—— Communities Manage Early Warning Flood M~LW(,*S*aS!S w4ffia~t~ .—i.c—”~ ~n ~ S ~t4 ~ ~ ~- ~.,nmd ~ b,,mSaMs.~t.. “—nfl-.—”. ~ W tttt~*.,*.a.1~C’ ti_s t~ W ~ F.&M,321flJ.Nt ,...fr,S...S.LS! Mr. Gregoria Marularida Brito Director General National Directory for Disaster Prevention and “ATENCION” Calle 26 No. 13-19 PISO 26 Santafe de Bogota, D.C. Tel 283-4966 Fax: 286-0485 COSTA RICA In 1998, 14 NGOs and government institutions conducted an all-day fair in San Jose’s Central Park. Primary and secondary schools watched demonstrations on disaster preparedness and all the events were well covered by the media Civil protection professionals chose a school in San Jose as a site for a pu~licised emergency drill. The Ministry of Public Education has included emergency evacuation drills in public school curricula since 1991. The National Emergency Commission organised: a A National Seminar on Journalism and Disasters • A workshop in the Nicoya Peninsula on Information and Vulnerability. • A national information campaign. - A weekly programme will now be broadcast on National Radio and Channel 1 3 will broadcast spots about disasters prevention and response. For more information contact: National Emergency Commission Tel: (506) 220-2064 cnemereris.caspares.go.cr CUBA Architecture students attended lectures on disaster management, hazards, vulnerability and disaster reduction planning. The first National Workshop for Disaster Reduction Engineering and Architecture was scheduled for October 1998. Civil Defence Fax: (53-7) 332-780 or PREMIDES Email: llanes@cecat.ispjae.edu.cu ECUADOR A seminar was organised by the IDNDR Secretariat, Ecuador’s National Civil Defence Directorate and the Pan American Health Organisatiort (PAHO) between 29 September and 1 October 1998 in Quito Lii P~OIW~Ol5 PUOUCA FREPiTE AL. FENOUENO 0€ EL *~0 3. Paomover liclaboracidieimplancacidn di pzoçancu ospecdlco. do paevenddc y aloncido do ensugcncen bacaloa~ loaenaiesiocbuyanen suosbuctura us drcade co~nunicaci6n social, quo asoguic Ia pcrmmacneua y ovaluncidi do loniealcgiss y modulus poovcolivaadc inuxigscids p respucuon. 4. La infotisacsOn a psopagar dthe asogurso Is efoctiva divulgacif ci do Is cagaitizacidsi local do provoscido. sdtigacidoyrama.asboomeprcanovueldmaaiullo — do babilidades y conducts, mdi sdccuadas cc La -_________________ poblsddn,pricisododconblociotionodiunncultucolocal dcpscvencidn y pscpsoncidu. cuolundo psaellocooIspthpacidodcdopocsdeuoiau ycogenienos, ens reipociosbilidad eneo.csenosos cacoadas. univani~rn.diencotJow~ycoc,uniisoio,ualud,enueocssiiuoiasia~sosni~coroaa en La mater,,. S Coosidoeursloomcdiosdecomwiicscido. cesnousooli los ejeoc~alos psraejocucaroaorneegiaade ore.~ts~-t~si zoloctiva y cutab4~ medios alonnativea quo pamisan cucaplir coo Leo objelivos uncados (fonnacide y csgscleacido do lldcou censiotoaria,. abcoveclusnle000 do orguidescicozu exiu*cotrs encsd.u,eooanidsd.roajizacidade secoiosrios-oaJlcoos,di~usidndcfoocla.a,susacejcos, ecee 0005). The objectives of the seminar were to promote the dissemination of preventive messages, encourage the exchange of experiences, and define which tools can help journalists and other social communicators understand and convey the importance of disaster reduction. Subjects on the agenda included: • duty of experts, authorities and others in ensuring that information about risks is passed on to the general public, • role of a “communicator” as a bridge, able to synthesise information and present it to the public so it is easily understood, without distortion of its technological contents, • population must be made aware of the risks threatening them, particularly in the area where they live, • need to establish communication strategies, from the top to bottom and vice versa, but also horizontally, in case of disaster, including warnings and urgent communication. La Planlficación de Ia Información PübIica Fenómeno El Niiio (Trab~o do gn~c Toik, R,IIO,V4 color Csor~aaicadJ,, Sociaty Prewncids do Desarnra) El Ntho. en en fenóxnino sonral ens cieictcafieicai rcenncctes. os mayoros ~os hen sido consocuenciadeos p000eicciaen lea aAea 1982-83 y 1997-98;iu ciclodeoc*ueeccie noca~occia~ n so magnicod ni tamabo. La mayods dc Ieada8oa pie ocsaionL sen cazensscosiaao. aucquc mbitn en coins inicciore, Sc sieclen Sun eloctos. Coouidcaazido quo Los gobicono, noun .iecionalcscsono locals, am oqioauthls do eieabl~ y ejocuiso socionc, do jooSoccide. ipso involuccen a osgonizaciones p~blicsa. privadnu y iocialeo pars a solvagnuoda deli poblacldo. ecpocaras a dosgoi riawzalcs. en iccoiociidabloloaiguicatc: I. Elaboruo so, dj.gndsticoquc pccunitaes’aluuoel ilval do ~cunirnios y r~copci6a ipso Ia poblacide aicsoaosc. sobreel nengoquc Iaamniaza. so ssoiamaldlidsol yosiac fnsicaaospocffic.u C isaAo dcli poblacido. cosdicicaici aocio- politics,- culisoilco- econdsoic. coienrnbrci. aboninonsiac; ad cocos La capacidad fhion- mc,*al, cone ohs). 2. Plarienry ejccotarenaoacooegiadcu~,i~.fjn quo involucee a eipecialialai. tdaaicoi. icad~ioiccs 0 son. La poblaci6n moon y sobre todo $ ba medics do oixnwiicaci6a ccci cobcotwa oils, zoos, on catudlo. quo ~unmucvslaauficioiIothvuIgacs~mde Los nesgos. ad como so rnedidu do tititigacido. prcvcncido y prcparncl6o. pcotnovicndo In crcaciôa do facobca ceoifiablcado iifosmacldn. Conclusions: • agree to determine strategies that will incorporate the theme of prevention within the contents of the media. • agree to determine communication strategies to prevent disasters. • agree to establish permanent relationships between all concerned parties engaged in collective communication. A major newspaper, El Comercio, published a series of preventive articles after the seminar. “Prevention starts with information, and communication for prevention is a complex process that requires united action from many professionals from many disciplines, where the media professionals are the axis of union. A regional workshop was held in Quito Social Communication in Disaster Prevention from 29 September to 1 October 1998, with the aim to promote regional and national actions to improve the information flow to the population...” Extracts from a note of the Civil Defence in Ecuador EL SALVADOR A week long programme of events were organised to mark the week of 1 2-1 6 October 1 998. These included: • A first response course in case of incidents with dangerous substances (technological disasters). • Press Conference on IDNDR. • Panel Forum on Communication and Disaster Reduction. • A training session for superior officers of the Armed Forces of El Salvador on disaster reduction. • Panel Forum on “Disaster preparedness begins with communication”. • Cinema Forum on “TWISTE” early warning systems. • The delivery of medal of honour of Civil Protection to outstanding Salvadorians within the National Emergency System. HONDURAS The city of Choluteca was selected as the 1 997 Campaign headquarters in order to promote greater awareness of disaster prevention outside the capital city. The Inter-Institutional Technical Group for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction affiliated with the Permanent Emergency Committee (COPECO), organised activities including a parade. lectures. demonstrations of rescue equipment and techniques, cultural activities and a press conference. JAMAICA In 1 997, a one week awareness programme was held, with training sessions and presentations in different locations around the country. A radio interview with Helena Molin Valdes, IDNDR’s Regional Officer, was heard on one of the most popular morning talk shows. Flyers emphasising the problem of drought were distributed through a daily newspaper. MEXICO In celebration of the International Day in 1997, the National Civil Protection issued a special set of lottery tickets which included important information on disaster preparedness. Mexico broadcast a national message throughout the country in order to explain and emphasize the importance of disaster prevention. The Mexican Red Cross produced an emergency information wall chart. N ICARACUA The Nicaragua Civil Defence Directorate appointed a special committee to plan and carry out activities related to World Disaster Reduction Day. Among those involved in the activities were the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, NGOs; the Nicaraguan Institute for Territorial Studies (INETER) and the Ministry of Education. There were demonstrations and discussions with the National Red Cross, and the fire brigade gave fire fighting demonstrations. Moreover, there were earthquake simulation exercices in schools. The 1 997 World Disaster Reduction Day on 8 October marked the 25~ anniversary of the 1972 earthquaka PANAMA In 1 997, a series of lectures and seminars were organised by government and the private sector; students competed in a public speaking contest on disaster reciuction as part of a plan for civil protection in schools. All activities were widely covered by the media. A private bank (DISA) financed the publication of a book, “Civil Protection: Manual for Disasters.” A special set of national lottery tickets was printed to commemorate World Disaster Reduction Day, which was launched at an exhibition prepared by the Civil Protection. In ~October 1998 the Civil Protection hosted a conference on the role of the Media in Civil Protection. PARAGUAY The Day in 1 998 was celebrated with no less than two weeks of events organised by the municipality of Asuncion, the universities, UNDP (supported by IDNDR) and the Union of Journalists. The main activities were: • Photo exhibit on “Emergency and Disaster situations in Paraguayl • Seminar/Workshop over two days on Prevention Begins with Information. • Roundtable on “the Role of Social Commu nication and Reduction of Disaster of Impact0, hosted by UNDP. • Public participation in the IDNDR Internet Conference. Open House at UNDP, as most people and institutions in Paraguay have no access to Internet. UNDP had open house so that people could review the Website of IDNDR/ Quipuriet. • Public Conference Speech on “Citizen Participation in Emergencies’~ • Discussion at the UN information centre on the topic of emergencies and disaster reduction. Among the Participants: Municipalities from the capital, Voluntary Firemen, Magazines, University Students, Various Institutions (Committee lbr National Emergency, DIBEN, Civil Defence of San Carlos — Brazil, Journalists Unions of Paraguay) local radios (Trinidad and San Pablo, Pastoral Social) Hydrological and Meteorological Departments of the National Defence, Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Law, Economy and Political Studies Peace Corps, Local Emergencies Organisations. Local Committees of the most threatened zones. Some conclusions: • Creation of a single information system for the prevention of disasters and mass media. • Creation of a follow up committee that will hold its first meeting after 1 4 October The Municipality of Asuncion will organise this. The National Directorate for Charity has offered its human resources. • Empowerment of concerned media and social agents, at the national and regional level. • Introduction of a course in the Commu nication Sciences Degree curriculum dealing with the subject of prevention and mitigation of disasters. • Promotion of knowledge and information exchange through seminars, workshops and access to Internet PERU Seminars and roundtables were organised in different parts of the country in 1 998, The recent impact of El Niño on Peru served as a case study to review how campaigns and media contributed to mitigate the disaster TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO An Emergency Planning and Management Workshop for Industrial Disasters was held from October 8-10, 1997, in Port of Spain. A book was produced illustrating how heavy industry can be a partner in natural disaster management. This is an extract: “Trinidad and Tobago. an island state, may not have a nuclear reactor but it does have world-scale heavy industry, inevitably near the sea, where gases, chemicals, minerals and ores are processed.’ The workshop was convened by the National Emergency Management Agency and the Pan- American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation, with the University of the V~st Indies Centre for Environmental Studies, and the United Nations Development Programme. It produced a large, handy coiiection of the participants’ own emergency planning documents and shop-floor emergency notices Government can take a leading role in ensuring that industry invests in high safety standards and deveiops effective and rapid emergency response. Our way to deal with the situation is to bring the emergency plans out in the open and set up lines of communication between those in power, and those who hold the purse strings.” Brig. Joseph Theodore, Minister of National Security, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. industry can reinforce its storage tanks and drill its fire brigades, but it cannot control nature, according to Col. Mahendra Mathur. “No matter how good a mitigation and response plan an industry has, there is always a possibility of a natural disaster or human error triggering technological disaster” Disaster reduction does not end at the plant walls: “The plan also provides for the co-ordination between the company and external agencies for the further protection of our employees and property~ as well as that of the surrounding community and environment.” Extract from- Emergency t1c~nogement PIoo UNITED STATES In 1 997, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepared and disseminated an information package and a press release on the theme of the Campaign . The US education effort was particularly focused on flooding, droughts, hurricanes, severe storms, landslides, mudflows, wildfires and tsunamis. The 1 998 Campaign theme was targeted at schools Also on 1 4 October 1 998, the University of North Texas organized a roundtable on Media and Disaster Prevention. For more information contact: Holly Harrington Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Internet page on International Disaster Reduction Day: http:/www fema gov/nwz97/wdzday.htm European Hoods in 1997 T he following exainpks relate to the tinods which took place in the sunimer of 99T irotind the r:vcr ()der in Poland, hi’ I inch Republic and I erniaiiv. ‘I he concentrate’ tithe economic i ui~’aci of the floods in the legs it ,i :j on the c::oiing ripsrtilc political nit :,,iivc br cooperit::: rr’g,irdit:g blood preveittim in the ‘ui ire. Flood Damages in Poland and the Czech Republic First estimates of the economic impacts of the floods of the century. i tt’a.n’u’qucIioai’t ih~’ tt,t,a!~ U: It,’ i ,e,ii licpilI’Ik li,ii’,’’.t~tttti,ttita, ,tit,ttt,t,t it’.’,’, ,aa’ii 1 ,tiii5iitilit,’ at’: hi both ,,‘,t,:rie~ i’iii,itt,~,tt,din,wt,ir,’ ‘oli~ieu.,~ ad,’ttiatitjt ,tt’,t,t,hii’,’ it’ ti’ titan nj liiijt,,,,i ‘ttt,,ii,’h ,,‘hj,h ,,ilre,,d, iaat’i, it,’ i’ovh\iint~ir,’t,ttiti,i,t’trv,’~ta’i.tt,’’ih,’ tad ‘Sal ,td,aer, tie,’ ,,tii tie I ,,‘,‘ti ti,1’uhti, ,, ,iir,, nt,tt,’,ir.tt tS;~t~l’t .iti,l ‘,‘tt,~,,l triduct ,tt,’oat~h!, ,eiiin,iiatt i, it,’! ‘etita’,’ii diii,! 4 ,,‘tnuniiiark~. lii b,’tI, tt’uaa i,’, nl,ti,ai ,ttO, Minor GDP impacts \,,ti, an it, itO e,,iii”it” n’.ii,”, .ii~l it, S I.altiiiii Ki,’i,tt,iih,’i ~ oh,-, a, i it it tie, it it’ I ,,,sh!!,’piii’h, i~iltl’,’’ae!tt!t U,’n.tta,’ it,’ I It,. itig,ts’~t cli.iIlette’r,atit.itn~ :,otaa,a:,h,tt,ad:,,,,.tea,ii,tnliiith,,a.tta’,, ,‘i,.tinisiiiid tutili ‘it,’ ten niad,’ ,,h,t,to’” it’ Itttaatabiutgettt:i”:tt’a:nit~” ‘t’li~ tkitiuh p.irltaiitea: h.it ,inicnd,’d a lie ,‘nhuj itt,,: tilt,,,, th,’1,,v,’ri,ttt,’ttt it, tiorritw ,,~‘ th~’i’tjiitt mi l,,’rni,iii ti: ,a’::ia,,tt lv \.tttttt:.ttit.itta. S’ ‘U he i and, tIe1’iii’:t, . ii ‘a-anti it, unbtit,,k itim’eiliiii .tk’,ti mu aniutid iii!’ itda,: i;ni:’.,.itt Conflicts with Monetary Policies tti,tti late’ baa.’ itiui:at,at, it:,: titan mt.: ttiritiigti ‘‘ \,t,fjtt,U:, t tn, intl tt’ ‘tilt ,atkd tend iaw’t. ian. a ‘n it,’,, hi h-ti timuti,’’’~’i ,t,iliile,aiu,u,i . \Vti,’r,’,,, a’ I ,n,!,,t,at.’t’,.tl!’.,,tLt’t,’!l,’,,’:,,tntt”lt,t r,ui,’’,,ih,.’tSuti,,tuttat,,iii.titnuiukt,.i,lurg,ali!t,’ Iii bu~ti ‘eu! ta. iit~ ,‘‘,;‘,‘, i,,! ,‘ll’\t’titti tint’,,,,, dtat,tnt it,5 liii ,q’,.t,,,’ U !U’~ 5’ i,a.,t Lu,”,:, / 15,4,. i’,,.aL’u,’, ‘.1 li,’ ilim’t.iut, tat ei.,t’k,’i,ti:n, .itti! a i,’ ni,~l,’ I ,tt,’iu~t) ta ‘tat’ ‘Ott It:, ,t,at hate ,,uiti’ii:ut,ai it, it lt,icka .n then, L n’oh.ittts” ‘a l’t.ttaa na! 5’,,t: it’ ih,’,l::t’,:t:’’i:it:atal,n ‘i iii,’ t’,,lt’,it n!.:,’ ant! 5,’’ n, it E EUROP ~R(~\I’\II’\ I\IFR\\ll(~\\I I I)! IR(~II(IR,~., (j\ ARMENIA The Armenian National Survey of Seismic Protection produced a booklet for children on earthquakes, in cooperation with UNICEF, and launched it on 8 October 1997. This booklet was inspired from Learning About Natural Disasters, produced by the IDNDR Secretariat for the 1 995 World Disaster Reduction Campaign. BULGARIA At least four television and radio programmes focused on IDNDR and articles were published on the subject of prevention of natural disasters. Bulgarian National Radio ran a two-hour programme on the 1 997 water theme on 8 October. This was very effective as listeners could ‘phone-in’ and talk to civil protection authorities. In 1 997 two agreements to co-operate more closely were signed between the Civil Protection department and companies responsible for managing dam and irrigation systems. Flood protection exercises in May 1997 resulted in up-dated planning. In November, the Fourth National Conference on Science Support for Disaster Prevention took place and included discussions on water-related hazards. In 1 998, the Bulgarian National Crisis PR Organisation participated in both the UN World Disaster Reduction Campaign and in the Internet Conference as part of their own Crisis Management Programme. http://www.bg400.bg/vev25_06/index.htm CZECH REPUBLIC At the beginning of 1997, IbNDR was not represented in this country but flooding in Moravia in July triggered the creation of the Czech National IDNDR Committee. A symposium was held at the ASRT’s centre in Kharga, New Valley. In addition to scientific exchanges, it emphasised the necessity of increasing public awareness and involving the media. The floods which inundated the Czech Republic in 1 997 highlighted the role of the media in natural disasters and gave the authorities, the public (and the press itself) an interesting insight into the media’s capacity to perform in such events. The 1998 theme “the Role of the Media in Disaster Prevention” was therefore of particular interest in the country. Participants discussed various aspects of risk reduction, in particular for water-related risks, the role of insurance, emergency city plans, financial constraints, the needs of local communities at risk and information/commu nication policies for disaster reduction FRANCE The prevention of natural disasters in France was promoted with a series of events held over a period of months in 1998. Seminar: “10 Years After, From Memory to Risk Management” On 14 October 1998, the observance of the National Day for Major Risks focused on the commemoration of the worst floods which the city had experienced on 3 October 1 988. The seminar was organised by the city of NImes, the French Minister for Land Use Planning and Environment, regional authorities such as the Regional Direction for Environment, the General Council of Gard, the French Institute for Urban Risks Prevention and Management, the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the fire brigade and the Hospital of NImes. Speakers included local and national autnorities in charge of risk management, experts and journalists. Second European Conference on Risk Prevention From 1 4 to 1 6 October, the Second European Conference on Risk Prevention took place in Niort, a city in France which is the cradle of the largest mutual insurance companies. Some 800 participants from 23 countries world-wide attended the conference, which was organised by the European Centre on Risk Prevention, an organisation created in 1 997 at the initiative of the insurance companies based in Niort. The meeting took place under the auspices of the IDNDR with the support of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Commission and the French Ministry for Land Use Planning and Environment. It was organised in conjunction with the Council of Europe FORM-OSE Seminar attended by representatives of 27 European universities. A member of the IDNDR Scientific and Technical Committee participated in the meeting. Kinkel: Die Signale stehen auf rot Mbttctbtt WSW&e Xocpenticm bei KatSivphaS~utz I Ta8’mg in Polodam Soii. ,aDiSDiSir iitdtSip thw.,a,, ~4tg ndsdiit a,i90qui ~ Dith—Ttn.~ 5iS,isdrn. a.m.a 901 i,tm.. ii ada,. C.. i,a,a,DStfl,Sm.,it IS i4tti ~a,~n Si ~ - Si it4tt. ..~ ii,,, Si di, a, pa,m.’S ~n s,. ada, it, dads a-~ wants 4,, Iiwa~’Si’ w ~w.itfldat diii a, .n.k,n*Sditduitiadi’Sc- S. i,iDii Dn.Mraa,, udflnw,ast’ Sm.n~ ~,fl,. wand.,sanbw,~- wi I,.. didi idinaxi S ISi~i ad ..iWpd~~nmdi*i. ,ia,~ DiSsiDi .,lia,tt.~ It di. ~ awt tad ~di. Di naZiS...i,s 9id —44.4. tiittit .4.45 Nq~,~fl cii.mw90- a, UISadt*905 Si r,. ,in~ Simoito .ia*Si t,S,nq .~d. 90 “5” i5ax~a. hi,d Sitini..SwIt a,TSiiSt.,s. ii ‘mdiii, 0i~nd bid,,, a~ M*.c, a, a, ea,Mw a, a,~a,ba, n_. nti — m~fl fl it — i iDi9 — din — isiateia, ri—n n,m-. n)a, mesa si V4,me a’ a,.dci,5ui5.—Imib a1 ‘a. iaa,su ~i-ba,*’Di ønadda,dinlig~d., i-tdStflniid’iii- 55’ it- ‘0045 ax,’aia—.a~ S Sub- - — 5 w,,*ti,.t 4$.h.~ 40” fl’SOWVXS19 w~SC.*iuasta,ioi~ l S&ui.mia, ~r ~adi — Si-dad ait,iSii ii rn — ‘t.idd ,a da,a,tufla’5. us Sa niid.,Gfli, ~ida’ss.d ,,aa,,t,adriua,dd’da- iqutrandLadna,ninb,Sdu m,- i- ira, aw.Suud. ‘md~ dii i5’puthaad lie a,s oS-WI. a.tiw a.a, and. a—ok an. ~ di run n—iwo a,ruaddus.a,a,4a,n4,d Sn.— 5~ ~it~ AU~ It ia,i* It ,a ‘a iws’ ‘did nmwa — nohSi Sn— Sit S~Sii4,a, ttwMdii.S iri,Si 0 mu mnxri.a,ui,i- sIti-Sax a, WutS — ,iuii unisai-u.St,t —- On ‘i’p’i-Cibn 1,5., na,dw i- — i-i 5’OruDiDi — — uua,o’5ea..qiedDiaradin rId 00w SiWuiS l.itl inn i’irinei~ia~’muuiuiiSuit ‘a, On,. ~i- ~ nid 1n5W.,idi.thuu.nuiiSe~.Itd. Os OsDiu~ d~ ~ad*rs 5’ nSuSuMdu,atItIdu ISbn- wit. a-a-na’ 5. .ThuddnW On iueiudwSna.atmdtduDi inda 90-kidna,.. Dii 0n~i-i nt ft 5i-e tOut Diiitu. ii diii. us aa~dkua,ii It- M,5a,SItn “dim. lWa’u ii- rod ~_b e ian On. a-, ~n Did dn~ nt’uut — u iaa- ueddtiwfiinidkdbc musrri ii. i-tin a, Osi 0aISa,m.’ad m.Sidsfls ISOnuin — a-wins 0590’ ekrdKDi,Swid,SfwidOn’ OnOni — diii~ ii40id tdna. ii,Sip,iea,r,,Snu. 4a-i- Discussions were held on floods and seismic risks, preventive disaster reduction measures including risk zonation, land use planning, the culture of risk and vulnerability, information, education and training for risk reduction, and the involvement of local communities at risk. The European Centre on Risk Prevention will hold its next conference in October 2000 on the theme “Seniors and Risk Prevention”. World Fire Day will be observed on October 2000. In 1 998 also, the French Ministry of Land Use Planning and Environment developed a card game “Be a Natural Risk Manager” adapted from a tarot game. It showed the various risks related to natural elements, such as fire, water, air and the earth and the various prevention stages. The card game was distributed to French schools and during the Mayors’ Fair which took place in Paris in November 1 998. The following events took place in October 1998: • CEMAGREF and Natural Risk, Grenoble, 8 October • Day of Information and Welcome to the Public, Lille, 1 4 October • The Floods: role playing with 1 5 children, Avignon, 1 4 October GERMANY The important international IDNDR Conference on Early Warning Systems for the Reduction of Natural Disasters was held at the GeoForschungsZentrum in Potsdam, Germany from the 7-11 September 1998. The meeting brought together 370 scientists, public officials, and representatives of the United Nations system, non-governmental and international organizations and diverse professional, commercial, and civic individuals from 86 countries. The Potsdam Early Warning Conference represented the first major thematic components of IDNDR’s concluding evaluation and provided recommendations to ensure disaster reduction into the 21st century. The conference was organised, with the support of the Government of Germany, within the framework of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. The conference was opened by tile German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Klaus Kinkel, as an expression of Germany’s support for disaster reduction. The subsequent discussions and presentations at the conference confirmed early.warning as a core component of national and international prevention strategies for the 21st century. The conference was closed with the issuance of a declaration on early warning. Participants repeatedly emphasized the multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral character of the early warning process. The participants emphasized that early warning is effective only to the extent that policy makers at national level authority have the will, and make a sustained commitment of resources that will establish protective measures. In all these respects, the importance of training was stressed, as was the requirement to provide Potsclamer Neueste Nachrichten, 08. 09. 1998, S. 1 Impulse aus Potsdam zur Frühwarnung vor Naturkatastrophen Teilnehmer aus 86 Ländem tagen auf demTelegrafenberg POTSDAM ( PNN/C5.) tYber 300 Wissenschaftler und Praktikeraus 86 Ländern tagen’ von heute an bas zum 11. September auf dem Potsdamer Telegrafenberg Ober die’ Fruhwarnung vor Naturkatastrophen. BundesauBenzninister Klaus Kinkel (FDP) erbtfnete als Schirmherr die Konferenz. Wie Prof. Roll Emmermann. Vorstand den’ gastgebenden Geoforschungszentrums (CFZ) bekanntgab, werde am Ende elite’ ..Potsdamer Deklaration zum Sthutz vor Naturkatastrophen verabschiedet. .,lnrerr,atDanal IDND’Z-CortferenCe on Early Technik crc.c madsen zu kônnen. Viel Warning Systems for th~ Reduction of ibaru- mehe mUsse sich dec Mensch .10 die Natur cal Disasters EWC’9S — soderofliziefleTitei I einpasserb. derTagung. Das Kairsel DNDR steht fur .In- IDNDO’Dr:ektur Philippe Boulld verwies ternationale Dekcb lift die Reduzierurig darauf. ‘reich grolte Redeutung bei Erdbe von Naturkatastroplsen. ruder die General- benkatastrophen wenige Minuten Vorwam versammlung dec Vereir,cen Nationen dat ccii habeo kdnnen, Fbnf Minuten konnen crete Jahrzehnt dieser Jahrhurdcrit erkibri sthon ausreichen, dalt sick die Menschen in hat, tiers tie’ Pursbar’er Kortferenz wird eice Sicher’uei: bringen kovrerr Die Erdbeben kritirrrrrc, crerbuszipirrire Oesrandsaufnsh’ vorhersage gehOrt zu dcii speziellen For— me ties Einsetzes von Fccrtrwarnsyc:ersen Cr’s rsrcnsclr’.verpunkten des PotsdamerGFZ. bet Kirrea- anti ar’beren rf,rrurkatastrophes Darer har:e es zur,achit aers.’. arraert, am enrcr:et, Dab tire ;~irciibecer, .eriuc car.- . ~rt:and PrcI. Emmersrarin saCte, ,,Erbbe weise sehr bcgrec:rt skid, ciarubs: sird sich Den kano rsan nichi vorhersager’ Dccc der Wits-arrschafrlar urid Polisiker ‘.reitgehecb I Geoforscher erkl.irte dcc scheirihsren Wi einig. Kctkel cc—rr:s die bessere Kccriirrt.~- cerstrucb: Zwcscheri h’r:srcrrrr-rbcrrr und rirra des batas:ruZ.ccmasaremcrri rice ifaran:rcpc.enort tines gtberr bcsreher, oft ,,zZtriraiu’ Aulgaba bet’ bruberr rrs:cr’ Dc- relIc Eurfennungee, arid en dauere einige bei $ptjCit Cr aucir dat Oderr.cchwasser von ht,nu:’rr, bis die verrrrrerersrterr Ar,surrkur. IlihI as, ens tie-c Lehrerr gerogen ‘,‘,‘erbr’r gets eircrdter,. Uursrre~ rr,ab’ B.rcbachrun rr’.friir’trr Dir, Teiiriehrrrrs ‘be: tirr’,’rar’r’r’.r- ace und em sahrrZcr ,‘:r.rari:arasch sties ret’ vom hraedar,brrrDscher ijmwoltnrrtrt- barer met errs u.’ich:rg u-ttC ,rnrage gebe s:erb~t’, za enter Exirursioc irs ties O,1~r’ti~- es data eric tier burke. dem Srh’.verpunkt lasirrphesbeL’ic: eir,gela.-bie i-orders fart’s’ ard d,icrrcrrer hrbD~bcr5rrsnhurrr:, and mit v,’citrstiflister t,larri,cs Piarceci er,’;clrnr,’ brrrrre’riefl, rn Geurgcr Srier’ nirr,bnt’ael dabec. daft man ‘a,: ~ccn in \rrrrarrdiur.; n’ eider. Gespracire crier erriC Zr s,nncr,ar siche. urn das Hrscicwasser’Fiar’.’.a rrrsvstem bet gef-.rfrrt. i,risensicher cii rrn,rc’ncr cr Pgtsd~rn, betcri:e Prof. golf Emmer .1,’;,: mUsserr stir Zen barr: ar,serer, Fr:Z- ricer,. ti,ard gew:srs’crrr bert die n’.’iege det dcc machen’, sacrc annual i,rri’drander’ gecphysrhabschen raronrrasnreriu:schung. bcr~S Umweltmiisiscer Matihiar Plsteeck , Hre ra’nsrrdc cm die Jafrrhartniersweride der ~SZJ s~ruah is sei’rarr Grab-cr: von dern ers:e Se,trrrczrapir errr.’.ic’acl:. hier ‘“artier, Jaiirhiin-fcrtirrr...’t der Mcrrrsalrfrci:. cc ca~h, rum crass: Zal A,:rrnuh:err irs tier For. rib: bars. fads dre borer critics ce: s:hurrg e:ZreierZl. International IDNDR-Conterence on Early Warning Systems for the Reduction of Natural Disasters Sarr:urrr.:rm: 7’ii, 1998 resources for ongoing training activities, public education and the development of both technical and operational capabilities essential for early warning. Following recurrent flooding of the Rhine River and the 1997 flooding of the Oder, a Congress was organised by the German IDNDR Committee in Potsdam on 8 October on the theme of the Campaign “Water, too much, too little.” Participants reviewed ways in which Germany is facing water-related disasters and where prevention capacities can be strengthened. In 1 998, Germany celebrated 1 4 October 1 998 by opening the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC) in Freiburg. The GFMC was inaugurated to the public at the FAO consultation on public policies affecting forest fires, on 28-30 October, 1998. From 7 to 11 September in Potsdam, the German IDNDR Committee organised a national workshop bringing together journalists, disaster prevention experts, representatives of disaster control agencies and communication researchers. The aim of this workshop was three-fold: • Identifying communication problems with respect to disaster and disaster preparedness coverage. • Fostering communication between journalists and disaster experts on one hand, and between communication researchers and communication practitioners on the other hand. • Exploring possibilities of cooperation between disaster control and aid agencies and the media. It was agreed that there is a need to associate disaster information with current events; and that journalists should be provided opportunities to interview and photograph interesting and competent people who are able to express themselves well in front of a microphone. Journalists present at the meeting suggested that a network of reporters specialising on disaster prevention and mitigation should be initiated. The goal of such a network would be to aid professional communication among the journalists themselves but also to facilitate the communication between disaster prevention agencies and the media. This workshop was a positive attempt to improve the mutual understanding of journalists and disaster prevention experts. HUNGARY In observance of the 1 998 World Disaster Reduction Day, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the IDNDR Secretariat co-sponsored a seminar in Budapest from 1 2 to 1 4 October on “Public Information: Interaction between the Media and Government Administrations in Crisis Management and the Impact on the Public”. The meeting was organised by the Ministry for Civil Protection of Hungary and brought together policy makers from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe and the United States, public information specialists and representatives of the media The meeting identified key areas for improving the exchange of information and professional linkages between the public sector and the media before, during and after crises such as natural disasters. iTALY In 1 998, Italian members from the International Task Force and Coordinating office of the ‘Servizio Volontario Giovanile - Unità Ausiliaria Protezione Civile” celebrated the World Disaster Reduction Day, on October, 1 4, by organising a round table on Natural Disaster Prevention and Media, at the University of Caserta. The following issues have been discussed Landslide Region Campania, Province Salerno and Caserta. Afflicted Areas: Sarno - Quindici - San Felice a Cancello. Members of the media invited included: II Mattino, Corriere di Caserta, II Giornale di Caserta, Roma, La Repubblica, Corriere del Mezzogiorno. Telealternativa. Telelu na, Canale Dieci, Telecapri, Rai Ire and Canale Cinque Mediaset. MOLDOVA In 1 997, this country celebrated World Disaster Reduction Day with many lively events. The theme of the Day was highlighted in 8,297 ciassroom lectures, 492 lectures to medical personnel and patients, 10 articles published in national newspapers and magazines, and media publicity. A book entitled “Calamities in the Republic of Moldova” was published in 1 997. A “Child Protection Day” was organized in 91 2 schools. For more information contact: Ms. Ulrika Gustafson, Programme Officer, LJNDP 3 August 1989 St. 131 MD 2012 Chisinau, Moldova Tel: (373-2) 548 771 Fax: (373-2) 543 133 Email: registry@office un md Internet homepage: http://www.un.md Vice Director of the Department of Civil Protection and Calamities of the Republic of Moldova Col Tudor Grama Tel’ (373-3) 226 429 Fax: (373-2) 233 430 (s~ ‘ Media sao fundamerttais para avisar as populaçöes A cOMUNECAcAO scout ‘Sea çcS~ (saqus Sari Aprnard. afiduoj raps mestutis 5IEZSSLtD&1550S med Seaatapo.fass uu9uc. do.. Seildado’ dua ~matha’, maim auisa daapcpelsctsa.,. tapuNaSustdsFrnt~Qail hi sEnds anita a liuisr ito Sea ousdus do iatiitydae (SWPCI pat cStáa do Di. in. qua saapailese aproveltiteisi uataauis.Mn s dii ‘ma. Susirnist ~sat a Priwaqie at dos mm .irh.sbdsdaq is. di.’. tembite par urns diaCautisthaNsbitaS. i.adaOustaAlma ,wtsutadad&totqusadomia. 0 dl. duaigasiu palsa Ha- Patio mdieembapita,spsa fram.rialIdadadusSa ~rnUmda ‘edossa a s~wi- (saTha pnimatamaaa S A trinidad. auprs’poii di quacta4eue ds mS deOu’ SNP~ aipidirn is’s slosap. s,as.rnralitgi*a Casts Altis. ittbie.rnss at sitsods. ma di prima .upicssdssusaaso rnss ajatatsathimamado. Purtogul lures, autsopsdss ~ is ,ud.ms~i, esaina ma a emseueas~satS urnthsdoselu sspruçsmsds maasmdosmnt~ vealetausscarata.cinrn. Sau~~,t Nscsusdra tsatht. as, usda. dofradmrui tiupuid Pare mmSs ‘a utitudu tun.kCtsdl.m,itrumovso ‘Jrnare’asdofiumtlvss’, d.slisia do tpisaa hums, urn deals mUtate turin ~gutauits iii ‘mad,c oeuudupculsn5emafrsss .me~vuLvt urn e~is qusluinat its pflguss.sm eatdstrS’,a 014? Isuqeut do mS—Prut (let], Ens. smutatea qus dims’ Dictate (utmususi pore a tihitado MslsarqS&t s. pds di ~u- Plewuqta tEas ~dUt~ Ida Is Miduri di Aqae s ~ do th~ ~$s i luls S tame (jWdO.~), ,i,tlatsds do uauiuaius~ls act! — at Ste us s~urt dos SatpSa an (seam S. san 195 sistddo do I.c.r um resuatu amdiDseSede~7 ,Idrnds I lsevmdi’ deCs aetia psedatss’sdislugat.a. statist me us do amirdo. Stud.eosOsgiaadocanu- bus is raisçds sod. is mm~ usa tetlgst ~a •susiust a uraqls Sec,’l°. tutu u as’- test 0u jaseslitOss ado ado prutesC sin dais psps (ui. rune or—na-do pita SNPC masts ou.sib. ssllrntiua dsternsiu dre OrSa dir- sduplsdou isautcu ‘At’re’sss. ussts~coiotists a mr Isdud sat theS~s pa uiu,scarnmatutmsqli? turn POLAND On 23 November 1998, the Office of the President of Poland organised a seminar in Warsaw on “Media and Natural Disasters” in line with the IDNDR Disaster Reduction Campaign for 1 998 Natural Disaster Prevention and the Media. Following opening addresses by President Kwasniewski and the Director of the IDNDR Secretariat, the participants of the meeting, which included decision-makers from the governments of Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries, as well as representatives of local and international media, sought to begin a constructive dialogue on appropriate interaction between the media and government sanctioned sources of information in times of crises. The floods in Poland, Czech Republic and Germany in 1 997 and the devastating impact of mis-information disseminated by the media during the crisis prompted the government to organise this meeting. This represented the first in a series of meetings to address this important issue in Poland. PORTUGAL Since 1 992, the National Service for Civil Protection (SN PC) has been engaged with an intensive public awareness and information campaign’ on disaster prevention and civil protection objectives. This has focused on self- protection and safety measures to be adopted by the population before, during and after various emergency situations. The SNPC and the National Water Institute ran a symposium with 200 experts (technical, political, communications) and issued a press release. On October 1, 1 997 the National Information System on Hydrological Resources (SNIRH) was connected to Internet at http://www.inag.ptfsnirh In 1 998, it was agreed that the role played by the national, regional and local media - TV, radio and press - must be encouraged to disseminate press releases and articles on civil protection events and programmes. A Seminar on the theme Natural Disaster Prevention and the Media took place in Lisbon on October 13,1998, under the presidency of the Secretary of State for the Interior, responsible for safety politics in Portugal The seminar was articulated in two sessions: • Session I: Public Information - Expectations and Requirements • Session II: Public Information - Disaster Management and the Media The presentations in each session were made by top press managers and journalists from the main national media. During the public debates following the sessions, suggestions were made for follow up events 1 50 people participated. C~NSEL~O~ ‘\~CS Acv~IsrR~CAo NrE~’~ SERV~CC NAc:c~L DE P~oTEccAo CML 1990 - 2000 UKRAINE The Ministry of Emergencies and Affairs of Population Protection (from the Consequences of the Chernobyl Catastrophe) requested the IDNDR to send material on Natural Disaster Reduction and early warning systems for use with other events planned for 1998 World Disaster Reduction Day. A video and a radio programme were sent to the Ministry of Emergencies and Affairs of Population Protection, and this material was used by mass media for the commemoration of the Chernobyl Disaster. iEMJNARJO A PUEVEJ’JçAO DP.S CATASTROFF.S E OS ÔRGAOS DE COMUN1CA~AO SOcJAL D~a nternoclonol parc ci Prevençoo dci Ca$dslrofes NcitUra~S UNITED KINGDOM On the 1997 theme of ‘Water.. .too little ...too much’, five presentations were made for schools in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast. The speakers addressed a number of issues based on the theme, for example: in Cardiff, Professor Geoffrey Petts spoke on ‘Environmental Impacts of Water Resources Schemes: Green Solutions for a Dry World?’; in Belfast, Mr. Duncan Faulkner spoke on ‘River Floods: Where Do We Put the Water’; in Glasgow, Dr. Andrew Black and Miss Helen Houghton Carr spoke on ‘Flood Hazards-New Ways of Coping with an Old Enemy’; in Manchester, Dr Kevin Tilford spoke on ‘The Flood Hazard: Control, Forecast, Warn’; and in London Professor Scott Steedman spoke on ‘Disasters Unlimited.’ Attendance was good with nearly 1,000 attendees, and some good press and local radio coverage. In 1 998, the second Exeter Seminar on “Communicating Technologies” took place at the University of Exeter on 1 7 November. Organised by the Housing and Hazards Group, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), it gathered academics from the University of Bangladesh, Oxford and Exeter, representatives of NGOs, professional engineers and builders. In line with the 1 998 campaign theme, the debate centred around hazard-resistant building information and ways in which the message could be effectively disseminated. UK National Co-ordination Committee for the IDNDR Tony Eades The Royal Academy of Engineering 29 Great Peter St. London, SW1 P 3LW, UK Tel: (44)171 222 2688 Email:eadesa@raeng.co.uk The presentation of the 1998 Sasal’awa Award in Geneva. From left to right: Prof Wang Ang-Sheng from the Chinese Academy of Science, Mr Duo Ji Cai Rang, Minister of CivilAffairs, China, winners of the award, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Philippe Boullê, Director IDNDR. INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF WORLD DISASTER REDUCTION DAY international Celebration of the 1997 World Disaster Reduction Day in Divonne, France In line with the theme of the 1 997 World Disaster Reduction Campaign on the soda- economic impact of water-related disasters, it was decided to hold the international celebration of World Disaster Reduction Day in Divonne, France, in the proximity of Geneva, as the city is renowned as a thermal bath resort The Mayor of Divonne invited representatives of Permanent Missions, IDNDR Scientific and Technical Committee (SIC) members, journalists and local authorities in charge of disaster management to the town hall. This occasion provided an opportunity for journalists to be briefed on the campaign and to meet the SIC members. That same week, an important meeting of the SIC was being held in Geneva. In adaition, a message was issued by the Unitea Nations Secretary-General on the Day. A message was also issued by the Secretary- General of the World Meteorological Organ isalion. A press kit and two posters were produced and distributed and a press conference for UN-accredited journalists in Geneva was held on 3 October, which resulted in a series of wire service articles and radio interviews. International Celebration of the 1998 World Disaster Reduction Day in Geneva, Switzerland The international celebration of the 1 998 World Disaster Reduction Day took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on 1 4 October. The Day was marked by: The presentation of the United Nations~ Sasakawa Disaster Prevention Award by the United Nations Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Sergia Vieira de Mello, to Mr. DuoJi Cai Rang, Minister of Civil Affairs of China and Professor Wang Ang Sheng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Certificates of distinction were also awarded to the following institutions: the National Disaster Prevention Centre (Mexico); the National Survey for Seismic Protection (Armenia); the Academy of Science Research and Technology (Egypt); and the Australian IDNDR Coordinating Committee (Australia). In addition, certificates of merit for commendable disaster reduction efforts were awarded to the Nepal Geological Society; Dr lstvan Orovecz of the Hungarian National Civil Defence; Mr Abd El-kareem Jabareen of the Department of Protection and Safety and Civil Defence Directorate of Jordan; Professor Dr Ch. Dugarjav from Mongolia; and Mr Romeo Daluz Lacorum from the Philippines. • A round-table on RISK PARTNERSHIP, chaired by Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, with the participation of eminent personalities, such as the winners of the Sasakawa Award. • The presentation of the prizes for the 1998 International Photo Contest to Mr. Azizur Rahim Pev of Bangladesh, Mr.Monowar Hossain Akhand of Bangladesh, and the Geotechnical Engineering Office of Hong Kong. • The presentation of the Caribbean Artists’ contribution to disaster reduction “A Song for Montserrat.” High-level representatives of Permanent Missions and of the United Nations, induding Mr. Rubens Ricupero, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNClAD) and Ms. Mary Robinson, High Commissioner for Human Rights, attended the event. On the occasion of the Day, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a message on natural disaster reduction. Moreover, a press conference was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 1 8 September to launch the press kit on the campaign and to release the programme of activities for World Disaster Reduction Day. A video and radio programme and two posters were also produced by the IDNDR Secretariat for the Day. Programme Forum 1999 Campaign Disaster Reduction Day Disaster Prevention Award Scheduled Events RADIUS Symposium About IDNDR: What’s New Overview IDNDR Around the World IDNDR Partners Achievements NLW Natural Hazards... Internet Conference I International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990 - 2000 Building a Culture of Prevention Events: Natural hazards which form part of our environment m longer become major disasters when appropriate measures are taken to anticipate and reduce their impact... Creating a Culture of Prevention for a Safer 21st Century” is the missioi of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). The Programme Forum, an essential part of the concluding phase of thL Decade, took place in July in Geneva and provided guidelines for natura disaster reduction in the 21st Century. Specialized Information: RADIUS Early Warning El Niño Online Documents IDNDR Reference Library Internet Resources Site Ma For the latest information on recent natural disasters: http://w~’refiefwebint Di~claimcr We welcome your feedback Please send questions or comments to the IDNDR Secretariat at idndr~ii~dhaunicc.ora IDNDR Secretariat: Palais des Nations 1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland. TeL (4 1.22) 917 97 II Fax (41.22)91790 98/99 Regional Unit for Latin America and the P Fax. (506)257-2139 Tel. (506) email: hmoli httn://www.disaster. info.desastres. This site is hosted at EPIX lntp:/Ihoshi.cic.sfuca/—andcrson/indcx.html ~L H~1 ~ INTERNET CONFERENCES Following in the footsteps of the successful 1 996 Internet Conference on “Solutions for Cities at Risk,” the IDNDR Secretariat organised, with the support of the Peruvian Non-Governmental Organisation Guipu net, two consecutive Internet Conferences as part of the 1 997 and 1 998 World Disaster Reduction Campaigns. The use of the Internet facilitated an extremely dynamic team effort involving professionals and concerned citizens worldwide at very little cost. Nothing illustrated this better than the way the Conferences were organised. IDNDR Secretariat staff were working in Geneva and Costa Rica; the web site server was located in the San Francisco State University campus; the Quipunet team was spread from Australia to Ecuador, from Peru to the United States, from Taiwan to Spain; and the moderators were based in several countries. Moreover, the Conferences were both in English and Spanish thanks to the participation of many volunteer translators A wide range of other organisations contributed to promoting and developing the Internet Conferences, including UN programmes, national governments, universities and private associations. The goals of the Conferences were to promote a culture of disaster prevention, exchange experiences, discuss specific issues within a rigorous conceptual framework, and encourage networking among decision-makers, professionals, and ordinary citizens. The participants were a very diverse group, professionally and geographically. The large number of people who participated in both years is very encouraging and indicates the usefulness of Internet conferencing as a communications’ tool for the exchange of experti5e, and as a networking tool for all those directly or indirectly involved in natural disaster reduction. 1997 INTERNET CONFERENCE: “Floods, Droughts: Issues for the 21 st Century” The 1997 Internet Conference on “Floods, Droughts: Issues for the 21 st Century” was part of the 1997 World Disaster Reduction Campaign on “Water: Too Much... Too Little... Leading Cause of Natural Disasters” It took place over a period of five weeks from 22 September to 24 October 1 997. It involved a wide range of people from all sectors of society in 60 different countries. Approximately 700 people registered through the e-mail and several thousands viewed the Conference on the web site. The Conference aimed to take stock of the current prevention efforts to mitigate the socio economic impacts of floods and drought; to focus on the unanswered questions about flood and drought management; and to identify issues and potential solutions for the 21st century The programme was as follows: WEEK ONE: 22-26 September THEME Welcome and Focus on Floods WEEK TWO: 29 September -3 October THEME: Focus on Floods WEEK THREE: 6- 10 October THEME: World Disaster Reduction Week WEEK FOUR: 13- 17 October THEME: Session on Drought WEEK FIVE: 20-24 October THEME Session on Drought The wide range of topics discussed covered all elements of the disaster cycle and addressed many of the multi-disciplinary problems associated with flood and drought that exist today. Papers, reports and comments were received from all over the world, providing a range of views and perspectives on flood and drought mitigation, as well as on specific events. While we do not attempt to summarise all the individual contributions here, we set out to include comments on some themes which ran through many of the contributions. The following are excerpts from the summary provided by Dr John Handmer, Professor of Environmental Geography at Middlesex University, on the first part of the Conference, which focused on floods: On Prevention We can take only limited action to prevent the physical phenomenon of flooding from occurring, but we can take action to prevent the water from leading to a disaster The focus on prevention needs to be on reducing the vulnerability of human settlements and activities to floods. Information is needed and is the basis for many sound floodplain management measures. However, much of the population lives in settlements and buildings which are outside the control of formal planning systems. On the Role of Government Governments everywhere are evaluating their role and, in general, reducing their commitment to social welfare. In conjunction with the apparently unstoppable move to a global market, this may have important implications for the vulnerability of many communities to hazards. Governments need to explicitly consider their attitude to hazard management. How are the aims of nazard management to be integrateci with the imperatives of sustainable development and with the very strong deregulatory emphasis accompanying economic globalisation? Possible approaches are emerging from the United States. On Economic Development or Flood Management Reduction The floodplain is an important environmental asset and its natural function is to convey and store flood water But the same area is also a significant economic resource and, in some cities, it may be the only space available for people to live, or on which to locate commercial development. As flood specialists, we may want to see the floodplain clear of housing. but community leaders may feel that other priorities, like cheap housing or access to employment, are more important. The pressure for these priorities is likely to increase along with urbanisation. Increasing global competition between cities as they seek commercial development is likely to make it more difficult to restrict floodplain development. This conflict exists in one way or another in most communities, and resolution calls for a process where the different interests can discuss their priorities and concerns and move towards solutions. Solutions are unlikely to mean that the floodplain remains clearof development, but may mean that development is more compatible with flooding and that vulnerability is reduced. The existence of such processes is an important part of government’s capacity to manage development. On Evaluation and Learning Knowledge of the performance of many flood hazard management policies and strategies is poor. Learning demands more than careful evaluation of programmes and activities: it demands an attitude that is open to critical- reflection and change. Evaluation is needed at the project level for the economic, social and environmental feasibility of projects. But it is also needed at the far more challenging level of our whole approach to hazard management, as institutions and communities try to come to grips with global environmental and economic change. The following is part of the summary by Mr Jon Ingleton, of Natural Disaster Management, on the second part of the Conference, which concentrated on drought: Though there is no shortage of information that can be used to help combat the negative socio economic impact of a drought, the Conference highlighted a serious demand for more pro-active, centralised and accountable management structures and systems on a Local, national and international level. It perhaps even prompted the need for an international centre to collate, disseminate and distribute successful drought mitigation and response procedures. The current lack of effective management was emphasised in the paper by Mr. Clever Mustafa, of the Disaster Management Information Project of India, on “Risks Related to Community Water Supply,” in which he describes some of the problems experienced in Southern Africa: “Water harvesting techniques are generally poor, the delivery system is wasteful; the pricing regimes are generally not cost effective; consumption levels are high, particularly in urban areas; pollution control is generally ineffective; and actual management is fragmented, often among institutions with competing interests.” Mr Mustafa’s observations are not unique to Southern Africa and could have been avoided with effective management and greater cooperation between the parties concerned, It should not require international legislation to force cooperation, but it does require strong management - a challenge indeed, but one which, when overcome, is rewarded by lives saved and property protected. 1998 INTERNET CONFERENCE: “Natural Disaster Prevention Begins with Information” The 1 998 Internet Conference was based on the theme “Natural Disaster Prevention Begins with Information” as part of the wider 1 998 World Disaster Reduction Campaign “Natural Disaster Prevention and the Media - Prevention Begins with Information.” By tacklingthis theme, the goal was to interest the media in disaster prevention. issues related to communication and information, in the realm of disaster prevention, were discussed over a period of 3 weeks, from 28 September to 1 8 October, by journalists, disaster managers, public information specialists inside and outside the United Nations from all over the world. More than 700 participants from 60 countries took part in it. An experienced and respected selection of disaster prevention professionals and commentators were recruited to provide the keynote papers and stimulate the discussions and debate. But did the Conference fulfil the ambitious aspirations of the organisers and participants? Following is a summary of the conference by Mr. Jon ingleton of Natural Disaster Management. This summary is made up of a selection of quotes from the papers presented each week, to highlight some of the key points made during the conference. WEEK ONE: 28 September -4 October TOPIC: Media and Disaster Prevention On Monday 28 September, Mr Philippe Boullé, Director of the IDNDR Secretariat, opened the conference and justified the choice of topic for the 1998 conference: “It is our aim to enlist the media as partners in order to inform an ever- increasing audience about the need for sound disaster prevention practices for societies’ healthy and sustainable development.” Not only did Mr Boullé’s paper illustrate the importance of engaging the assistance of the media in all stages of disaster management, but he also encouraged a philosophy of partnership, cooperation and communication. Mr Peter Dykstra, Senior Producer of CNN, explained how the media has an important role in terms of educating the population. “In a more long-term role, the mass media can help explain the nature of El Niño events, the need for Cnnr.onandraro pennant: Dnvlouuhr ~nUn. ABiqum frwntop]uonn u%Bti Eo~mic Dignon, London ~FP A+F I’ The Dn,la TnIn~npIu V All NZL A P Pha~n Chnta Rn$w hflnrnahonoi X.qho. ‘or.’o ‘gt—cy Xwhua isrsa~ Agonoy Oaoutg Lie,0 Daily ABC HZZ ABC The Doily Trlognnph A VP WEEK TWO: 5-11 October TOPiC: Public Information: How To Get the Message Out? Once the desire for better information had been established, the conference moved on to discussLng the way in which this information should be conveyed. A strategy of getting the messages out is necessary to reinforce and promote a culture of prevention. Local, national and international organisations and institutions use different ways to approach communities and decision-makers. Media is one important tool to reach out, modern information technology is earthquake preparedness in areas which have no contemporary history of quakes; or perhaps help explain, or debate, the links between long- term climate change and possible future disasters.” There is little doubt tnat the power of television as a form of media is enormous and, when harnessed for the purposes of education, can be beneficial in equally large measures. Of course, the success of the above depends on the methods that are used to initiate and implement a working relationship between the media and the general public. Mr. Athanase Karayenga. Journalist and Communication Expert of BONEKA Communications, said, “For public opinion to adopt a culture of prevention, a sound, imaginative and efficient communication strategy with the media needs to be developed.” Mr. Tim Radford, Science Editor of The Guardian, addressed some of the questions relating to the media’s coverage of natural disasters from the journalists’ point of view: “Why is it that, when disaster is a foreseeabie event involving real lives the media takes no serious interest whatever in the warnings? There are several reasons. One depends on the quality of the disaster The other depends on the quality of the warnings.” This Fran CnI.r.nc. by Mr En. .11 flI Rnj, M,.aSr or CMI AltSnnfCbMn, p~ohnoneW.ot %n~aog of tb. CSnn,n Ando.~ nrsdao.. ad Mr. Fbnltppe Bode, DIrector !DNDR a Lb. Seabawo Aened ad a. the prn.omIn. o(eonntdbostrr Is ChIn leant No] Hogronu ~LiiiInn Laffoot r.a~ Fd,”oo Do,doo Mat’” Carn,no Radr~gnoa Jeun-l’,nrnn Kopp Donald S,omplln Houri Laztgdn We, Boa Daheng l.a Ion Lw Go, Monlean Clout. Dual, t]n.~a md ha. inon-Punan K,pp Clout. DraIn Gordon Mann Tout V,nndinon 14 October 11 nao. Ronat LII paper also warned that if the information provided to the media is unsatisfactory, then there is an increased likelihood of the final article we read being unsatisfactory. A lesson to be drawn from Tim Radford’s paper is to recognise that the media’s quality of reporting will be enhanced with more accurate information, and once the media is better educated, so is the population as a whole. We must learn to work together for mutual benefit Badaoui Rouhban, Chief of the Unit for Disaster Reduction of UNESCO, echoed the desire for an educated population in his comments to close the first week of the conference: “It is time to bring the full force of scientific and technological advancement into synergy with broader education and public information to prevent disasters. Sustainable safety cannot be attained without empowering individuals to learn, understand and act... The long-term goal should be to have an informed populace prepared to support new policies, new legislation, new research, new products or new technology, new attitudes and lifestyles which are tailored to cope with natural hazards... Public understanding is thus the fuel or energy which must drive and support change at all levels of society which will ultimately achieve the culture of prevention.” another Week 2 sought to discuss and debate appropriate and effective means of information transfer either by the use of technological means or other. We all recognise that the Internet is a particularly powerful tool with an increasing importance as a form of media. Avagene Moore of Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership (EIIPJ said, “Whether seeking to disseminate information related to disaster prevention or some other aspect of disaster management, the Internet and other technologies are viable communication tools to use in conjunction with other public information and educational efforts and campaigns.” We must also be aware of the limitations of the Internet at this early stage of its development and that as a form of communication, its audience does not always include those for whom its information would be most valuable In describing the Geotechnical Engineering Office (CEO) public communications strategy, Andy Ho of PA Professional Consultants Ltd., and K P Vim and Jerry Ho of CEO, Civil Engineering Department in Hong Kong, emphasised the importance of the role of the media: °Special efforts are made to build up a partnership with the meaia with the assistance of professional consultants. The media has played an important role in carrying the message of disaster prevention.” Partnerships rely on each party understanding the needs of each other The message to the media must meet, at worst, previously agreed minimum content criteria. Failure to do so will frequently mean that the message is not passed on to those who really need it WEEK THREE: 12 - 18 October IOPIC: What is the Disaster Prevention Message? What is undisputed about the disaster prevention message is that it must be consistent and clear. These criteria were apparent in most of the papers and comments during Week 3, including the paper from Mr. Michael Armstrong, Associate Director for Mitigation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): “Policy implementers must invite and encourage academic commentary and participation. Time is too short, the opportunity is too fleeting, and the needs are too urgent for agendas not to be joined.” Dr. John-Paul Mufilis, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Penn State University confirmed the importance of a clear message and used the PrE theory as a method of achieving sufficient impact to encourage response. According to PrE theory, in order to increase levels of preparedness a message aimed at such efforts must not only depict an event as threatening, but at the same time, present an individuals preparedness resources as sufficient to overcome such a threat. The communication of disaster preparedness and response information is a continuous process, not just to be provided when a disaster is imminent or happening. This point came across in Ms. Gloria Brat~chi’s paper, of the National University of Cuyo in Argentina, which also reminded us of the unpredictability of disasters and the need for greater understanding. “When it comes to disasters that may strike at anytime, prevention cannot have a beginning and an end. What it does have is different stages, which may be more or less intense depending on circumstances.” But for all of this knowledge, the allocation of sufficient financial resources is still essential for the successful creation and implementation of information dissemination processes and systems Dr Ailsa Holloway of University of Cape Town in South Africa, wrote articulately about the financial implications of disaster preparedness systems and used southern Africa as an example to highlight the danger of overlooking other perhaps more pressing drains on the national budget. “We argue that a key justification for investments in disaster reduction is to ensure sustained economic, social and environmentally responsible development by avoiding unaffordable human, property and environmental losses caused by the interplay between natural and other forces. Yet, by focusing on future large-scale natural uncertainties, we overlook the realities of today’s risks. The risk of chronic food insecurity and hunger, the threat of armed robbery, the prospect of sexual assault, the risk of becoming another traffic fataiity, the ever-present threats of I-llV and Tuberculosis” It is clear that the media has a significant role to play in disaster preparedness and response. All media outlets have an important role and technology must be used to its fullest capabilities. But understanding this is not enough. Action is required. Local, regional and national authorities must seek to understand the needs of the media and create partnerships that allow them to provide a structured and coordinated means of distributing information in a format and style that will guarantee its widest possible exposure Additionally, it is the responsibility of each national authority to ensure that the ciear recommendations of this conference are met, and that a national structure of information flow is established to include all levels of government down to every local authority. All groups in this team must then establish and develop strong links with all media groups to ensure that when the time comes, the message is heard. A list of all Conference e-mails, including keynote papers, comments and discussions sent by e-mail from people around the world, messages from the organ isers about participants, conference procedures and the programmes, as well as project announcements, events and publications sent by e-mail are available on the World Wide Web at http://wwwquipu.net - - The creation and successful usage, within the framework of IDNOR, of Internet conferencing, represents a major achievement in the realisation of the objectives of IDNDR, in particular in the promotion of greater awareness of the need for disaster reduction, exchange of information and technology transfer. The IDNDR Secretariat is committed to maintaining and enhancing the use of the Internet. It is hoped that the steps taken by the IDNDR Secretariat in, the field of Internet communication and the results obtained in promoting natural disaster reduction worldwide will contribute towards building a bridge into efficient disaster reduction measures in the 2 Tsr century.