East Asia Summit Earthquake Risk Reduction (EAS-ERR) Centre

National Institute of Disaster Management (Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India)

Dr. Amir Ali Khan

East Asia Summit

The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a forum held annually by leaders of 18

countries after annual ASEAN leaders’ meetings. The first summit was

held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2005. The current members of EAS

are: 1. Australia 2. Brunei Darussalam

3. Cambodia 4. China

5. India 6. Indonesia

7. Japan 8. Lao PDR

9. Malaysia 10. Myanmar

11. New Zealand 12. Philippines

13. Republic of Korea 14. Russian Federation

15. Singapore 16. Thailand

17. USA 18. Vietnam

BACKGROUND

EAS Foreign Ministers’ Consultations in Bali in July 2011

Emphasized the need to improve coordination amongst EAS member countries on disaster management and relief. Culminated into a decision of organization of a 2 days workshop in November 2012, New Delhi involving the Heads of National Disaster Management Agencies of EAS member countries.

6th EAS held at Bali, Indonesia

Prime Minister (India) announced India’s intention of hosting an EAS Workshop in 2012 on Disaster Management and Relief. In fulfillment of PM’s announcement, India hosted an ‘EAS-India Workshop 2012: Building Regional Framework for Earthquake Risk Management’ in New Delhi on November 8-9, 2012. (http://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/20810/Briefing+on+PMs+Visit+to+Cambodia+for+East+Asia+Summit+and+IndiaASEAN+Summit)

BACKGROUND

‘EAS-India Workshop 2012: Building Regional Framework for Earthquake Risk Management’ in New Delhi on November 8-9, 2012

Develop acceptable methods and strategies for integration of disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and disaster recovery financing amongst EAS member countries Develop the necessary competencies in the EAS Member countries for the regulation of adopting earthquake resistant technologies for new and existing structures, and mechanisms relevant to each EAS Member Country to enforce a Techno-legal framework for compliance of state-of-the-art standards for design and construction of earthquake resistant houses, buildings and structures The workshop proposed network of 24 X 7 Points of Contact or PoCs, and the idea of setting up a Virtual Knowledge Portal (VKP).

(http://www.aseanindia.com/delhi-outcome-finalized-at-the-eas-india-workshop-on-building-regional-framework-for-earthquake-risk-management-new-delhi/ ) (http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=88978)

BACKGROUND

Indian Government Initiatives

As a follow up to the outcome of the "EAS-India Workshop 2012: Building Regional Framework for Earthquake Risk Management“, the Government of India has established East Asia Summit – Earthquake Risk Reduction (EAS-ERR) Centre in February 2013, hosted at the National Institute of Disaster Management, New Delhi. India also proposed setting up a Virtual Knowledge Portal (VKP) as a web based tool to share knowledge and best practices related to natural disaster risk assessment, mitigation and response, and also to provide web services for multilateral coordination. At the recent East Asia Summit in Myanmar in November, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commended the initiatives taken by the EAS in disaster preparedness and response.

EAS-ERR CENTRE - an introduction

It is culmination of over two years of hard work and symbolises the convergence of views among EAS countries on disaster related issues as well as the beginning of sharing of ideas. To share knowledge and best practices related to natural disaster risk assessment, mitigation, preparedness and response, and also to provide web services for multilateral coordination following earthquake and other natural disasters in East Asia. The Centre would be a cooperation framework under the East Asia Countries with the aim to consolidate and strengthen the network of disaster information. It will attempt to improve the cooperation of international responders in the immediate aftermath of major natural, technological and environmental disasters. The network of 24x7 POCs and VKP would be complementary to each other.

EAS-ERR CENTRE

Resilient to disasters through regional cooperation among member countries. Pool resources for efficient disaster response. Enhance capacities for prevention, mitigation and preparedness for disaster risk reduction.

VISION

EAS member countries will work together for mutual benefits with an aim to reduce the disaster risks and losses in the region. Efficient cooperation mechanism will be followed for quick correct response to disaster situations through the PoCs and use of information available at Virtual Knowledge Portal (VKP). Enhance community resilience through better assessment of disaster risks and application of state-of-art techniques and technology in disaster prevention, mitigation , preparedness, response and recovery.

MISSION

EAS-ERR CENTRE : AIM

Development of a comprehensive roadmap on regional framework for disaster risk management for mutual benefit of EAS Member Countries. Use of VKP to build an institutional framework through 24X7 Point of Contact (PoC) for regional preparedness and response against disasters in the region. Evolve mechanisms for strengthening collaboration between operational/field and knowledge/research based institutions in the region. Develop strategy for training and capacity development on importance of response preparedness in the region leading to effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies and implementation of related issue based projects at regional levels.

EAS-ERR CENTRE: OBJECTIVES

Bring all countries from across the EAS region to establish cross border assistance during disasters response. Provide international assistance across borders in affected countries and to develop emergency response framework and develop SOP for emergency assistance such as life saving drugs, entry of search and rescue teams including search dogs etc. in the affected country. Deal with different aspects of multilateral response to disasters which affect multiple countries. Provide a road map for coordinating multi-dimensional measures against disasters.

STRUCTURE OF EAS-ERR CENTRE

EAS- ERR CENTRE: FUNCTIONS

Sharing and exchange of the state-of-the-art of disaster response mechanisms being followed in each of EAS member country and understanding emerging issues for mutual cooperation. Develop an institutional mechanism for regional response in the post-disaster scenarios. Development of EAS member countries specific and regional post-disaster information management system. Identify logistic challenges in coordination in an international relief and rescue operation while dealing with multiple countries affected by disasters and propose appropriate solutions.

Virtual Knowledge Portal (VKP) is intended to fill the critical information and coordination gap that usually occurs during disaster management in EAS member countries. VKP will be used to facilitate coordination and decision-making primarily among multilateral responders and the affected country through the point of contact (PoCs) for providing efficient & effective response whenever needed.

Functions specific to 24x7 Point of Contact (POC)

Effective Timely Mobilization of the Disaster Assistance Teams at a shorter notice. Establishment of clear channels of communication for international assistance. Compilation and creation of a database of individual country's disaster response capabilities pre-cleared for rapid deployment in order to ensure efficient management of collective resources. Certification of procedures for quick deployment of medical practitioners, relief volunteers, dog squads and custom facilitation for aid material. Pre-positioning of material to reduce response time.

GLIMPSE OF VKP

SITE MAP OF VKP

DEMONSTRATION OF EAS-ERR WEBSITE