THE 4TH OAOR
FOSTERING A STRONG BOND OF HUMANITARIANS AND STAKEHOLDERS FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS
The 4th One ASEAN One Response Roadshow (OAOR) was held in Penang, Malaysia on 4 September 2023, with more than 150 participants involved. The roadshow is a platform for the exchange of related questions and the challenges on the adoption of the OAOR vision with relevant stakeholders, particularly in Malaysia.
It is important to raise awareness of the operationalisation of One ASEAN One Response among the stakeholders in the ASEAN region as they must have a firm grasp of the regional mechanisms and their respective roles. By having the same understanding, this will help enable seamless coordination, resource optimisation, and effective response strategies across different levels.
The Executive Director of the AHA Centre Mr. Lee Yam Ming emphasised that OAOR is designed as a knowledge sharing among the stakeholders from the national, regional and international levels. Understanding that during the emergency responses, good coordination from different sectors is essential. “One ASEAN One Response envisions to foster a strong bond of humanitarians and stakeholders from different sectors, to respond to disasters as One with increased speed, scale, and solidarity,” he added during the opening speech.
One ASEAN One Response itself is an open and inclusive platform using ASEAN’s mechanisms at its core. Therefore, having divers and different stakeholders involved in this spirit will help increase the effectiveness of humanitarian response, particularly in the region.
Mr. Lee Yam Ming added that one of the tangible actions in operationalising One ASEAN One Response is during the conduct of ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Exercise (ARDEX) 2023 held in Yogyakarta in August 2023. More than 180 players from the ASEAN Member States and over 500 national and local players joined the regional exercise to test the harmony of national, regional, and international mechanisms, including the ASEAN SASOP. “Malaysia also participated in the ARDEX-23 exercise and showcased not only their understanding of the regional mechanism but also their technical expertise in Search and Rescue operations,” he added.
Supported by the European Union Mission to ASEAN, One ASEAN One Response Roadshow in Malaysia was attended by various stakeholders, including partners from the United Nations. During the session, AHA Centre, ASEAN Secretariat, UN OCHA, and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) of Malaysia had the opportunity to present their roles and mechanisms during the emergency situation.
One ASEAN One Response Roadshow is a regular event co-organised by AHA Centre and ASEAN Member States as a platform for knowledge sharing from different actors and stakeholders as well as familiarising the ASEAN mechanism during emergencies.
Written by: Moch Syifa | Photos by: NADMA Malaysia, Penang State Government
MONTHLY DISASTER REVIEW AND OUTLOOK
JUNE & JULY 2023 | DISASTER MONITORING & ANALYSIS
(DMA) UNIT, AHA CENTRE
GENERAL REVIEW OF JUNE 2023
For the month of June 2023, a total of 65 disasters were reported. The ASEAN Member States that were affected are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. Most of the disasters (66%) occurred in Indonesia but only accounted for 15% of the affected persons (around 78K persons). Notably, Philippines accounted for most of the affected persons despite reporting only 19 disasters events—Flooding in BARMM with 46.25% of the total reported affected persons for the month of June. The share of the disaster-affected people for the other ASEAN Member States are as follows: (1) Philippines-85.12%, (2) Indonesia-14.85%, and (3) Viet Nam-0.03%. June 2023 saw disasters affecting 77 per 100,000 people* and displacing 6 per 100,000 people* in the region, which were 4 times and 23 times lower respectively compared to the previous month.
Most of the disasters that have occurred in June 2023 are floods (45%) and is consistently the most recorded type of disaster for June of the previous year and June on a five-year average (2018-2022). The reported disasters in the region for June 2023 in comparison to the historical data (average for June 2018-2022) indicates that there were about 1.1x more reported disasters; 1.6x less people affected; 1.6x more people internally displaced; 2.3x less houses affected to some extent; 2.2x less lives lost; and 4.9x more people suffering injuries.
GENERAL REVIEW OF JULY 2023
For the month of July 2023, a total of 93 disasters were reported. The ASEAN Member States that were affected are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Most of the disasters (72%) occurred in Indonesia but only accounted for 1.72% of the affected persons (around 101K persons). Notably, Philippines accounted for most of the affected persons despite reporting only 13 disasters event—Combined Effects of the Southwest Monsoon, TC DOKSURI, TC KHANUN, and TC TALIM with 94.29% of the total reported affected persons for the month of July. The share of the disaster-affected people for the other ASEAN Member States are as follows: (1) Philippines-98.016%, (2) Indonesia-1.723%, Thailand-0.238%, Viet Nam 0.022%, and Malaysia 0.001%. July 2023 saw disasters affecting 774 per 100,000 people* and displacing 76 per 100,000 people* in the region, which were 10 times and 4 times higher respectively compared to the previous month.
Most of the disasters that have occurred in July 2023 are floods (60%) and is consistently the most recorded type of disaster for July of the previous year and July on a five-year average (2018-2022). The reported disasters in the region for July 2023 in comparison to the historical data (average for July 2018-2022) indicates that there were about 1.5x more reported disasters; 3.2x more people affected; 1.5x less people internally displaced; 3.3x more houses affected to some extent; 1.2x more lives lost; and 1.5x more people suffering injuries.
GEOPHYSICAL CONDITION FOR JUNE AND JULY 2023
Geophysically, 48 significant earthquakes (Magnitude ≥ 5.0) were reported by Indonesia’s Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG), Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH), and the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) for the period of June to July 2023 (the period of Weeks 22-30).
Mount Semeru (Alert Level III), Anak Krakatau (Alert Level III), Dukono (Alert Level II), Ibu (Alert Level II), Ili Lewotolok (Alert Level II), and Karangetang (Alert Level III) in Indonesia and Mayon (Alert Level 3), Taal (Alert Level 1), and Kanlaon Volcanoes (Alert Level 1) were reportedly tectonically active (erupting lava or releasing gas or generating seismic activity) throughout the month of June to July 2023 (the period of Weeks 22-30).
PHIVOLCS raised the Mayon Volcano Alert Level to 3 (Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption) since 8 June. As of 14 August, Mayon Volcano remains in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruptions are possible within weeks or days. According to NDRRMC, as of 13 August 2023, 9.9K families (38.4K persons) have been affected and 20.3K persons internally displaced in 27 evacuation centres. The NDRRMC with other relevant-agencies/stakeholders have provided 5.7M USD worth of assistance to those affected.
*computed based on 2023 population data from worldometers.com
ANALYSIS
According to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), compared to the average value from 2001-2022, during June 2023, above-average rainfall was experienced in the eastern parts of the Mainland Southeast Asia and western Maritime Continent but less to above-average for the rest of the ASEAN Region. The largest difference (driest condition) from the average rainfall was observed over western coast to northern parts and southern Myanmar, western Thailand (bordering with southern parts of Myanmar), and the Visayas of the Philippines. Wetter conditions which is detected over Mindanao of the Philippines, have also resulted a MODERATE disaster in the area of BARMM Region. As shown in Figure 1 left wetter than normal conditions are detected over Mindanao, the Philippines.
For the month of July 2023, according to the ASMC, compared to the average value from 2001-2022, above-average rainfall was experienced over much of the western half of the maritime continent; below-average rainfall was experienced over the northeastern parts of the Mainland Southeast Asia and eastern Maritime Continent; and mix of below to above-average rainfall for the rest of the ASEAN Region. The largest positive (wetter) anomalies were recorded over parts of southern Myanmar, southern Viet Nam, and northern Philippines. Particularly for the wetter conditions in the northern parts of the Philippines as shown in Figure 2 left, a CATASTROPHIC disaster was caused by the Combined Effects of the Southwest Monsoon, TC DOKSURI, TC KHANUN, and TC TALIM.
SEASONAL OUTLOOK
According to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), compared to the average value from 2001-2022, during June 2023, above-average rainfall was experienced in the eastern parts of the Mainland Southeast Asia and western Maritime Continent but less to above-average for the rest of the ASEAN Region. The largest difference (driest condition) from the average rainfall was observed over western coast to northern parts and southern Myanmar, western Thailand (bordering with southern parts of Myanmar), and the Visayas of the Philippines. Wetter conditions which is detected over Mindanao of the Philippines, have also resulted a MODERATE disaster in the area of BARMM Region. As shown in Figure 1 left wetter than normal conditions are detected over Mindanao, the Philippines.
For the month of July 2023, according to the ASMC, compared to the average value from 2001-2022, above-average rainfall was experienced over much of the western half of the maritime continent; below-average rainfall was experienced over the northeastern parts of the Mainland Southeast Asia and eastern Maritime Continent; and mix of below to above-average rainfall for the rest of the ASEAN Region. The largest positive (wetter) anomalies were recorded over parts of southern Myanmar, southern Viet Nam, and northern Philippines. Particularly for the wetter conditions in the northern parts of the Philippines as shown in Figure 2 left, a CATASTROPHIC disaster was caused by the Combined Effects of the Southwest Monsoon, TC DOKSURI, TC KHANUN, and TC TALIM.
Note: The qualitative outlook is assessed for the region in general and based on the latest runs from models provided by the SEA RCC-Network LRF node. For specific updates on the national scale, the relevant ASEAN National Meteorological and Hydrological Services should be consulted.
Sources: ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet), ASEAN Disaster Monitoring and Response System (DMRS), ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) – Indonesia, Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara (NADMA) – Malaysia, Department of Disaster Management (DDM) – Myanmar, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) – Philippines, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) – Thailand, Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) – TMD, Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) – Indonesia, Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) – Indonesia, Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) – Philippines, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – Philippines
Written by : Sadhu Zukhruf Janottama, Lawrence Anthony Dimailig
DISCLAIMER
The AHA Centre’s estimation is based on data and information shared by National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) and other relevant agencies from ASEAN Member States, international organisations, and news agencies. Further information on each recorded significant disaster, description, and detail of data and information are available at: https://adinet.ahacentre.org/report/
INTERNSHIP STORY:
MUHAMMMAD FAISAL ANSHORY
Disaster Monitoring and Analysis Intern
My name is Muhammad Faisal Anshory, and I am a fresh graduate in Geodetic and Geomatics Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology. During my studies, I have been passionate about map-making, a.k.a cartography. I also learned about the role of my degree in multiple areas, one of them is the disaster field.
This is why I was intrigued when I learned about HELiX, the Humanitarian and Emergency Logistics Innovation Expo, hosted by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA) in 2021.
My curiosity led me to participate in the AHAckathon competition as part of the HELiX event in October 2021, where my team and I had the chance to learn about the efforts of various disaster relief organisations. With the guidance of our mentor, Ms. Smriti, we were trying to come up with a solution to two common problems relief workers face: a lack of centralised real-time information to monitor and coordinate relief efforts and the slow identification processes for needs assessments. Our solution was an application prototype called Holigistics, which targeted actors in the field to quickly assess the supply needed by impacted demographic data and give recommendations for the optimised route service for the supply chain. Our team’s efforts paid off when we were awarded second place among various teams in ASEAN. This experience taught me about the AHA Centre generally and its role in coordinating logistics assistance for natural disasters in ASEAN.
A few months later, I saw a social media post by the AHA Centre announcing an internship opportunity as a Disaster Monitoring and Analysis (DMA) intern. As I had finished my undergraduate thesis, I applied without hesitation and was eventually invited for an online interview. I started my new journey on September 5th, under the guidance of DMA Officers Mr. Keith Paolo and Mr. Sadhu Zukhruf. As a DMA intern, my main responsibilities were assisting in daily DMA activities. The task included monitoring the daily development of natural disasters in ASEAN, data cleansing and analysis of disaster data records, and assisting in developing incidental and routine reports, including maps. Those responsibilities presented unique challenges. The first one is when navigating language barriers when monitoring disaster development in the ASEAN region, where as a multicultural region, each ASEAN country has its own language. The second is that AHA Centre’s products are often reposted by global organisations, meaning the information presented must be accurate, data-oriented, and reliable. Despite these challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact and they raise my awareness about the relationship between humans and nature.
During my internship journey, I was fortunate to be exposed to various valuable experiences that helped me develop new skills and knowledge. One of the most significant aspects of my internship was gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies used for disaster monitoring activities. Not only did this expand my technical skill set, but it also provided me with a new perspective on the intersection of technology and disaster management. In addition, I also had the opportunity to participate in important events such as the AHA Centre Information Management Network (AIM-Net) and First Aid and Survival on Disaster Training, which helped me develop a deeper understanding of disaster management from a practical standpoint. The meetings with the Centre partners were also a great learning opportunity, as they allowed me to gain insights into how the AHA Centre collaborates with national disaster management organisations of ASEAN member states and international organisations to develop ASEAN’s resilience towards natural disasters.
All in all, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the internship program at the AHA Centre. The experiences and knowledge I have gained during this time have truly broadened my perspective on natural disasters and emergency response and working in a multicultural environment. I am especially thankful to my supervisors, Mr. Keith and Mr. Sadhu, for their guidance and unwavering support throughout my internship. They always challenged me and gave constructive feedback that has pushed me to try new things and exceed my expectations. I also appreciate Mr. Lawrence Anthony Dimailig who has been an incredible source of positivity and encouragement during daily activities. This internship has been a valuable learning experience that has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in the future. I look forward to utilising these skills in my future endeavors and continue to grow as an individual.
Written by: Muhammad Faisal Anshory, Disaster Monitoring and Analysis Intern
THE 18TH MEETING OF THE AHA CENTRE GOVERNING BOARD
The 18th Meeting of the AHA Centre Governing Board was held on 14 June 2023 in Da Nang, Viet Nam, as part of the 42nd Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM). Attended by the ACDM as Governing Board of the AHA Centre, the Meeting discussed the Centre’s progress and achievements in the period of October 2022 to May 2023.
During this period, the AHA Centre carried out emergency responses to Tropical Cyclone Nalgae in the Philippines, supported the Thailand Department of Disaster Prevention & Mitigation (DDPM) in conducting a drought assessment in four provinces in the Northeast Regions of Thailand, and provided humanitarian support to the people affected by Tropical Cyclone Mocha that made landfall in Myanmar.
As of May 2023, the AHA Centre had completed almost 50% of its annual plan for 2023. Key achievements made by the Centre during this period include enhancement of the ASEAN Disaster Information Laboratory (ADILab) and ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet) platforms, the completion of the 14th ASEAN-ERAT Induction Course and ASEAN-ERAT Level 2 Courses on Humanitarian Logistics and Civil Military Coordination, and the release of the ‘At the Crossroads’ Podcast Season 2 in April 2023.
The AHA Centre also presented updates on completed and ongoing projects. The DELSA Phase III Project, which is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) was completed in March 2023. Meanwhile, the ASEAN Standards and Certification for Experts in Disaster Management (ASCEND) project had successfully conducted the ASCEND Trial Simulation in November 2022 with the support of the Republic of Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
The Meeting also included updates on the ongoing activities of the Integrated Programme in Enhancing the Capacity of AHA Centre and ASEAN Emergency Response Mechanisms (EU-SAHA) project, the project ‘Improving ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance Capacity in Multi Hazard’ funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Strengthening AHA Centre’s Capability to Respond Effectively to Human-Induced Crises Project (AHA -Australia) project, and the Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the AHA Centre for ASEAN Disaster Capacity Building Programme (SICAP) project supported by New Zealand.
The Meeting of the Governing Board of the AHA Centre holds great significance as it provides a platform for comprehensive discussions and assessments of the Centre’s progress and accomplishments. The AHA Centre is deeply appreciative of the guidance and support offered by the Governing Board in steering its efforts towards achieving its objectives. The AHA Centre is fully dedicated to furthering its mission and looks forward to continuing its efforts in supporting the ASEAN region’s disaster management efforts.
Written by: Gladys Respati | Photo by: VDDMA