ASEAN-ERAT REFRESHER COURSE: PREPARING THE TEAM TO BE DEPLOYED IN ARDEX-23
One of the important exercise players during the ASEAN Regional Disaster Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX-23) is the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT). As one of the region’s humanitarian actors, ASEAN-ERAT plays a significant role in supporting affected Member States during an emergency situation or in the event of a large-scale disaster.
In preparation for the deployment of ASEAN-ERAT to ARDEX-23, the AHA Centre organised the ASEAN-ERAT Refresher Course on 29-30 July 2023, with the aim to refresh knowledge and enhance the preparedness of ASEAN-ERAT members who will be deployed in the regional exercise. This 2-day course saw participation from ASEAN-ERAT members representing all 10 ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the AHA Centre.
In preparation for the deployment of ASEAN-ERAT to ARDEX-23, the AHA Centre organised the ASEAN-ERAT Refresher Course on 29-30 July 2023, with the aim to refresh knowledge and enhance the preparedness of ASEAN-ERAT members who will be deployed in the regional exercise. This 2-day course saw participation from ASEAN-ERAT members representing all 10 ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the AHA Centre.
Executive Director of the AHA Centre Mr. Lee Yam Ming highlighted the importance of the participation of ASEAN-ERAT members in ARDEX-23. It offers an invaluable opportunity for the Team to gain hands-on experience and learn in an environment that closely simulates real-life scenarios. “The course will also update ASEAN-ERAT members with the latest development of ASEAN disaster emergency response mechanism, tools, and recent deployment,” said Mr. Lee Yam Ming during the opening ceremony of the course.
Furthermore, Mr. Lee Yam Ming mentioned that during the refresher course, ASEAN-ERAT members will also have the opportunity to interact with the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), enabling them to learn about the interoperability between ASEAN-ERAT and UNDAC. In many disaster situations on the ground, ASEAN-ERAT and UNDAC frequently work together to provide support to the affected country. “This course will strengthen the common understanding that will contribute towards better interoperability between these organisations when working together within the region,” he added.
With the support from Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and European Union Mission to ASEAN, this ASEAN-ERAT Refresher Course is designed with 20% theory and 80% hands-on learning, to enhance the capacities of ASEAN-ERAT Members in performing tasks, especially during the Table-top Exercise (TTX), Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Field Training/Simulation Exercise (FTX) in ARDEX-23. On 3 August 2023, ASEAN-ERAT members participated in the real CPX with the scenario of a 6.6 magnitude earthquake in Bantul, together with other exercise players of ARDEX-23.
Written by: Moch Syifa
