One of the core strategies and pillars that translate the spirit of One ASEAN, One Response into concrete actions is to perform Risk Identification, Early Warning and Monitoring. Through these activities, the AHA Centre aims to reduce loss of life and damage to property from natural disasters through the identification of hazards and risks prior to impacts and by increasing warning time.

The AHA Centre works closely with the National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) of all ten ASEAN Member States in monitoring and sharing information about hazards and disasters in the region. Additionally, the AHA Centre also closely monitor the hazards and earth observation as well as early warning releases by hydro-meteorological and geological agencies of ASEAN Member States. Information management and information dissemination may help strengthen the coordination efforts of assisting Parties when responding to potential as well as actual disasters. The AHA Centre believes that accurate information, shared in a timely manner, might help save lives during critical time. Furthermore, early identification of hazards and risks can help accelerate the activation of early warning alerts to reduce potential losses in the face of disasters. Thereby, the AHA Centre regularly monitor and updates the situation through various platforms and tools.

Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS)

dmrs

The Disaster Monitoring and Response System (DMRS) of ASEAN is one of the disaster monitoring tools utilised by the AHA Centre. The tool was designed in partnership with the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), an applied science and information centre based in Hawaii, with the support of the Government of the United States of America. DMRS receives constant information feeds from the PDC system. It shows real time information of the hazards in the region as they happen, as well as hydrometeorological data, such as wind direction and speed, clouds, sea temperature, etc. The basic maps can be overlaid with additional information, such as basic population density data, location of airports and seaports, and major roads and infrastructure.

The ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADInet)

The ASEAN Disaster Information Net (ADINET) is a repository of information concerning hazards and disasters that have happened in the region. The platform is open for public, which means that the public can submit information about any hazard and disaster to the AHA Centre. Thereafter, the AHA Centre will verify and validate any submitted information to ensure the accuracy of the data inputs. The AHA Centre can also add new information when relevant and as necessary. ADINET has been recording disaster information in the region since the AHA Centre was operational in 2012.

ARMOR

Annual ASEAN Risk Monitor Reports (ARMOR) aims to consolidate knowledge, promote sharing and the spirit of collaboration among the risk monitoring, disaster management community (researchers, practitioners and private entities). ARMOR serves to contribute to AADMER Priority Programmes 1, 5, 6 and 7 with the following objectives:

  • Sharing latest Disaster and Climate Risk Monitoring research initiatives, and collaborations;
  • Sharing of lessons learnt from past deployments, latest operational initiatives, training activities and best practices;
  • Bridging the gap between research and operations through translational and application research initiatives for the benefit of ASEAN communities; and
  • Building awareness and increasing potential collaborative efforts between ASEAN Member States and interested stakeholders.

Public Outreach

In order to raise awareness on disaster risk reduction and preparedness, the AHA Centre also disseminates information on a regular basis to the public. During emergency times, the AHA Centre releases immediate Flash Updates and Situation Updates. Whereas in non-emergency times, the AHA Centre publishes Weekly Disaster Updates and a monthly newsletter: The Column. All of these publications are available on www.ahacentre.org as well as the AHA Centre’s social media accounts.