| James Kon |
ASEAN is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world. From 2004 to 2014, more than half of global disaster fatalities, or 354,000 of the 700,000 deaths, occurred in this region, causing a total economic loss of US$91 billion.
Because of this, it becomes imperative for Asean to swiftly respond to alleviate the suffering of its people in a manner that upholds their rights and dignity.
The importance of swift joint emergency response to disasters was highlighted by Asean Secretary-General Le Luong Minh in his remarks at the opening of the Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2016 (ARDEX-16) at the Musyawarah Hall of International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.
The ARDEX-16 was officiated by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.
Le Luong Minh said, “From what the region has endured throughout the years, Asean has progressively become better prepared and more resilient towards disasters.
“National capacities have been developed and the early warning systems are operational. In additional national efforts, Asean through the AHA Centre (Asean Coordinating Centre For Humanitarian Assistance) continues to support National Disaster Management Offices in providing disaster risk monitoring and analysis, but in spite of these advancement, the risk of encountering the next mega disaster remains in our minds.”
Asean Secretary-General Le Luong Minh delivering his remarks during the opening of the ARDEX 16.
Delegates and participants at the ARDEX-16- PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
ARDEX, he said, “will test and evaluate mechanisms pertaining to emergency response and disaster management, showcase our strengths in joint emergency response and expose our shortcomings.
“ARDEX is well designed to prepare us for unforeseen calamities and to support affected states when they are unable to provide assistance to their communities after a mega disaster”.
The secretary-general encouraged the participants of ARDEX-2016 to actively engage in the large scale simulated activation of Asean Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (SG-AHAC), and added that “it is imperative that the activation SG-AHAC is scrutinised and corrected to ensure our swift action and coordination when the activation of such role is required”.
ARDEX-16 is the 6th exercise organised by Asean since the first one was held in 2015.
Co-organised by Brunei Darussalam through the National Disaster Management Centre and the AHA Centre, ARDEX-16 is scheduled to be held for three days, beginning November 29, at the ICC and the Multipurpose Hall of Fire and Rescue Department.
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