Update

World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Western Pacific says structural safety of hospitals needs to be ensured to allow continuous services in times of disaster...

"Cities need to understand that there are short-term, mid-term and longer-term actions that can and are being taken to build their resilience," said Fatima Shah of the World Bank's urban development sector unit....

El Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones (Indotel) y el Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia (COE) informaron ayer que probaron “con éxito” el “Sistema de información de alerta” que permitirá utilizar el espectro radioeléctrico (teléfonos, celulares, televisión y radio) para prevenir situaciones de desastres. El “Sistema de Información de Alerta” fue creado por el consejo directivo del Indotel para facilitar al Centro de Operaciones de Emergencias (COE) informar a la ciudadanía sobre situaciones de catástrofes utilizando los servicios telefónicos o de difusión en todo el país.

Initiated by Peru with support from Australia and Indonesia, the framework will focus on monitoring volcanoes and hydrographic watersheds where the "El Nino" phenomenon is generated....

The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology will provide relevant agencies with space-based technology to mitigate disasters and environmental problems....

The Programme will establish a structure and mechanisms in order to prepare adequately for disasters and will be managed by a special Disaster Management Committee....

A new study by the Universities of Miami and Reading claims that due to a higher level of moisture in the atmosphere, more frequent and heavier rainfall can increase the risk of flooding and may have substantial societal and economic impact....

2008 Natural Disaster Business Risk Study reveals that 96% North-American company are exposed to natural disasters, yet less than 20% among them are concerned about the incidence of disasters....

Entrevista a Haris Sanahuja, Asesor Regional de Políticas, ONU/EIRD-Las Américas: La formulación del proyecto de “Estrategia para la reducción del riesgo de desastres, preparación y respuesta ante emergencias para la Región Asia Pacífico 2009-2015” ha motivado comentarios y aportes de expertos de todo el mundo, especialmente de las economías APEC, quienes ven en ella la oportunidad para promover políticas públicas que beneficien a nuestra región.

In an editorial, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes cites Cyclone Nargis as the latest example of the importance of disaster risk reduction and preparedness measures....