This month's floods in Thailand are a worrisome reminder of increasing uncertainty of the extreme weather events. Thailand's flood season usually ends in November, but this year, influenced by a low depression and a strong north-east monsoon, widespread flooding in the south of the country has killed more than 60 people, affected over 330,000 households and inflicted widespread asset losses.
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Consequently, ESCAP has created a climate risk communication platform, the Monsoon Forum, for improved understanding of climate outlooks and seasonal forecasts in high risk-low capacity countries such as Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia. Through South-South co-operation, ESCAP will tap into Thailand's experience and knowledge in short- and medium-range forecasts and early warning communication systems, while continuing to support the integration of innovative tools and techniques for forecasting and monitoring tropical cyclones through the Panel on Tropical Cyclones and the Typhoon Committee, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). In partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk (UNISDR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ESCAP co-ordinates the UN intervention at all stages of the disaster cycle, while in parallel, ASEAN and the UN have adopted a Joint Strategic Plan of Action on Disaster Management. These multiple initiatives have undoubtedly helped countries to be better prepared to face disasters.
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