Effective Disaster Management Needed in Asia and Pacific

"Many lives could be saved and tragedy mitigated"

BANGKOK - United Nations Information Services - Harnessing modern technology and increasing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness could save lives and help prevent some of the billions of dollars in property damage each year across the Asian and Pacific region.

"Many lives could be saved and tragedy mitigated, if effective disaster management measures are undertaken," said United Nations Under-Secretary General and UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su.

Mr. Kim made the remarks during today's opening address to the United Nations Regional Workshop on the Use of Space Technology for Disaster Management for Asia and the Pacific.

The five-day Workshop, co-organized by UNESCAP and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), has attracted 130 participants from 32 countries around the world. A number of representatives from other United Nations bodies, intergovernmental organizations and various national and regional institutions are also attending.

These experts are sharing their knowledge and experience in using space and satellite technology to prepare for and respond to natural and man made disasters.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Sergio Camacho-Lara, of the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs, a senior official of that office said: "We are here today because we are all aware of the devastating consequences that disasters have on society, both in terms of human life and economic development."

During the period January to September 2002, natural catastrophes in the world have cost countries and communities an estimated $56 billion dollars. The Asia-Pacific region has been one of the worst hit in terms of natural disasters, accounting for 50 per cent of the world's major emergencies. During the last five months, more than 20 countries in this region have endured serious flooding, resulting in the deaths of 2,300 people, and forcing 16 million people from their homes. In Thailand alone, the floods affected 7 million acres of farmland and 80,000 people needed treatment for water-borne, flood related, illnesses, according to Mr. Pinij Jarusombat, Minister of Science and Technology of the Royal Thai Government.

UNESCAP recently established a new Information, Communication and Space Technology Division, and the secretariat has also been active, in cooperation with the World Meteorology Organization (WMO), in successfully promoting the establishment of the Typhoon Committee and the UNESCAP/WMO Panel on Tropical Cyclones.

The Commission's overall programme of work focuses on three thematic areas: poverty alleviation, managing globalization, and addressing emerging social issues.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. David Lazarus
Chief, United Nations Information Services
UN Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200 Thailand
Tel: (+66) 02 288 1864-9
E-mail: unisbkk.unescap@un.org

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