Last updated: 31 October, 2008    

Disaster Mitigation in Asia
Issue No. 4 
30 May 2003

A. From the Region
B. From the Globe 
C. Conferences & Courses
D. Useful Resources

USEFUL RESOURCES

Pacific Disaster Center Launches Version 1.0 of the Asia-Pacific Natural Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlas

Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), based in Hawaii, is an information technology-based applications center designed to provide information products and services to emergency managers and planners throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

PDC has recently launched the first version of the Asia Pacific Natural Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlas provides a dynamic geo-spatial framework through which information can be accessed and viewed over the Internet by the disaster management and humanitarian assistance communities. The Atlas can provide decision-makers with greater awareness of the risk of natural hazards in their area of concern. It can also be used to explore regional and national level issues related to risk and vulnerability. The Atlas combines baseline geographic and infrastructure data layers with historical and near-real time data on natural hazard events including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and tropical storms.

To view the atlas visit <http://atlas.pdc.org/APNHVA/kickoff.html> or for more information e-mail Mr. Peter Colvin <pcolvin@pdc.org>.

"Shelter after Disaster - Guidelines for Assistance" now available online

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has made available online (in English and Spanish) a key document on the immediate shelter needs of survivors following disasters.

"Shelter after Disaster - Guidelines for Assistance" (UNDRO Geneva, 1982) aims to provide policy and program guidelines on emergency shelter and post-disaster housing. Issues covered include needs assessment, role of emergency shelter, contingency planning, relocation, land tenure and land use, and housing finance.

English version:
<http://www.reliefweb.int/library/documents/2003/undro-shelter-jul82.htm>

Spanish version:
<http://www.reliefweb.int/library/documents/2003/undro-sheltersp-jul82.htm>

Or go to <http://www.reliefweb.int/mcdls/lsu/lsu.htm> and click on "Shelter" in the menu on the left.

For more information e-mail <ochagva@un.org> quoting "attention Logistics Support Unit" in the subject line.

Humanitarian Supply Management System (SUMA)
<http://disaster-info.net/SUMA>

When a major disaster strikes a country, local and international communities respond with an outpouring of assistance. Disaster managers must be prepared to receive large quantities of unsolicited donations that may not meet the needs of the affected population. The process of sorting through tons of supplies and ensuring that urgently needed items reach the disaster victims can overwhelm relief workers.

SUMA, the Supply Management System developed by the Pan American Health Organization's Program on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief, is an information management tool that helps national authorities coordinate humanitarian assistance. SUMA uses simple software to track items from the moment donors commit to sending supplies until they are distributed effectively to the affected population.

SUMA's website has been updated recently. The new website is more interactive, and allows for better and quicker service. Here you can download free software, have access to manuals, publications, videos and information on training. You can also subscribe to their mailing list and receive regular updates.

For more information visit <http://www.disaster-info.net/SUMA> or e-mail
<suma@paho.org>.