Last updated: 31 October, 2008    

Disaster Mitigation in Asia
Issue No. 10 
31 January 2004

A. From the Region
B. Calls for Submission 
C. Conferences & Courses
D. Useful Resources

USEFUL RESOURCES

"An Operational Framework for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction"

This new working paper by Tom Mitchell, introduces an operational disaster risk reduction (DRR) mainstreaming framework for application at a national level. Disaster risk reduction frameworks must be flexible enough to be modified through a participatory process and have locally derived benchmarks. Both the framework and the participatory process will help to generate political will and a sense of ownership, which are seen as vital to achieving disaster risk reduction gains. This paper places the framework in the context of other similar initiatives and discusses disaster risk reduction as a precursor to formulating a framework.

The publication can be downloaded at: <http://www.benfieldhrc.org/SiteRoot/disaster_studies/>

On-line extracts of Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives

Following the overwhelming feedback received for the preliminary edition of 2002, the ISDR Secretariat is pleased to present on-line extracts of the upcoming revised version of the publication Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives (available for purchase in 2004). The revised version takes into consideration those comments received based on the previous edition, incorporating further developments, providing more in-depth analysis as well as comprehensive coverage of current activities in disaster risk reduction.

To access the on-line extracts, please refer to <http://www.unisdr.org/eng/about_isdr/basic_docs/LwR2003/lwr-03-table- conten ts-eng.htm>

Chaos Organization and Disaster Management by Alan Kirschenbaum

This book by ALAN KIRSCHENBAUM offers a well written scholarly survey of disaster behavior and management in the face of global conventional and non-conventional disasters. Analyses of definitions of preparedness, conditions for effective organizational outcomes, estimations of risk, and built-in structural conflicts show the great divide between individual responses to disaster and the functioning of disaster management organizations. It exposes the fundamental flaws of disaster management agencies, viewing disasters from the perspectives of organizations and potential victims.

For detailed information, please visit <http://www.dekker.com>

Hazards and GIS

A new web site has recently been launched to encourage sharing of information about how the hazards community is using GIS for hazards-related activities and to provide useful and easily accessible resources for everyone.

The web site can be found at <http://hazards.lsu.edu>

Risk and vulnerability assessment (RVAT) online

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)'s Coastal Services Center provides an on-line risk and vulnerability assessment tool (RVAT) to help identify people, property, and resources that are at risk of injury, damage, or loss from hazardous incidents or natural hazards. The site includes a community vulnerability assessment tool designed to help determine and prioritize the precautionary measures that can make a community more disaster-resistant.

The site can be found at <http://www.csc.noaa.gov/rvat/>