U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Kristie A. Kenney joined USAID and PEER partner representatives to launch PEER in Thailand at Ayutthaya Hospital on 27 April 2012.
The Ambassador said: “We are pleased to be working with ADPC to support disaster preparedness in Thailand. We witnessed the suffering and bravery of communities during the floods last year. The U.S. Government stands by our partners in good times and in bad. We are now pleased to find ways with these new programs to help the communities and hospitals better prepare and plan for disasters like this. “

A major earthquake and several aftershocks struck off the west coast of northern Sumatra in Indonesia on 11 April 2012 prompting tsunami warnings for countries across the Indian Ocean. Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, ADPC said; “This huge quake was a reminder that disaster can strike at any time. As Thailand celebrates the Songkran New Year holiday, many families were on the beaches of southern Thailand – the initial fear was that this could lead to a repeat of the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami.”

Preah Kossamak Hospital in Cambodia is a hospital on the edge. Lack of resources and a reputation as a government hospital for the poorest in Phnom Penh, means that day-to-day coping is tough for the dedicated hospital staff and medics, let alone disaster preparedness planning. “There are many challenges,” says Prof. Dr. Thong Sok Hean, Vice Director, Preah Kossamak Hospital, “disaster preparedness is only one issue. The hospital is old and constantly on the edge. The financial situation is very difficult. Many of the poor cannot pay – but we must treat them. They cannot be turned away – even though many still can’t get the care they need!”

The PEER team is saddened to learn of the sad early death of Dr. Vong Thavry, Medical Doctor from the Preah Kossamak Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and a HOPE graduate. Condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Thavry, from the PEER family.

In Hue, Vietnam during February and March 2012, Red Cross staff and volunteer teams from across Vietnam took part in CADRE training activities, developing vital skills in management of mass casualties, collapsed structure search and rescue, flood safety and how to respond to emergencies.
There are now 47 new CADRE instructors in Vietnam, qualified to teach the fundamentals of disaster response in their communities. They are also equipped to help their families, neighbors and communities if a flood, landslide, building collapse, fire, mass-casualty event, or any other disaster were to hit their local area.