Dear Readers,

We are pleased to bring you this issue of the Asian Disaster Management News on Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction. Our sincere appreciation is extended to Mr Arambepola, Team Leader of ADPC‘s Urban Disaster Risk Management Team, for his valuable advice on the overall theme of this issue.

Many countries in the Asian region are in active seismic zones and are therefore faced with the constant threat of earthquake hazards. The most recent earthquakes in China and Iran are proof of the magnitude of the problem and how much more needs to be done in the field of earthquake mitigation. Urban areas, especially historic urban areas and informal settlements, are particularly vulnerable as is described in the theme paper, which explores a number of initiatives adopted for earthquake vulnerability reduction.

ADPC has identified a need to develop capital investment programs to make built environments more secure and disaster resilient. To accomplish this it will be necessary to create a stream of viable retrofit and new construction-programs and projects to apply improved technologies, new construction techniques, to train labor and provide effective technical assistance.

Mr Haresh Shah’s article explains how risk transfer and insurance can be employed as a strategy for catastrophe risk management, especially in this region, and the article from NSET in Nepal describes new initiatives in earthquake preparedness in the capital.

The Grassroots section looks at CARE’s success in implementing a community-based forest fire mitigation project in East Kalimantan. Also in this issue you will find our regular features on recent publications, websites, book reviews and updates on ADPC's programs and activities.

As always, we look forward to your suggestions and comments.

Wishing you all a very prosperous and safe 2005!

Earl Kessler
ekessler@adpc.net 

Themes for Forthcoming Issues of the Asian Disaster Management News
Climate Risk Management