The First ADPC – UNESCAP Annual Journalism Award for Outstanding Reporting on Emergencies and Disasters: 2004

The First ADPC – UNESCAP Annual Journalism Award for Outstanding Reporting on Emergencies and Disasters was inaugurated during this year’s International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction at the United Nations Building on 13 October 2004.

The commemoration began with the opening of the IDNDR Exhibition by H.E. Dr Bhokin Bhalakula, Minister of Interior, Royal Thai Government, who also presided over the forum and the award ceremony. This was followed by a screening of the ISDR film on “Learning to Live with Risk”, and the formal opening of the forum by the honorable Dr Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary, UNESCAP; and Dr Suvit Yodmani, Executive Director, ADPC. The forum consisted of addresses from Dr Kim Hak-Su, Dr Suvit Yodmani and H.E. Dr Bhokin Bhalakula. Other panel members included Ms Keiko Okeido, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNESCAP; Mr Rae Kwon Chung, Chief of Environmental and Sustainable Development Division, Water Resources Section and Forum moderator; and the Director General, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Thailand.

Award plaques and certificates were given to three winners: Ms Onnucha Hutasingha from the Bangkok Post, Jor Sor 100 (Radio Station), and Ms Onuma Kasetpheuphol from Ruam Duay Chuay Gan (Radio Station). Certificates of Recognition were presented to three runners up, Channel 11 (Television Station), Kom Chad Leuk (Newspaper) and Tak Public Relations Office. The three award winners were later invited to speak about their work and experiences in reporting emergencies and disaster events. In the coming years the award is expected to cover the Asian Region.

Disaster Reduction Day Commemorations in Hat Yai, Songkla Province, Thailand
 

On 12 October 2004, Hat Yai, in Songkla Province in the south of Thailand, observed for the first time the International Day for Disaster Reduction commemorations. Over 500 people led by Hat Yai City Mayor, the Governor of Songkla Province, and ADPC’s Executive Director participated in the first such event held outside Bangkok.

The highlights of the commemoration were the inauguration of the Hat Yai Flood Prevention Center, a press conference, and demonstrations on emergency search and rescue, fire and first aid. Certificates were presented to about 90 leaders and volunteers who took the Flood Preparedness Planning training course organized by Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of a painting competition on the theme of “Flood Preparedness”. Thirty school children from 16 primary and secondary schools in the province participated. To raise public awareness on disaster risk mitigation, a parade around the city was organized. Participating in the parade were government officials, media, Bangkok-based TV stars, and students and residents of Songkla province.

The event was organized under ADPC's Thailand Urban Disaster Mitigation Project (TUDMP). For more details, please contact TUDMP Project Manager at atiwan@adpc.net