STRENGTHENING ASEAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK: THE ROLES OF AHA CENTRE IN THE CASE OF THE PHILIPPINES TYPHOON HAIYAN (2013)

Abstract

The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management or the AHA Centre is an intergovernmental organization established by the 10 ASEAN Member States for the purpose of facilitating cooperation and coordination among the Parties, and with relevant United Nations and international organizations for disaster management and emergency response in ASEAN Region. Southeast Asia is one of the most disaster prone regions of the world, with high level of vulnerability and exposure to many hazards, and with notable major disasters including the Philippines Typhoon Haiyan 2013. The research will focus on the AHA Centre’s roles in strengthening ASEAN disaster management framework and in the case of the Philippines Typhoon Haiyan 2013. The results of the research showed that the AHA Centre has positive roles in strengthening ASEAN disaster management framework and the achievements on the Typhoon Haiyan operation was noteworthy. With the presence of the AHA Centre, the ASEAN Member States are more solid than ever in responding to disasters. The level of awareness and capacity of the ASEAN is also keep increasing through the lessons learnt.