ASEAN Enhances ICT for Disaster Management Effort

By Amie Fenia Arimbi Jakarta (Antara) - The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) recently initiated the establishment of an integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to strengthen the operation of AHA Centre-Phase II (the AHA Centre ICT-Phase II) project. According to a press release from the ASEAN Secretariat here on Tuesday, the 18-month long project aims to establish connectivity of the AHA Centre with all of national disaster management offices (NDMOs), to ensure that all necessary data and information can be exchanged between the AHA Centre and NDMOs during disaster and non-disaster situation, and to enhance capacity of the AHA Centre related to ICT and connectivity. The USD4,926,247 worth project, supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), will develop special software to facilitate the offer of assistance from ASEAN Member States upon the request of disaster-affected countries in the region and coordination by the AHA Centre. Training programs will also be provided to the staff of both the AHA Centre and NDMOs to manage and operate the ICT system developed under the project. ICT-Phase II is a continuation of Phase I of the AHA Centre's ICT development funded by the Government of Japan through JAIF. Phase I of the project concentrated on establishing ICT platforms, systems, and equipment for the AHA Centre. These tasks have been accomplished and the AHA Centre now has a fully equipped operations room with sophisticated ICT. Last May 17, the First Project Steering Committee meeting was held at the AHA Centre. The Steering Committee which consists of Singapore (the Lead Shepherd Country), the AHA Centre, the ASEAN Secretariat and Mission of Japan to ASEAN, performs as a decision making authority with respect to the overall implementation of the project. The meeting discussed the practical steps to move forward the AHA Centre ICT Phase II project, and officially began the ICT-Phase II Project. (*)