Context: Recently,the Disaster Management Centre of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has launched a website related to COVID-19. The website shows number of Corona virus Cases in member states.
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Background behind the formation of SDMC
- South Asian region is highly prone to multiple disasters due to geo-climatic conditions. As per Center for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters (EM- DAT CRED), more than 1625 major disasters have occurred in SAARC region since 1990 causing life loss of more than 12 million, affecting 2.8 billion and causing damage more than 100 trillion US$.
- Owing to its population density, hazard probability and existing vulnerabilities, South Asian region is one the most disaster-prone regions in the world.
- In last decade 2006 to 2016, the region has experienced more than 450 disaster events causing life loss of more than 56,000 affecting more than 570 million people. Interestingly, more than 60% of the losses were due to floods & cyclones.
- Nearly 23% of the world's population lives in the SAARC countries. The region is exposed to a plethora of natural hazards both hydro-meteorological and geophysical.
- In terms of the number of events over the last 40 years, the principal natural hazards are floods (50%), cyclones (25%), earthquakes (13%), and major landslides (8%).
About SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC)
- Interim Unit (IU) of the South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) has been set up under the premise of Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM).
- The centre provides training and capacity building services.
- It also facilitates information exchanges between the SAARC members for their effective disaster risk management.
- The SAARC Members include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
SDMC's Vision
- To be a Centre of Excellence for regional cooperation and specialized service delivery to Member States for Disaster Risk Reduction, Response and Recovery for Sustainable Development.
SDMC's Mission
- To support Member States in their DRR initiatives through application of Science & Technology, Knowledge from Multiple Disciplines, Exchange of Good Practices, Capacity Development, Collaborative Research and Networking in line with the Global Priorities and Goals and other relevant Frameworks adopted by Member States.
Function of SDMC
- Provide assistance in the formulation of Policies, Strategies and Sustainable Development Frameworks in relation to disaster Management and Disaster Risk Reduction
- Compile and collate information for the region required for weather forecasting and monitoring special weather phenomena.
- Strengthen regional response mechanisms to reduce loss of lives, injuries and to provide timely humanitarian assistance to people affected by disasters.
- Organise training workshops, conferences, seminars, lectures for various stakeholders on key priority/focus areas of the Member States and on various aspects of disaster management.
- Develop educational materials and conduct academic and professional courses on key priority/focus areas.
- Develop training modules on various aspects of key priority/focus areas and conduct programmes for Training of Trainers including simulation exercises.
- Collaborate with other global, regional and national centres of excellence to achieve synergies in programmes and activities.
- Conduct studies on assessment and management of disaster risks posing a threat to inclusive and sustainable development in South Asia.
- Undertake research, projects, programmes contributing towards mitigating the impact of trans-boundary disasters.
- Facilitate exchange of experiences and technical support among Member States on National Action Plans for Disaster Risk Reduction.