Project 3: Knowledge Management for Humanitarian Continuity
- Dr. Mely Caballero-Anthony
- Dr. Alistair D. B. Cook
- Mr. Christopher Chen
- Mr. Ennio Picucci
Last December 2014, Typhoon Hagupit made landfall in the Philippines. Initial reports made by the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre predicted it would reach the intensity of Typhoon Haiyan which struck the country in 2013. While the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan was averted, close to one million were displaced and an estimated US$75 million in damages were incurred. As we reflect on Typhoon Haiyan (2013) and Typhoon Hagupit (2014), it is important to assess the recent advances made in HADR and how awareness and preparedness can improve humanitarian operations across Asia-Pacific.
When delving deeper into HADR, we are confronted with a complex response system. This includes emergency preparedness, needs assessments, humanitarian access, and rescue missions. We also need to deal with peace support operations, principles of engagement, civil-military coordination, community empowerment, and technological innovation. In addition, it is also necessary to look at holistic approaches to coordinate activities from medical assistance to logistics, protection of civilians, legal frameworks, the impact of the media, and evaluation of HADR responses. As such, it is imperative to have a multidimensional approach for this project.
Given the frequency of disasters in the Asia-Pacific, it is important to evaluate the quality of assistance by militaries, civilian organizations, and the private sector, and to identify lessons learnt from key actors in the field. An HADR database will help in better knowledge management and continuity and will provide an avenue to build institutional memory on HADR.