Emergency preparedness takes priority during talks

ENHANCED emergency response through digital platforms was a notable agenda discussed by member countries at the Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) meeting.
EPWG host chair Ruel Yamuna told The National that the first two meetings over the weekend laid the foundation for greater scientific collaboration into managing risks in the region.
“In the last two days, we have had discussions on best practice in terms of disaster-risk reduction, monitoring and management,” Yamuna said.
“The theme of the 13th Emergency Preparedness Working Group meeting is advancing multi-hazard systems and monitoring which ultimately is helping communities to respond better to emergencies.
“These past two days have been more about countries doing presentations and discussing how they have responded to disasters in their own economies and down in their communities.
“And how that experience and especially the technology that they used to prepare themselves can be shared.”
Taiwan co-chair Wei Sen Li noted the need to better communicate risks as a uniform issue presented during the meeting.
“There is no 100 per cent correct hazard map and there will always be uncertainties but there is a desire for risk communication,” Li said.
“Risk is not equal to danger but risk means that we can do something to prevent future losses.
“Risk communication is important for all from the scientific community to the key decision makers and with those in the community.”