APEC agrees on framework on combating disasters

According to official sources the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has agreed on a framework to mitigate the impact of natural hazards. Initiated by Peru with support from Australia and Indonesia, the framework will focus on monitoring volcanoes and hydrographic watersheds where the "El Nino" phenomenon is generated.

"The common-response strategy will only come into force if it is approved at the 16th APEC summit in the Peruvian capital of Lima in November" said Luis Palomino, chief of Peru's National Institute of Civil Defense. "The strategy will enable all 21 APEC member economies to exchange technologies and resources so as to reduce the impact of natural disasters and speed up the delivery of aid to affected regions."