News and announcements

Disaster management could soon be made a compulsory subject in all schools across India. 'I am going to ask the Education Ministry at the Centre to incorporate the subject into the curriculum,' said Vice-chancellor Ramachandran of University of Madras....

Natural disasters and poverty reduction were among the proposed projects discussed at the ministerial meeting of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) held in Singapore this week....

Last week, World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick announced additional emergency grants to Haiti to support recovery and rebuilding, and strengthen its institutional capacity to cope with natural disasters...

A new computer game developed by James Cook University's Centre for Disaster studies, is aimed at helping children across northern Australia prepare for the physical and mental onslaught of the cyclone season...

In preparation for another seismic event, the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) is replacing its monitoring equipment 'The new seismic network would comprise 10 stations evenly distributed across the region', said PMGO assistant director Chris McKee....

'The congress will focus on climate change, identify its impacts, review the gender aspects, study its implications and then formulate gender-responsive legislation and policies said Dr. Kim Jung-Sook, president of the CAPWP....

'More than one hundred people have now attended the course and I expect an additional 50-75 will take it in the coming year.' said Joseph Espi, acting director of the Centre for Disaster Reduction in Port Moresby....

Sensible and cost effective risk reduction programmes, such as early warning systems, strengthened building codes, and emergency preparedness strategies, are the best defense against future catastrophe....