ESCAP/WMO typhoon committee, thirty-ninth session, 2006, Manila, Philippines
The most important functions and responsibilities of Members’ Governments are to protect their people’s lives and to improve their people’s quality of life. Worldwide, the Asia/Pacific region is the one most heavily impacted by natural disasters such as typhoons. In the last 15 years, an average of 42,000 people lost their lives and an average of US$29 billion property losses occurred each year in this region due to natural disasters. Regional coordination and collaboration is essential to reduce these tragic losses and resulting socioeconomic impacts. Therefore through this Strategic Plan, the Typhoon Committee’s 14 Members are building on the great legacies of the past and laying a path to meet the challenges of the future. With a focus on accomplishments in the seven identified KRAs, the Members have a plan to improve their abilities during typhoon situations to protect their people’s lives and to improve their quality of life through regional coordination and cooperation.